Douceur de vivre au bord de l'eau en Pays de Savoir France

Published on : 20/07/2026

The 5 Most Beautiful Lakes in Savoie

Nestled in the heart of the French Alps, Savoie is home to breathtaking landscapes, including some of the most spectacular lakes in Europe. Lakes with turquoise waters suspended at over 2000 meters above sea level to vast lake expanses bordered by villages, the Savoyard lakes fascinate both hikers and lovers of wild nature.

From the Résidence Les Edelweiss in Champagny-en-Vanoise, you are ideally located to discover these natural jewels, both in summer and early autumn. In this article, we have selected 4 of the most beautiful lakes in Savoie, with some practical information for countryside getaways starting from our residence.

Why is Savoie a land of lakes?

The alpine geology is the origin of this unique lake-richness. During the last glacial period, the immense glaciers that covered the Alps carved deep basins into the mountainous terrain. As they melted, they left behind natural basins that filled with water from the peaks. Savoie now counts more than 500 recorded lakes, spread across altitudes ranging from a few hundred meters to over 2700 meters.

1. Lake Bourget - Aix-Les-Bains

Altitude: 231 m – Distance from Les Edelweiss: approximately 1h35

It’s impossible to talk about the lakes of Savoie without mentioning Lake Bourget, a true institution in Savoie. Located at the foot of the Montagne de l’Épine and dominated by the Dent du Chat, it is the largest natural lake in France and the deepest with its 18 km in length, 3 km in width, and 145 meters in depth.

The spa town of Aix-les-Bains, nestled on its eastern shore, is one of the major wellness destinations in France. The Grand Port beach, the lake cruises, and the Hautecombe Abbey (necropolis of the kings of Sardinia) make it a complete destination, perfect for a day of relaxation away from the mountains.

To do on site:

A boat cruise or a bit of pedal boating with the family, it’s always good for the soul!
A swim at the numerous supervised beaches around the lake: Lido Beach, Mottets Beach, Brison-Saint-Innocent Beaches… (some are paid in the summer);
A hike on the cliffs of Mont Revard with a breathtaking view of the lake;
A stroll on the lake esplanade with its avenues of magnificent plane trees;

From the Résidence Les Edelweiss: after a day of hiking around Champagny-en-Vanoise, enjoy a beautiful sunny day by the lake on a terrace and in a park near the port, watching the pétanque players…

2. Lake Aiguebelette

Altitude: 373 m – Distance from Les Edelweiss: approximately 1h45

Known for being the warmest and gentlest lake in Savoie, it remains less known than Lake Bourget. Lake Aiguebelette is often nicknamed the “little turquoise sea” of Savoie. The third largest natural lake in France by surface area, it stands out for the extraordinary colour of its waters, a unique emerald green-blue, due to its shallow depth and the absence of thermal engines, which have been completely banned on the lake since 1991. Result: water of remarkable purity and precious silence, broken only by the sound of oars and the song of birds.

With a water temperature easily reaching 25°C in the summer, it is the ultimate swimming lake for families seeking relaxation and freshness without leaving Savoie.

Things to do on site:

A swim in complete serenity (developed and natural beaches all around the lake – some are paid in the summer);
An adventure park outing with the kids, with a bonus of a superb view of the lake;
Quite a few water activities: rowing, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and sailing (rental available on site);
A bike tour around the lake (about 17 km, secure and almost flat bike path);
Fishing for pike, perch, and tench;
Lunch on the terrace at one of the many lakeside restaurants, specialising in local fish (lavaret, arctic char);

From the Résidence Les Edelweiss: head towards Chambéry and then follow the A43 motorway towards Lyon. Perfect for a day of rest and swimming with the family between two high-altitude hikes.

3. The lakes of Vanoise from Champagny-en-Vanoise

Altitude: between 2,200 m and 2,700 m – Access: from Champagny-en-Vanoise

It is one of the great advantages of the Résidence Les Edelweiss: from Champagny-en-Vanoise, you are at the gateway to the Vanoise National Park, and several magnificent high-altitude lakes are directly accessible on foot from the residence or from the Champagny-le-Haut plateau.

Among the most beautiful:

The Lac de la Plagne (or Green Lake): a small high-altitude lake accessible in 2 hours from Champagny-le-Haut, with changing reflections depending on the time of day.
The Lac du Grand Plan: in the heart of the Vanoise Park, surrounded by blooming rhododendrons in July, it is an ideal destination for an intermediate-level family hike.

