When vacation time rolls around, we always hear about the virtues of the mountains or the beach. Lakes, on the other hand, often take a back seat. Yet, with surrounding greenery, often very clear water, and sometimes even grassy or sandy spots that resemble beaches, they offer the best of what high mountains or seaside locations have to provide. Omio has actually looked into this and conducted a study to rank the best lakes in France. Perfect for sparking ideas for your summer getaways, whether short or long!
1. Lake Geneva
Located at the border between France and Switzerland, Lake Geneva shines as the top lake in the ranking. It stands out for its great quality...
The water and an average temperature of 22°C, this lake stretches nearly 73 kilometers long and is a true turquoise gem surrounded by lovely mountains. Whether they're Swiss or French, the towns along the coast all have fabulous sights to offer.Voir cette publication sur Instagram
2. Lake Sainte-Croix
One could almost believe they are by the Mediterranean with how the lake of Sainte-Croix is filled with everything that makes the PACA region beautiful. It's located in the Verdon Regional Natural Park, between Var and the Alpes de Haute Provence. Celebrated for its excellent water quality and a pleasant temperature of 21°C, it’s especially renowned for its transparency and the lush vegetation that surrounds it, making Lake Sainte-Croix a must-see attraction.
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3. Lake Annecy
It's definitely one of the most famous lakes in France, and for good reason. According to Insee, Annecy attracts an average of 3 million visitors each year. And while the Venice of the Alps charms with its unique character and old town, its lake also plays a vital role. Crystal clear and with temperatures ranging from 22 to 24°C in the summer, it's perfect for a swim or a pedal boat session.
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4. Lake Gérardmer
Nestled in the Hautes Vosges, at 660 meters above sea level, Lake Gérardmer is the perfect spot for a green getaway in the Grand Est. It's suitable for swimming, equipped with a supervised beach, and strolling around it is a delightful 5-kilometer walk.
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5. Lake Bourget
Don’t confuse it with Bourget near Paris! This lake is actually located not far from Lake Geneva, between Lyon and Chamonix. Quieter than the lakes mentioned earlier, this Savoyard lake is perfect for both hiking enthusiasts and photographers looking to capture stunning natural images.
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