Lakes and mountains holidays in France offer the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation. Stunning bodies of sparkling water reflect staggering mountain peaks to not only provide unforgettable photo album additions but also a hub of life and activity! From strolling along the shoreline to an exciting array of watersport opportunities and everything in between, the lakes in the French Alps are arguably among some of the best to visit in Europe.
Whether you choose to explore local resort lakes or enjoy a day trip out, there’s fun to be had by all. Discover our top picks that allow you to relax, explore and so much more on your next lakes holiday in France…
Local Lakes
Our top destinations for lakes and mountains holidays exhibit their own local lakes for recreation and relaxation. With no need to venture out, there’s even more reason to visit some of the best alpine lakes. And with plenty of bars, restaurants, and nearby luxury summer chalets to take advantage of, there’s no better way to soak in the resort’s summer atmosphere than days spent by the lakeside. Without further ado, let’s introduce our top 5 lakes in the French Alps for your holiday…
#1 Lac de Tignes, Tignes
If you’re searching for an action-packed lakes and mountains holiday in France, look no further than Lac de Tignes! In summer, Tignes is full of activity, and Lac de Tignes plays an important aspect of holding the resort’s reputation to that. With waters flowing down from the Grande Motte glacier, this natural lake in the Alps exudes a real ‘beach in the mountains’ vibe! Found in the heart of the resort, visitors can expect a breathtaking backdrop consisting of towering peaks that surround its beautiful azure waters.
While there is a fantastic selection of summer activities in Tignes to choose from, Acroland is a must for all the family. Featuring water slides of varying heights and an on-water obstacle course, this lake in Tignes is perfect for adventure seekers! Alternatively, you can also enjoy calmer activities, like paddleboarding, canoeing, and trout fishing, to name a few.
Lac de Tignes is perhaps one of the most famous lakes in the Alps, and rightly so. Where better to retire at the end of the day than your own luxury summer chalet in Tignes?
#2 Lac de Montriond, Morzine
Lac de Montriond is easily considered one of the best lakes in the French Alps, and with right reason too. Located just outside Morzine, within easy reach of Morzine’s best summer chalets, it presents a more peaceful setting to enjoy on your summer holidays in France. Surrounded by forests, vegetation, and the immense Roc d’Enfer cliffs, the lake brings serenity and nature together in harmony; it’s a real alpine hotspot to visit on a luxury summer family holiday in the Portes du Soleil.
There are many things to do on a lakes and mountains holiday, and Lac de Montriond certainly covers a number of possibilities. Whether opting for a gentle stroll lakeside, a laid-back horse ride, or a calming paddleboard across the water, the emerald green lake evokes a feeling of tranquillity. For something more fast-paced, luxury mountain biking holidays in Morzine are a popular activity and the perfect way to gain a better vantage point. Too cool off, Lac de Montriond is perfect for a quick dip or a swim! As the evening draws in, a picnic is welcomed on the shoreline, or head back to your luxury summer chalet in Morzine for a more indulgent feast…
#3 Lac Blanc, Chamonix
Chamonix is one of our top destinations for a lakes and mountains holiday, and Lac Blanc confidently contributes to that. With vibrant alpine colours and breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc massif, it’s not only one of the best lakes in France, but one of the best lakes in the Alps altogether; the scenery is something out of a summer mountain holiday dream. With calm, clear waters creating a natural mirror image of Mont Blanc’s imposing peaks, capturing the beauty in a picture is a must! Due to its high altitude, visitors also have a vantage point over the Chamonix Aiguilles, Les Drus, and the Verte.
Lac Blanc can be accessed along the Tour du Mont Blanc hike – one of the best hikes in the Alps – or from the resort itself. From Chamonix, the Flégère cable car lends a helping hand to transport you up the mountainside. Then, a hike, or L’Index chairlift and connecting hike, will bring you to Lac Blanc. As a reward, visit one of the mountain restaurants that lay close by to this Chamonix lake before heading back down the mountainside and returning to your luxury summer chalet in Chamonix to unwind.
