Which lake should you choose for a family day out?

Lake Aiguebelette is perfect for families: seven supervised beaches, water at 28 °C in summer, and pedalos and kayaks for hire. The Mottets site, on the shores of Lake Bourget, also offers play areas for children.

Where can you go for a swim for free?

At Lake Bourget, most bathing areas are freely accessible and free of charge. Only the beaches at Le Bourget and Les Mottets charge an entry fee during the high season. The Lescheraines lake is free to use and supervised during the summer season; only the car park is subject to a charge.

Which lake is easiest to get to from Chambéry?

Lake Bourget is a 10-minute drive away and is easily accessible by bike via the Belle Via. Lake Saint-André is just 15 km away, making it ideal for a cycle ride from Chambéry.

What is the best time of year to visit the Alpine lakes?

Summer is ideal for swimming and water sports. Spring and autumn offer magnificent scenery for walking or cycling. In winter, Lake La Thuile freezes over – a rare sight!

Where can I hire water sports equipment?

At Lake Aiguebelette, rental companies offer pedalos, stand-up paddleboards and kayaks on the main beaches. At Lake Bourget, you’ll find water sports centres in Aix-les-Bains and Bourget-du-Lac.

The lakes around Chambéry Montagnes Take a dip in France’s most beautiful lakes!

On the outskirts of Chambéry and the Bauges massif, nature paints a magical picture. Here, the alpine lakes each hold the promise of gentle adventures and precious moments… From the vast Lac du Bourget to the more intimate Lac Saint André, via the crystal-clear waters of Annecy or the tranquil Aiguebelette, each body of water is an invitation to slow down, breathe and contemplate.

‘Nowhere else will you find a more beautiful harmony between water, sky, mountains and earth. Here you’ll find solace for all of life’s trials.’

Honoré de Balzac

Lake Bourget Majestic vastness

France’s largest natural glacial lake is like a living painting. Here, the mountains plunge into waters of ever-changing hues: deep blue one day, crystal-clear turquoise the next.

Just a short cycle ride from Chambéry, Lake Bourget offers a range of experiences: a romantic boat trip, a swim, stand-up paddleboarding at sunrise or exploring sites steeped in history.Hautecombe Abbey, the burial place of the Dukes of Savoy, overlooks the waters and tells the story of the past with grandeur. And what about the village of Chanaz, nicknamed ‘the Little Venice of the Alps’, where it’s lovely to stroll amongst craft stalls and culinary delights?

For a fun-filled family day out, head to Les Mottets: 15 hectares of space for everyone, with a beach, children’s play areas and well-maintained footpaths.

Aix-les-Bains, the Riviera of the Alps

Get some height

The viewing points all around the lake offer spectacular panoramic views.

Discover

Lake Saint-André Amidst vineyards and cliffs

Just 15 km from Chambéry, Lake Saint-André welcomes you at the foot of the impressive Mont Granier cliff. The setting is spectacular and peaceful.

Surrounded by Savoie’s largest vineyard, it’s the perfect spot for a break in the countryside: a walk, some birdwatching… or a peaceful spot of fishing. Swimming is unsupervised and restricted to certain areas.

Accessible by bike from Chambéry via the Belle Via, this route takes you through the stunning landscape of Les Abymes, amongst ponds and scree.

Coeur de Savoie Tourist Office

Lake La Thuile A hidden gem in the Bauges

Lake La Thuile awaits you at an altitude of 874 metres, at the southern tip of the Bauges massif. This small glacial lake, one of the few mid-altitude Alpine lakes, lies halfway between the large lowland lakes (Annecy, Aiguebelette, Bourget) and the high-altitude lakes.

It is the only natural body of water in the Bauges massif. Surrounded by reeds and peaceful meadows, it charms visitors with its wild and unspoilt character. Here, the atmosphere is serene, far from the hustle and bustle, and nature takes centre stage.

A signposted path allows you to walk leisurely around it, enjoying the tranquillity and the views over the valley. In winter, the lake is often covered in a thick layer of ice, up to 20 cm deep in places! Just a stone’s throw away, the Nécuidet marsh, which has been restored and is now protected, also offers a lovely walk.

Good to know:

La Thuile is just 30 minutes from Chambéry. It’s an easy getaway, perfect for immersing yourself in a picture-postcard setting.

Lake Aiguebelette The Emerald of the Alps

Imagine a lake with turquoise reflections, surrounded by reed beds, forests and wet meadows. Lake Aiguebelette, in the Savoyard Avant-Pays, is a true natural gem. Here, there are no internal combustion engines: the water remains crystal-clear and biodiversity thrives.

It’s also a unique place, with its traditional boathouses, the only ones of their kind in Europe. In summer, the water reaches 28 °C: perfect for swimming, relaxing and having fun.

Along the banks, seven well-maintained and supervised beaches await you. You can hire pedalos, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards or rowing boats… and set off against a picture-postcard backdrop.

Lake Annecy between purity and panoramic views

A true natural gem nestled between Savoie and Haute-Savoie, Lake Annecy captivates visitors with the exceptional clarity of its waters. Thanks to a committed environmental policy in place for over fifty years, it is now recognised as one of the purest lakes in Europe.

There’s no shortage of things to do on its shores. In the warmer months, visitors can take a dip in its clear waters or try their hand at sailing, water skiing or stand-up paddleboarding. All around the lake, a cycle path stretching over 40 km invites you to explore the countryside at your own pace, by bike or on foot. And for thrill-seekers, the surrounding mountains offer the perfect playground: ridge walks, mountain bike descents, via ferrata, canyoning or even paragliding.

Annecy Lake Tourist Office

Annecy is also a vibrant city, designated a ‘City of Art and History’. Castles, museums, exhibitions, guided tours… the cultural treasures on offer here are as rich as the panoramic views. And then there’s the old town. Criss-crossed by flower-lined canals, it envelops you in a picture-postcard atmosphere. Its cobbled streets, colourful arcades and unspoilt charm… are what make the heart of the “Venice of the Alps” beat.

Frequently asked questions