Edelweiss Tip: In the summer, the residence provides topoguides and hiking maps to explore all the trails of Vanoise starting from Champagny-en-Vanoise. Remember to check at reception!

4. Lake Roselend – Beaufort-sur-Doron

Altitude: 1,557 m – Distance from Les Edelweiss: approximately 50 min

Located on the Beaufortain plateau, a few kilometres from Albertville but also accessible via Bourg-Saint-Maurice in Haute-Tarentaise, Lake Roselend is one of the most photographed in Savoie. Created in the early 1960s by the construction of a hydroelectric dam, this artificial lake stretches over more than 4 km in a magnificent landscape of alpine meadows and snow-capped peaks. Its colour varies from steel blue to emerald green depending on the season and the light.

When the dam empties of its water, the ruins of the old village of Roselend are revealed to curious visitors, making these places even more mystical.

Things to do on site:

Walk around the lake: a circuit of about 12 km;
Visit Lake Amour, if the weather permits;
Climb up to the Saint-Guérin chapel for an exceptional panorama; • Observe the herds of cows grazing on the surrounding pastures (Beaufortain is the land of Beaufort AOP);

From the Résidence Les Edelweiss: head towards Bourg-Saint-Maurice and then the Col du Pré (road open only in summer) for an unforgettable panorama with a view of Mont-Blanc.

5. Lake Saint-Guérin - Arêche-Beaufort

Altitude: 1,530 m – Distance from Les Edelweiss: approximately 50 min

Neighbouring the Roselend Lake, Lake Saint-Guérin is often unknown to passing tourists, which adds to its charm. Nestled in a verdant valley, this small artificial lake with translucent waters offers a peaceful environment, far from the hustle and bustle of the major resorts. You can mostly hear the wind in the tall grasses and the song of the birds.

The Saint-Guérin chapel, built by the lakeside and preserved during the dam’s flooding, adds a romantic and historical touch to the site. It is visible from both shores and is an unmissable photographic subject.

Things to do on site:

Circle the lake on foot (about 2 hours, unmarked but easy path);
Trouse fishing (lake classified as first category); • Picnic facing the chapel and the Beaufortain pastures;
Possible combination with a visit to the nearby Roselend lake;

From the Résidence Les Edelweiss: accessible from Bourg-Saint-Maurice via the Col du Pré in summer. Combine the two lakes of Beaufortain in a single day for an unforgettable excursion.

Practical tips for visiting the lakes of Savoie

Which season to choose?

June – July: The melting snow feeds the high-altitude lakes, which are at their maximum level. The vegetation is in full bloom, the rhododendrons are flowering. Ideal for hiking and photos.
August: the peak tourist season. The low-altitude lakes are very crowded. Prefer high-altitude lakes for more tranquillity.
September: it’s the ideal season for hikers. Fewer people, golden autumn lights in the Alps, water still warm enough in some low-altitude lakes.

Essential equipment for high-altitude lakes

Waterproof hiking shoes (the areas around high-altitude lakes are often wet)
Waterproof clothing even in good weather (thunderstorms are common in the mountains in the afternoon)
High protection sunscreen (UV is more intense at high altitudes)
Provisions and water (few supply points on the trails)
IGN map or hiking app , Visorando

Respect the nature of the Savoy lakes

High mountain lakes are fragile ecosystems. In the Vanoise National Park in particular, certain rules must be strictly followed:

Do not pick flowers or stones; • Do not feed the animals;
Do not leave any waste (take back what you bring);
Stay on marked paths;
Swimming is prohibited in the lakes located in the heart of the National Park.

Would you like to book your stay in Champagny-en-Vanoise to explore the lakes and the Savoyard mountains? Contact us or book directly online

Our team will be happy to help you plan the perfect stay.

Return

The 5 Most Beautiful Lakes in Savoie

Why is Savoie a land of lakes?

1. Lake Bourget - Aix-Les-Bains

2. Lake Aiguebelette

3. The lakes of Vanoise from Champagny-en-Vanoise

4. Lake Roselend – Beaufort-sur-Doron

5. Lake Saint-Guérin - Arêche-Beaufort

Practical tips for visiting the lakes of Savoie

Which season to choose?

Essential equipment for high-altitude lakes

Respect the nature of the Savoy lakes

Résidence Edelweiss

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