Lac Léman – 25 km
Lac Léman, also known as Lake Geneva, is a short distance from Abondance. It is one of the largest lakes in Europe and forms the natural border between France and Switzerland. Along the French shore, you will find tourist villages such as Thonon-les-Bains, Évian-les-Bains and the medieval village of Yvoire. On the opposite side lies the city of Geneva.
During a holiday in the Portes du Soleil, this lake is a lovely spot for a relaxing day out. The wide promenade of Thonon-les-Bains stretches along the harbour and the beaches. Here you can watch sailing boats setting off whilst walkers stroll along the water’s edge. On warm days, families enjoy the grass while the children play in the water. Water sports enthusiasts come to Lake Geneva to swim, sail, kayak, paddleboard or hire a boat.
Those who enjoy walking can follow a route near Yvoire. From the village, a path winds along the shore towards the Pointe de Messery nature reserve. This walk takes about 1 to 2 hours and offers views of the lake and the Alps on the opposite shore.
The village of Yvoire itself is also well worth a visit. The narrow streets, the flowers adorning the façades and the cosy terraces make it one of the most atmospheric spots around the lake.
Lac du Bourget – 110 km
Lac du Bourget lies south of Annecy and is the largest natural lake in France. The town of Aix-les-Bains, situated on the eastern shore, has been renowned as a spa resort for over a century.
The lake exudes a peaceful atmosphere, with shores partly surrounded by woods. You can see sailing boats bobbing on the water.
During a holiday in the French Alps, you can combine a relaxing day here with walking and swimming. The marinas are home to many sailing boats, and on warm days, pedalos and kayaks glide across the lake. A lovely walk starts at Le Bourget-du-Lac. From this village, a path runs along the shore towards Hautecombe Abbey. The walk takes about 2 hours. From the hills above the lake, you have a beautiful view of the entire lake and the surrounding.
Lac de Vallon – 30 km
Lac de Vallon is situated in the Bellevaux valley. This mountain lake was formed following a major landslide in 1943, when part of the mountainside blocked the valley and water began to collect. This is how this tranquil lake came into being, surrounded by dense forests and steep slopes.
The walk around the lake starts at Bellevaux, takes about an hour and follows a flat route. During your walk, you’ll pass wooden bridges, small beaches, picnic spots and viewpoints along the water’s edge. Thanks to the shady forests, it stays wonderfully cool here even on hot summer days.
Lake Annecy – 95 km
Lake Annecy lies nestled amongst the mountains of Haute-Savoie and is renowned for its crystal-clear waters. The lake lies at an altitude of approximately 447 metres and is fed by mountain water from the surrounding Alps. According to the Annecy Lake Tourist Office, the lake is one of the cleanest in Europe. It lies in a wide valley dotted with small villages, beaches and viewpoints. During a stay in the French Alps, this is one of the best-known lakes for a day by the water.
One of the best ways to explore the lake is by bike. A cycle path of around 40 kilometres runs around the lake, passing beaches, small harbours and villages. The route between Annecy and Talloires is popular with families. You can swim here. There are beaches, particularly near Talloires and Menthon-Saint-Bernard, where you can easily walk straight into the water.
For walkers, a route starts at Col de la Forclaz. From there, a mountain path leads up to various vantage points. The walk to the panoramic viewpoint takes about 1.5 hours. Here you can enjoy a beautiful view over the entire lake.
You can also explore the town of Annecy itself. The old town, with its canals and bridges, lies right on the water’s edge and is often referred to as the Venice of the Alps.
Lac d’Arvouin – 10 km
Lac d’Arvouin lies high in the mountains above La Chapelle-d’Abondance. This small alpine lake is situated in an open meadow where cows have plenty of space to graze.
From the car park at La Chapelle-d’Abondance, a footpath leads up to the lake. The walk takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
During the walk, you’ll see alpine meadows and mountain flowers. In quiet moments, you’ll hear nothing but the sound of cowbells and birds. From the shore, you’ll also have a beautiful view of the surrounding peaks of the Chablais.
Lac de Montriond – 15 km
Lac de Montriond is located near Morzine and is surrounded by forests and steep rock faces. The lake lies at an altitude of around 1,070 metres and is one of the few mountain lakes in the area where you can swim in summer. The lake has a deep blue colour and is fed by mountain water from the surrounding valleys.
During a holiday in the Portes du Soleil, this is one of the easiest mountain lakes to reach. In summer, you can swim, go kayaking or hire a pedalo here. There is a walking trail around the lake that takes about 1 hour.
For adventurous walkers, there is a longer route starting from the village of Ardent and leading to the Cascade des Brochaux. This walk takes about 2 hours. It is particularly lovely and peaceful here in the early morning. And as the sun slowly rises above the mountain peaks, the water takes on a deep blue shade, often surrounded by a light mist hanging over the lake.
