Quite confusing in the French language:la mer is the sea and a lake is called un lac. But otherwise there is no misunderstanding, in both places you can enjoy sunbathing and water sports! An important advantage of the French lakes is that it is often a lot quieter than in the French coastal areas. Unlike in fully built seaside resorts, there is a lot of natural greenery and families can enjoy a relaxed and sporty atmosphere. Did you know that it has even been scientifically proven that looking at a lake makes you happy? Good reasons to take a look at one of these 10 beautiful lakes in France this summer!
1. Lac d'Hourtin (Les Landes)
Lac d'Hourtin, northwest of Bordeaux, is the largest freshwater lake in France. This 58 km2 lake is located on the edge of extensive pine forests and close to the Atlantic Ocean. You can sunbathe, swim and enjoy water sports on the many sandy beaches around the lake. A very nice destination for families, because because of the flat surroundings you can also take beautiful bike rides here with children.
2. Lac du Bourget (French Alps)
Near Chambéry you will find Lac du Bourget, the largest glacial lake in France. On the edge of this lake is the impressive Abbey of Hautecombe, which you can visit. On the right bank is the seaside resort of Aix-les-Bains, also known as the 'Rivièra of the Alps' because of its many water sports activities. Furthermore, this blue lake of 42 km2 is above all an oasis of peace, with numerous bird species, beavers and freshwater fish.
3. Étang de Berre (Provence)
Étang de Berre is a gigantic saltwater lake near Marseille. The inland lake of 155 km2 is fed by several rivers and is connected to the Mediterranean Sea. It has 13 sandy beaches and is a popular place for sailors and kite surfers.
4. Lac de Gérardmer (Vosges)
This beautiful mountain lake amid the dense pine forests of the Vosges is a real breath of fresh air. destination! You can take a beautiful walk on the high footpath around the lake:the views of the water are great! Sailing, pedal boats and swimming are also possible here.
5. Lac de Serre-Ponçon (Provence)
A dam on the River Durance created the Lac de Serre-Ponçon in 1959, which is the second largest water reservoir in Europe. A fantastic recreational lake with many beaches and a wide choice of water sports (such as kite surfing, water skiing, wake boarding, SUP boarding). You can paddle to a small island in the middle of the lake, which has a beautiful old chapel.
6. Lac d'Aiguebelette (French Alps)
Vacators love this mountain paradise with an emerald green color and remarkably warm water:sometimes up to 28 degrees! Despite the many beaches, nature is king here too:motor boats are prohibited and Aiguebelette is the habitat of many dragonflies, water birds and fish.
7. Lac du Pareloup (Aveyron)
Another beautiful man-made lake that was created after the construction of a dam. The 13 km2 large Lac du Pareloup is located between Millau and Rodez in Aveyron. This reservoir has many small green bays with sandy beaches overlooking the islands in the lake. You can reach the latter by sailing or on your SUP board. There are also two larger supervised sandy beaches.
8. Lacs de Clairvaux (Jura)
The Jura has many caves, waterfalls and lakes. Such as the Lacs de Clairvaux, two large lakes overlooking the green peaks of the Haut-Jura. The famous Hérisson waterfalls are also nearby:you can reach them after a beautiful 3.5 km walk.
9. Lac Pavin (Auvergne)
Lac Pavin has been called the most mysterious lake in France. This is due to the almost perfect circular shape, which shows that this used to be a volcanic crater. The 93 meter deep lake has beautiful color differences:dark blue in the middle and azure blue around the banks. You can rent rowing boats and pedal boats to explore the lake. Would you also like to visit other volcanic lakes in the Auvergne?
10. Lac de Sainte-Croix (Provence)
Enthusiasts of the Gorges du Verdon know this large reservoir, one of the most beautiful natural sites in France good. The water color, the brightest turquoise, is so beautiful that you'll want to take a dip here right away! Truly a paradise place where you can sail, canoe or sail around with electric boats. Beautiful beaches and the spectacular river gorge of the Verdon can also be explored from here.
