Many vacationers associate France with the fashionable Cote d'Azur, the picturesque Provence, the wild Atlantic between Normandy and Biscay and, of course, the capital Paris. In this country rather unknown are the many beautiful lakes, which invite in all parts of the country to multifaceted vacation stays. Whether it's Lake Geneva in the Alps, Lac de Gerardmer in the Vosges Mountains or Lac de Settons in Burgundy, you'll find beautiful waters with excellent water quality everywhere. Of course, many of France's most beautiful lakes are ideal for swimming, but they are also a great starting point for hikes through tranquil landscapes or for excursions into the rich culture. Discover France in a variety of ways with this list of the country's 10 most beautiful lakes.
France's most beautiful lakes: Lake Geneva
Although its name does not suggest it, Lake Geneva is the largest body of water in France. It is divided into two-thirds Swiss and one-third French, which occupies the entire southern shore. Numerous enchanting towns and villages invite you to visit, such as.B. the small town of evian-les-Bains, famous for its mineral water. As a bathing holidaymaker, you can choose from a variety of well-maintained beach resorts, such u.a. in Excenevex. As a water sports enthusiast you can expect leisure activities such as z.B. Windsurfing, sailing, diving or canoeing. A special highlight for families are trips across Lake Geneva on historic paddle steamers.
evian-les-Bains on Lake Geneva
Lac d'Annecy
The Lac d'Annecy inspires its guests as an extremely picturesque body of water, as the "cleanest lake in Europe" and as a perfect vacation destination with a huge range of leisure activities. It is located at an altitude of 447m in the region Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and inspires with its idyllic alpine flair. Bathing beaches as well as water sports such as rowing, canoeing and water skiing regularly attract many vacationers. Paragliding and hang gliding are also very popular. If you are an avid hiker, you should explore the scenic splendor around the lake on foot. A trip to the "Venice of the Alps", the alpine enchanting Annecy, is an absolute must.
Lac du Bourget
In France's eastern foothills of the Alps, Lac du Bourget is another stunningly beautiful destination. Along the shore there are ca. Ten beaches that invite you to swim. Recreational activities include sailing, rowing, windsurfing, water skiing, canoeing and diving. If you want to do some sports on land, there are well-developed cycling paths as well as hiking trails on ca. 60km length of. Highlights for families with children are the play area at the Plage d'Aqualac with its slides, trampolines and many other playground equipment, as well as the Lac du Bourget aquarium: here fish may even be fed and touched. Also worth a trip is the thermal spa of Aix-les-Bains.
Lac du Bourget
Lac de Serre-Poncon
The Lac de Serre-Poncon reservoir is of paramount importance for the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region as a water reservoir and power generator. But also as a vacation destination for those seeking relaxation and tranquility, the water surrounded by the mountains of the French Western Alps is just right. The rather sparsely populated region is a paradise for hikers, mountain bikers and climbers. You can also explore the magnificent landscapes on horseback rides. Of course, the lake also offers a lot of water sports opportunities. Children can also enjoy hours of fun in the Savini Bulles transparent plastic balls in which they romp across the water.
Lac de Sainte-Croix
A wildly romantic beauty awaits you in the Verdon Nature Park: with its turquoise water and steep rocky slopes, Lac de Sainte-Croix is a beguiling natural backdrop. Treat yourself to a swim in the fresh water, surf on the glittering tides or glide on the lake in sailboats or electric boats and let your soul dangle. The surrounding region is worth a visit as well: roam around during relaxing walks z.B. the lavender fields in the plain of Valensole.
Lac de Sainte Croix
Lac de Gerardmer
Of course there are also a lot of attractive lakes in the northern Vosges near the German border. So z.B. the mountain lake Lac de Gerardmer, situated at an altitude of 660m. Water sports in the clear and cold water are mainly possible in the summer months, but also leisurely boat trips on excursion boats are very popular. For all nature lovers, hikes in the surrounding forests are recommended. If you want to absorb a bit of the culture of Lorraine, we recommend a trip to the small town of Gerardmer or a day trip to Colmar in Alsace.
Lac des Settons
Surfers and sailors, canoeists and kayakers as well as stand-up paddlers – they all meet at Lac des Settons. The lake, surrounded by larch and fir forests, is very popular with water sports enthusiasts, not least because of the excellent quality of the water. Situated halfway between Paris and Lyon, the reservoir invites you to visit the Morvan Nature Park. Enjoy the nature on walks around the water body and get to know the romantic hamlets and villages on the way.
Lac des Settons
Lac de Lacanau
Deep in the south of France, ca. 45km northwest of Bordeaux, Lac de Lacanau is worth a visit. Around the lake you will find several small beaches – z.B. near Moutchic, Lacanau-ville or Grande-Escoure, the. Look forward to a refreshing swim or relaxing walks in the fragrant pine forests. And if you still like it afterwards, just jump into the Atlantic Ocean – the sea is only ca. 7km away.
etang de Leucate
Between the Rhône delta and the Pyrenees and right next to the Mediterranean Sea, this exceptional brackish water lake, i.e. a lake with a slight salinity, is located. The etang de Leucate is relatively shallow with an average of 1.7m and therefore a bathing paradise. Windsurfers will also find excellent conditions for their sport here. A very special attraction are the local oyster farmers.
etang de Leucate
Lac Blanc
Hiking, fishing, enjoying nature: The lake, situated at an altitude of 1.022m situated Lac Blanc at the edge of the Vosges is a gem worth exploring. Look forward to hiking tours through dense fir forests, pure mountain air and breathtaking panoramic views of the water as well as the Vosges and the Rhine valley in the east. If you are looking for more sporting activities, there are climbing tours in an adventure park, mountain bike trails and a bike park.