10 lakes where to make paddle in France

Soon on holiday, would you like to enjoy a fun and refreshing activity? Here are the best lakes where to make paddle in France.

Metropolitan France has a wide variety of landscapes. Sloping mountains, green valleys, extended plains, sea coast... What is good is that we always find a corner that suits us. Moreover, this lake country has three types of lake: mountainous, plain and coastal. They can be natural or artificial, filled with fresh or salty water, but it’s always a pleasure to plunge! You can also find lakes where to make paddle in France. This activity was democratized recently: between pirogue and modern surfing, it was previously the state of the Polynesian kings.

Whether you have a good sporting level or not, whether you are alone or several, you can enjoy it. Wanderlix therefore offers you to discover the best spots to give you to this modern sport so pleasant during the summer.

1. Lake Sainte Croix (Var/Alpes de Haute-Provence)

Lac de Sainte-Croix is a large area of turquoise water created in 1973. It is located on the Verdon , a sublime river from south-eastern France. Forbidden to motor boats, the site is ideal for the practice of a gentle nautical activity.

In addition to kayaking and pedal boating, it is one of the best lakes in France. It is probably also one of the most sunny with 300 days of sun a year. The Lac de Sainte-Croix has three beautiful beaches: the ideal is to determine your itinerary during watering and to launch you. You'll have to think about sun cream, it's hard in the summer!

2. Lake Bourget (Savoie)

The Savoy is an extraordinary territory between plains, valleys and vertiginous mountains. Verdant, the department even includes one of the best lakes where to paddle in France and visitors know that. They come from all over Europe to enjoy Lake Bourget and its 44 km2 of happiness! It is surrounded by hills and lined with many beaches and leisure bases. At Wanderlix, you should go to Aix-les-Bains, a pretty town on the lake. This is the easiest way to park close to this great water plan.

3. Lake Pavin (Puy-de-Dôme)

For us, this is no doubt: this lake where to make paddle in France is a must. Lake Pavin is a volcanic lake of origin located in the Dore Mountains, Auvergne . It is part of the territory of the commune of Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise. Yes, yes, the station Super-Besse It's right next door!

The lake forms an almost perfect circle of 800 metres in diameter. Depth of almost a hundred meters, most people who sail or fish experience a strange feeling once they reach the centre. This region’s iconic water plan can be approached easily. A succulent restaurant flanks the shores of the lake, by the way.

4. Lake Castillon (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)

This beautiful water supply is certainly one of the best places to make paddle in France. It’s very simple: if you’ve loved the lake of Sainte-Croix, you’ll enjoy the lake of Castillon. It extends over ten kilometers between Castellane and Saint-André-les-Alpes. The surrounding mountains are reflected in the green waters of the water plan. Once on your paddle, why not try to reach one of the monitored beaches that punctuate your course?

And if you prefer to live a unique moment in peace, head to the lake coves. They're real mini-fjords! Finally, the sundial is an unusual work to be discovered on site.

5. Lake Serre-Ponçon (Hautes-Alpes)

Why, if you’re looking to do paddle in France, don’t go there to enjoy the place? In the Hautes-Alpes department, in the heart of the Southern Alps, Lake Serre-Ponçon is a great spot. It offers on 80 km of landscaped beaches and pretty coves that are not at all. 300 days of sunshine per year and simple road access make it the reference of nautical leisure in the corner.

You can start your walk on Sabines or Embrun or even Chorges. Itineraries are numerous but we recommend you go to the chapel of Saint-Michel. Located on an islet, it was to be destroyed but was finally preserved.

6. Lake Monteynard-Avignonet (Isère)

The Wanderlix team is delighted to introduce you to one of the best lakes in France. It is very well located and easy to access because it is less than half an hour away Grenoble . It is at the gates of Trièves, a small area south of Isère, that you can enjoy this fantastic natural setting. You can also go from one shore to another by borrowing dizzy Himalayan gateways!

7. Lake Oô (Haute-Garonne)

This superb map of Oô (...) certainly makes us part of the best places to do paddle in France. With 42 hectares and perched at an altitude of 1,500 metres, it is quite fresh throughout the year. Near Toulouse and occitane cities, it is definitely worth the pleasant little detour. No nautical base on site, so you will have to bring back your equipment or rent it in advance. The waters are cold without ice. Come on, try!

8. Lake Geneva (Haute-Savoie)

What an exceptional place to practice this enchanting sport. Le Léman is a great lake where to make paddle in France. Known for its characteristic form of croissant and being shared between France and the Switzerland , it is a must.

Dominate by the Alps, Geneva or the spa town of Evian-les-Bains are very close. As far as Thonon is concerned, you will benefit from the presence of leisure bases for modern and affordable services. What’s fun is that it’s possible to cross the border without realizing it and this, several times!

9. Lake Salagou (Hérault)

This lake where to make paddle in France is a must. Located in the Hérault en Occitania , you will enjoy an exceptional panorama on this site classified Natura 2000. The Salagou is dominated by spectacular geological wonders. Mount Liausson, bordered by the lake to the north, and Cirque de Mourèze to the south, are the masters of the place.

In the summer, it is frequented by lovers of beautiful walks or mountain bike rides, mountain bikers and of course... paddlers! Lake Salagou allows you to leave the beaches of the Herault coast during a sunny day. Enjoy it!

10. Lake Gérardmer (Vosges)

To finish this top, this is Gérardmer Lake. It is located at 660 meters above sea level and remains the largest natural lake of the Vosges with 155 hectares of surface area. The site has always been one of the best lakes to do paddle in France and visitors know it.

The site is quite adapted to this practice. You will have the opportunity to walk along the green shores of the Vosges Mountains with... geese. With tourist attendance, they keep company to visitors who do not impress them the least of the world. Go meet them!

Practical information

Rates

The rental of a paddle in France costs between 10€ Time and time 180€ a day. This price range is very broad: this is due to the wide range of materials. Stand-up paddles of any size and variable performance can be unchecked! These rates are quite similar to each other, regardless of the chosen lake.

Additional information

Here are some additional information before deciding to make paddle in France:

• The speeds reached in paddle are quite low but not necessarily those of other boaters. The right priority always applies to the lake : Never forget it!
• Think about sun cream and take a bottle of water and cereal bars In a small backpack. And avoid, in the summer, to make the journey to hottest hours : guaranteed sunburn!
• This sporting activity is subject to weather conditions. Your day can go to disaster in case of rain, even on a lake!
• Enjoy a comfortable and solid outfit.
• The lifejacket is not mandatory, but it is essential.
• Some lakes have strong currents and may be dangerous if they host a dam. Refer to the advice given when renting to enjoy your slip at best.
• I mean, ensure that the instructions are properly followed data on water sets to make the most of this extraordinary moment!

So, when do you expect to go paddle?