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Lake Serre-Ponçon

9 Avenue de la Combe d'Or, Savines-le-Lac, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

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.

Meta review

The lake is quite popular with those holidaying in the French Alps in the summer. Reviewers highlight how scenic it is with the azure water and surrounding mountains and that they are plenty of activities available on the lake (subject to personal budget) and around it with many hikes and mountain biking opportunities. The water temperature also seems to be just cool enough for the summer without making swimming uncomfortable.

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

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
The lake is accessible year-round but best enjoyed from April to October

av. transport time:1h

est. visit time:4h

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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