The 10 most beautiful lakes in France

Let yourself be surprised by the beauty of French landscapes with our selection of the 10 most beautiful lakes in France... Beautiful!

With its lakes and ponds that count by thousands, France ranks as the European country with the most expanses of fresh water in its territory!

Nestled in exceptional sites bordered by nature, some of these lakes offer visitors exceptional landscapes to discover absolutely.

Mountain lakes, wild lakes or lakes in the city centre... Wanderlix has selected for you the 10 most beautiful lakes in France!

1. Monteynard Lake – Isère

Let's start our discovery of the most beautiful lakes of France in Isère, a department that houses a real treasure! Lake Monteynard is an artificial water reservoir created by the creation of a dam, built on the course of the Drac .

Located less than half an hour away Grenoble , the lake is very appreciated by nature lovers, who like to come to immerse themselves in a world apart, between sky and water...

Indeed, the main attraction of the lake remains the two Himalayan gateways, unique in Europe, which overlook it and which allow hikers to discover magnificent views of the lake. An unusual and sensational experience if you visit the surroundings of Grenoble!

2. Lac de Sainte-Croix – Var and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence

We are now heading to the departments of Var and the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence to discover a real gem! Ranked regularly at the top of the most beautiful lakes in France, Lac de Sainte-Croix was forced to form a dam on the banks of Verdon in 1973.

It is a major tourist place in the region, which attracts many travelers every year thanks to its majestic environment and the beauty of the places!

The lake of Sainte-Croix is a paradise for lovers of swimming, water sports and fishing, and is a perfect place to enjoy the water and the water.

3. Lake Oô - Haute-Garonne

Major, the glacial lake of Oô is a real must-see for hiking in the Pyrenees ! Nestled in a pretty green valley, dominated by the mountains at 1,500 meters above sea level, Lake Oô is a pure wonder that can be contemplated for hours!

It offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains and the green nature of the Pyrenees. The impressive 275-metre high waterfall that supplies it with water complements the painting and makes the moment magical!

A grandiose show that is not natural since it is the construction of a dam in 1921 that originates from this lake.

4. Lake Nino – Corse

Perched at 1700 meters above sea level in the high Corsica mountains, Lake Nino is one of the magical places of the island of beauty!

Surrounded by a green nature with pastoral looks, it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful lakes in France.

The landscape around is really worth the detour: green pastures, pozzines (a thick lawn crossed by streams, frequent plant formation in Corsica), wild horses... Beautiful!

5. Lac d’Allos – Alpes-de-Haute-Provence

Lake Allos finds its place in the heart of the Mercantour National Park , in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. It is the largest natural lake of altitude in the Old Continent!

From an icy origin, this lake surrounded by high mountains offers a grandiose show to hikers who come to enjoy the unpleasant atmosphere of this protected natural space. A beautiful walk in perspective if you go to the region!

6. Lake Geneva – Haute-Savoie

Representative of the border between France and the Switzerland Lake Geneva is the largest lake in the Alps and the largest natural lake in Europe. It is also one of the most beautiful lakes in France!

With an area of almost 580 km2, this ice-cream-like lake bordering famous thermal resorts such as Evian and Thonon-les-Bains as well as charming and authentic small villages.

Placing as much to the small as to the large, Lake Geneva also offers countless outdoor activities , both for nature lovers and for strong sensation enthusiasts!

7. Lac d’Annecy – Haute-Savoie

bordering the beautiful city of the same name, the lake Annecy is perhaps the best known of French lakes. This natural gem of Haute-Savoie extends over an area of 27.5 km2, in the heart of the region.

He also of glacial origin, he would have formed more than 18,000 years ago when the huge alpine glaciers began to melt!

Today, the lake attracts many visitors every year who come to admire and enjoy its splendor. The water of the lake is also known as one of the purest in the world. Also know that a road runs along the lake and offers a multitude of opportunities to stop to enjoy the exceptional view!

8. Lake of Serre-Ponçon – Hautes-Alpes

Located at the foot of the mountains, the lake of Serre-Ponçon always invites you to throw yourself into the water! Covering an area of 28 km2, it is one of the most famous lakes in the Alpine Mountain and one of the most beautiful lakes in France.

It owes its origin to the construction of a dam on the Durance in 1961. This construction completely altered the landscape of the region, giving birth to a real paradise for holidaymakers and water sports enthusiasts!

For the anecdote, know that two villages were submerged following the creation of this dam: Ubaye and Savines. The chapel of Saint-Michel, placed in the middle of the lake, is thus the only vestige of these villages engulfed in 1961.

9. Lake Salagou – Hérault

Nestled in the middle of a red land, Lac du Salagou is an emblematic site of the Heraultese department and the south of France. This lake of more than 700 hectares was created following the construction of a dam in 1969, which was intended to irrigate the land of the region.

Today, it makes the happiness of hikers and holidaymakers who have come to enjoy this unique atmosphere in France! Lake Salagou is also recognized as one of the most pleasant spots in the Heraultese region in the summer... Ideal to relax during your holidays!

10. Lac du Bourget – Savoie

We finish this top of the most beautiful lakes in France with Lake Bourget! It’s no coincidence that this lake is in our rankings since Alphonse de Lamartine was inspired to write his famous poem “ The Lake » .

Located at the foot of the Alps, it is simply the largest natural lake of glacial origin in France (since part of Lake Geneva is located in Switzerland). He'd have trained more than 20,000 years ago!

Today, its clear waters with green hues seduce sports, swimmers and holidaymakers. You can contemplate its sumptuous and protected landscapes from many small marinas around the lake.

Now, tell us what your favorite lake is?