There are some incredibly lovely lakes in France, whether they were created by Mother Nature or by humans. Some of them are little, and they have a serene air that compels you to stare at them for hours on end. Some of them are enormous and scream to be surfed or sailed. A day (or two) spent at a French lake can rejuvenate your senses and make memories for years to come, whether they are bordered by mountains or rolling landscapes.
1. Lac du Salagou
In the Languedoc region of southern France, Mother Nature had no control over when, where, or how Lac du Salagou would form. Man acted. When the Salagou River was dammed in the 1960s, a lake was formed as a reservoir. Visitors are treated to a picturesque view of the lake because of how well the blue water and reddish-orange land surround its contrast.
Although you can drive around the lake, if you have the time, strolling or biking around it can let you appreciate its beauty more. Hills surround the lake, which is backed by orderly fields. The lake is well-liked by tourists who enjoy natural sunbathing.
2. Gaube Lake
Gaube Lake is so lovely that it has two names. This lovely lake is actually called Lake Lake since the word gaube in Gascon means “lake.” The tallest mountains in the French Pyrenees surround Gaube Lake, which is encircled by glacially blue water.
The panoramic vistas, particularly of Vignemale, the highest peak in the French Pyrenees, are the main draw for visitors. The hike to this tiny mountain lake takes approximately an hour, but if you take a cable car from the Bridge of Spain, you can get there faster.
3. Lac de Capitello
Corsica’s contribution to France’s collection of lovely lakes is Lac de Capitello. In the Restonica Valley, there is a little, round lake encircled by jagged mountains. The deepest lake in Corsica, it’s a nice spot to enjoy the beautiful, deep blue water. Most frequently, a trip to Lac de Capitello is paired with a trip to Lac de Melo.
It takes roughly an hour to hike from Melo to Lac de Capitello; this route is more difficult than the one from Melo. Since just 1,200 people make the trip during the summer, you’ll essentially have the lake to yourself once you arrive in Capitello.
4. Lac du Mont Cenis
An alpine lake called Lac du Mont Cenis can be found beneath Mont Cenis. Although it is close to the Italian border, it is totally within France. Despite not being a lake at the time, Lac du Mont Cenis is located along an important trade route that connected Western Europe to Italy in the Middle Ages.
The lake, which has lovely blue waters, was artificially made near Mont Cenis when a hydroelectric dam was built. It is one of France’s biggest reservoirs. The vegetation around the lake is noteworthy; several plant species are unique to this region.
5. Lac d’Aiguebelette
According to some, Lac d’Aiguebelette is an “emerald pearl,” which is appropriate given that the name means “beautiful little waters.” Don’t be deceived by the peaceful atmosphere the blue-green lake exudes. Here, rowing competitions take place. One of the largest natural lakes in France, Lac d’Aiguebelette is home to two islands and a number of hot springs.
This lake, like many others, is the subject of a legend. Jesus Christ appeared one-day seeking assistance while dressing as a beggar. Only one woman was willing to assist him. Jesus filled the community with lake water the following day, sparing only the homes of the woman and her daughter.
6. Lac du Bourget
The long, extended Lac du Bourget is thought to be the deepest lake located entirely within French territory. Lac du Bourget, which was created by glacial activity 19,000 years ago, is bordered by settlements on one side and mountains (it is located in the Savoie Mont Blanc region) on the other.
Driving up to the Relais and then strolling to Dent du Chat will give you a fantastic perspective of the lake. Popular activities on the lake’s perimeter include biking and hiking. Alternatively, you can rollerblade around the east coast with your children. An attractive beach with Alps views is located at Lac du Bourget.
7. Lac de Sainte Croix
Like many other French lakes, the third-largest lake in France has not existed for ages. It actually just began in 1973, when the Sainte Croix dam was constructed across the Verdun River. But this lake has nothing artificial about it. It is equally as attractive as its smaller sisters.
Sand beaches with swimming areas may be found in Lac de Sainte Croix, which is bordered by hills and woodlands. Lifeguards are also on duty. It’s common to kayak, sail, or windsurf on the lake. Only boats with electric motors are permitted on the lake unless they are sailed or human-powered watercraft.
8. Lake Geneva
Beautiful Lake Geneva divides France from Switzerland. Its beautiful blue water is smooth as glass in some areas and has ripples in others. Additionally, the Alps are always on its perimeter. Rowers and yacht racers enjoy Lake Geneva, the largest lake on the Rhone River and one of the largest in Western Europe.
Explore the lake’s beaches to see the Chateau de Challon, a historic castle, as well as the charming villages, vineyards, and French houses. Because many famous people use this area as a getaway, keep an eye out for them.
9. Lac de Serre-Poncon
In southeast France, along the Lac de Serre-Ponçon, you may observe rocky mountains that plunge sharply into the water. Other locations include gentle hills that roll into this artificial lake. Lac de Serre-Ponçon, one of the biggest man-made lakes in Europe, was built in the 1960s as a flood control measure.
Sadly, in order to make room for the lake, several settlements were submerged. The lake, which is well-liked by swimmers, windsurfers, and sailors, allows for camping. Because the weather can be so uncertain in September, previous visitors advise avoiding this wonderful lake.
10. Lake Annecy
Lake Annecy in the Savoie region has a festive atmosphere that is ideal for tourists. You can take a paved walk along the lake for a stroll or a bike ride, eat at a café by the water, or rent a boat to explore the water. Without worrying about the lake’s water being poisoned, you can swim there.
Lake Annecy is regarded as Europe’s cleanest lake and receives good accolades for the quality of its water from visitors because of stringent environmental laws. One of France’s greatest lakes, Lake Annecy, is very picturesque. Mountain ranges and picturesque Annecy, commonly referred to as the “Venice of the Alps,” surround it.
