Lac d’Aiguebelette

The Lac d'Aiguebelette in western Savoy is one of the largest natural lakes in France and known for its emerald-green, pleasantly warm water in summer. To protect nature, motorboats are banned. Two small islands and quiet bathing bays make it a peaceful destination away from the bustle.

Highlights

• Emerald-green, warm water
• Motorboats banned for protection
• Two small islands
• Quiet bathing bays

Good to know

Practical info

Background & History

Lac d’Aiguebelette lies nestled among the wooded heights of the Épine massif in Savoy, away from the great streams of tourists, and is one of the warmest natural bathing lakes in the French Alps. It owes its emerald-green colour to the mineral-rich water and the fine lake bed, and because strict protection rules have long applied, the lake is closed to motorboats, which has preserved its rare calm and exceptional water quality. Thanks to this purity, the lake was at times even chosen as the venue for international rowing regattas.

The basin formed in the Ice Age, when mighty glaciers scoured out the soft rock and, after their retreat, left behind a water-filled hollow in which two small, densely wooded islands now lie, their stillness offering refuge to waterbirds and rare plants. The villages near the shore live from quiet tourism and from fishing, and above the lake towers the long rock face of the Dent du Chat, to whose name local legends of a giant, demonic cat attach themselves, a creature that folk belief once imagined dwelling in these mountains. In summer simple beaches and wooden jetties line the shore, and rowing boats glide soundlessly across the warm water. This mixture of protected nature and Savoyard tranquillity lends the lake an almost meditative character.