You enjoy swimming in the river, but do you prefer calm soothing lakes? So, this article will guide you to the most beautiful lakes where to swim in France!
When you explore our beautiful hexagon, you can only be captivated by its beautiful places. Between millennial mountains, green landscapes and many rivers, France is a country of the most outstanding. But our country stands out all the more by the multitude of lakes it houses.
In the summer, when mercury climbs a little too much, it is always pleasant to go swimming in a lake. Far from the torments of a river and its incessant course, stinging a head in a water point is as refreshing as it is soothing. We have prepared a small selection of the most beautiful lakes where you can swim in France. Between dream landscape and relaxation bubble, let yourself be charmed by these most unusual places!
1. Lake Vouglans, Jura
Photo credit: Shutterstock – awcapPhoto
To start our tour of the most beautiful lakes in France, let's go to the Jura. So it is in this region that you can find the lake of Vouglans. It is one of the lakes of the Jura massif and the third largest artificial lake in France. It was built in the 1970s and extends over nearly thirty-five kilometres long.
Being a mountain lake, its waters are clear, almost turquoise, with paradise. The surrounding landscape is entirely natural and the Jura flora is most fascinating. If you ride this water point by boat, you could even cross a few ashes or pints. Also, Lake Vouglans offers many family activities in addition to swimming. It is therefore an ideal place to spend a beautiful summer afternoon!
2. Lake Bourget, Savoie
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Pierre Jean Durieu
A little distance from the Jura to the Savoie and its beautiful Lake Bourget. It is the largest natural lake of glacial origin, located entirely in France. Indeed, it dates from the last glacial period of the Alps, more than 19,000 years ago.
Lake Bourget is now one of the gems of the region. In addition to its many beaches and leisure facilities, it also houses the superb Abbey of Hautecombe. Still active, this superb Gothic-style building was built in the 12th century.
But the most beautiful show remains the landscape. Indeed, the turquoise waters of the lake are the most beautiful, and its surroundings are breathtaking! He undoubtedly has his place in our list of the most beautiful lakes where to swim in France.
3. The Lake Annecy, Haute-Savoie
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Samuel Borges Photography
Direction la Haute-Savoie, discovering the famous lake of Annecy. This one, unique in its kind, is located in the French Alps, at almost five hundred meters above sea level. The wildlife of this beautiful lake is exceptionally varied. Brochets, carp, trout, molluscs, snakes, ducks, campagnolas, and many more are to be seen on site.
Thus, you are likely to cross a numberu·x·ses visitu·rs·ses if you take a boat to visit the lake. As for the landscapes around this one, there is what to breathe! Indeed, this water point offers a unique view of the French Alps. And especially the top of the Tournette and the massif of the Bauges.
Lake Annecy is also known to be the cleanest urbanized lake in Europe. So his waters are incredibly clear. So, no need to mention that this is one of the most beautiful lakes to swim in France! He has inspired many painters through history, such as Jean-Francis Auburtin and Paul Cézanne .
4. Lake Saint-Cassien, Var
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Juergen Wackenhut
Lake Saint-Cassien is located in Provence, in the Var department. It is a dam lake, which was watered in the 1970s. Its water is particularly troubled, and lacks oxygen.
Also, it houses very few fauna and flora after ten meters of depth. Nevertheless, it is full of many fish, shellfish, and sedentary birds on the lake. It is also a favourite place for carp fishing. Because of its particular shape, the forests that border it have a flora as varied as interesting.
However, if it is one of the most beautiful lakes in France, swimming in the Saint-Cassien is not monitored. Despite this, you will be able to enjoy a multitude of other water activities. We can as much sail on the Saint-Cassien to walk, as we try to a row on its splendid waters. You can even consider fishing on the lake provided, of course, that you have a valid permit!
5. Lake Pareloup, Aveyron
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Father Igor
This water reservoir was created following the construction of a dam in the 1950s. Pareloup is located on the plateau of Levézou, between the cities of Rodez and Millau , about eight hundred meters above sea level. The particularity of this lake is the fact that it has several small islands. In the summer, it is very popular with fishermen who are looking for large catches like the pike.
The lake is surrounded by natural landscapes and a fascinating wildlife! It is therefore one of the most attractive places to swim, in addition to offering them a relaxing moment in the middle of nature. This is of course one of the eight most beautiful lakes in France. So don’t hesitate to make a little walk or a picnic with family or friends.
6. Lake Salagou, Hérault
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Salagou is the reservoir of the eponymous dam. It is located in the heart of the department of Hérault. This is a tourist attraction easily accessible from Beziers , Montpellier or Sète . It is distinguished by the island located in its centre, and is more than one hundred meters above sea level.
Also, the beautiful mountains and plateaus of the region border this point of water. In particular, from its heavenly beaches, you can admire the Carels, to the west and Mount Liausson, to the south. In addition, this deduction has the particularity of having a soil consisting of “ruffle”. It is a kind of clay of bright red color. There are also many volcanic rocks in Salagou. Indeed, these are a testament to the intense volcanic activity of the region, several million years ago.
Today, Lake Salagou offers many nautical activities. Especially swimming, boat rides, as well as windsurfing. Very appreciated by tourists, this unique place of its kind is one of the most beautiful corners of the Hérault, and lakes where to swim from France! It will certainly offer you an unusual experience in a splendid landscape.
7. Lake Oô, Pyrenees
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Evgeniia Podbeltseva
Most of the most beautiful French lakes are located in our mountain ranges. They therefore have the advantage of being cut off from the world and offering a unique moment of bathing. The disadvantage, however, is that you cannot access it so easily. And among the most beautiful lakes where swimming in France, that of Oô does not derogate from the rule.
Indeed, you will have to walk almost six kilometers to reach this lake. The latter is nestled almost 1,500 metres above sea level. It therefore offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains and the green nature of the Pyrenees. Needless to say that it has heavenly looks, and that you may be quickly captivated by this unusual lake!
8. Lac d’Hourtin-Carcans, Gironde
Photo credit: Shutterstock – sylv1rob1
This lake is located in the heart of the Landes and is one of the largest natural lakes in the hexagon. He lodges between his two eponymous cities, Hourtin and Carcans. In the north, the inhabitants call it Lake Hurtin, while it is called Lake Carcans in the south. It extends over eighteen kilometres, parallel to the Atlantic Ocean, and is about five kilometres wide.
But the Lac d’Hourtin-Carcans not only stands out for its immensity. Indeed, it has the advantage of preserving its natural environment almost in full. Its dunes of white sand, the forests surrounding it and its wild marshes give it an undeniable charm. He is one of the most beautiful lakes in France! In the summer you can also enjoy many nautical activities on this unusual water point.
So, ready to enjoy the most beautiful lakes to swim in France?
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