#4 Lac Javen, Megève
Lac Javen is one of the smaller lakes in the French Alps to feature on our list. However, its size doesn’t get in the way of it being one of the best lakes in Megève. Located in the Rochebrune area, Lac Javen creates a quaint setting to enjoy the pleasures of the mountains. A hidden gem of sorts, described by the resort as a ‘real treasure’, Lac Javen exhibits incomparable beauty; its turquoise waters are surrounded by a pleasing backdrop that consists of flowery pastures and imposing massifs. This makes for the perfect picnic spot for young and old, or a starting point for many hikes in Megève. Furthermore, it’s also a popular fishing lake in France, letting avid anglers recharge under the mountain sun.
Megeve offers plenty during the warmer season, adding more value to your lakes holidays in the Alps. Take on the hiking and biking trails, ride down the 4 Saisons Luge or dine and shop in the charming pedestrian-free centre. And our selection of luxury summer chalets in Megève will elevate your stay even further…
#5 Lac Vert, Chamonix
Another lake in Chamonix, Lac Vert concludes our list. Featuring a stunning backdrop made up of coniferous trees and magnificent views of the Mont Blanc massif reflected in its emerald-green waters, Lac Vert presents a truly quintessential setting for lakes and mountains holidays in France. Naturally, hiking is one of the top summer activities in Chamonix. We can safely say that Lac Vert’s surroundings have been made for nature walks. Explore the delightful alpine environment with a stroll, rewarding yourself with a family picnic once accomplished. Alternatively, Lac Vert is another fishing lake in France; catching something should be a little easier thanks to the transparency of its waters.
Lakes for Day Trips to the Alps
Our collection of alpine holiday destinations offers countless activities and amenities in the resort for all the family to enjoy. However, day trips offer a great way to further explore the region. And the following lakes in France are a must-visit…
Lac Annecy, Annecy
Known as the ‘Venice of the Alps’, a day trip to Lac Annecy is certainly justified. The lake sits in close proximity to La Clusaz, Megève, Chamonix, and St Gervais, and for that reason, it joins our French Alps holiday bucket list!
Featuring the most beautiful panoramas, the lake is a spectacle of France’s Haute-Savoie region. However, it’s not just the lake’s picturesque photo opportunities that appeal to so many. With many top things to do in Annecy, the lake is a popular summer hotspot, surrounded by bustling, culture-rich towns. Guided tours of castles and museums, along with trips to numerous bars, restaurants, and markets, await in the towns. In peak summer, the shores of Lac Annecy adopt a real beach vibe, filled with sunbathers and paddlers. On the water itself, paddleboarding, kayaking and boat trips are among popular activities. Of course, as one of the best swimming lakes in France, entering the waters, or even lake diving, is highly encouraged. For a bird’s-eye view of the lake, visitors can experience hot air balloon rides, paragliding, and skydiving!
Lac du Bourget, Chambéry
In the Savoie Mont Blanc region, Lac du Bourget stands as the largest natural lake in France. Located in Chambéry, its waters stretch to 18km, surrounded by the Bauges mountain range. During summer, the scenery becomes an unspoilt backdrop of turquoise waters and impressive viewpoints to fully appreciate its beauty. Picturesque towns surround the lake, such as Aix-les-Bains, known as the Riviera of the Alps!
In summer, Lac du Bourget is brimming with activity, particularly in Aix-les-Bains. It has even been given French Water Resort approval! Expect sailing, canoeing, diving, rafting, and water-skiing, to name just a few. Along the shoreline, numerous beaches can be found, such as Bourget-du-Lac Beach, for those wanting the best of both worlds on a mountain holiday.
Off the water, trails transport visitors to stunning viewpoints, like La Chambotte which features views of the entire lake. Another viewpoint, Ontex, overlooks Hautecombe Abbey, while Roman remains at the Temple of Diana are a must-visit too. However, Lac du Bourget is not just one of the best lakes in France for recreation. With professional fishermen working its waters, Bourget is an important fishing lake in France for local businesses. Close out your day at a lakeside restaurant where you can experience exceptional gastronomy built upon fresh fish caught the same day, and wine from local vineyards.
French Alps summer holidays have it all, and lakes and mountains holidays in France are increasingly popular! Lakes in France offer the perfect excuse to experience a relaxing alpine retreat or activity-filled holiday to the Alps. To book your lakes holiday in the French Alps, be sure to send us an email or call us. If you love the idea, then lakes and mountains holidays in Switzerland and the Dolomiti lakes are well worth considering too!
