Lake Serre-Ponçon
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Lake Serre-Ponçon - by Christophe Archambeau on Google
Description
Lake Serre-Ponçon is the largest artificial lake in mainland France, it covers 28km2 and is located across the Hautes-Alpes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence departments in the Southern Alps. It was dammed at the end of the 1950's by a 123m-high earth core dam to regulate the waters of the Durance and Ubaye rivers and prevent a repeat of damaging floods. As a result, the valley was flooded and a hilltop chapel survived, the summit of the hill becoming an island. Today the lake can be enjoyed by tourists with numerous nautical activities such as sailing or water skiing as well as fishing.
Access & Transport
Embrun is the largest town on the lake shore and has a train station, on the Marseille/Briançon line. By car, from Briançon it is 50km to the north-eastern end of the lake and from Gap and Marseille it is 30km and 190km respectively to its south-western end.
Instructions & Recommendations
We suggest combining a drive and some activities around the lake with a visit of Gap. If you are travelling with children, the Animal Park Serre-Ponçon in Le Sauze-du-Lac is an interesting option as well.
Environmental & Social
This is a green activity unless you are planning to use a motorboat. Revenues from tourism help the rural economy
Conclusion
The Lake Serre-Ponçon offers travellers not only beautiful views but also a mix of nautical and mountain activities that makes it a great multi-day regional base for families, mixing lakeside time with an exploration of the Southern Alps endless choice of hiking trails and fortified towns / forts.
Key positive
Gorgeous scenery
Family-friendly destination
Key negative
None
Suitability
Suitable for all ages and the shoreline is accessible for visitors with reduced mobility in many places
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:1h
est. visit time:4h
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo