Turquoise waters of the Verdon, unspoilt lakes of the Alps or big reservoir lakes of the South: France has superb lakes where you can swim from the first warm days, often from developed beaches.
This selection brings together ten lakes with very different atmospheres, from the red-earth landscapes of the Salagou to the calm waters of Lake Aiguebelette.
Authorised swimming areas, supervision and water quality vary from one lake to another and from year to year: ask the tourist office or the town hall before going into the water.
A reservoir lake with blue water ringed by hills of dark red argillite, the famous "ruffes" of the Lodévois, a volcanic and lunar landscape unique in the Hérault.
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Lake Annecy, sometimes nicknamed the "blue lake", is a lake in France located in the Alps, in Haute-Savoie.
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The 3rd largest natural lake in France, with emerald waters, largely private and closed to motor boats, at the foot of the Épine mountain.
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Lac de Sainte-Croix is the largest of the Verdon lakes.
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Created by the filling of the Ain dam in 1968, Lac de Vouglans winds over several kilometres between wooded Jura shores. The third largest artificial lake in France, it has become a flagship water-sports destination.
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Lac du Bourget is the largest natural lake in France, 18 km long, surrounded by the Épine massif, La Chambotte, the Mont du Chat, Mont Revard and the Bauges.
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Lac de Serre-Ponçon, with an area of 3,000 hectares, is the second largest artificial lake in Europe.
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Lac de Saint-Cassien is without doubt the most touristy site of the canton of Fayence.
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The largest natural lake in the Vosges, Lac de Gérardmer occupies the heart of the resort that bears its name. Swimming, sailing and walks around its shores make it one of the most frequented destinations of the Vosges massif.
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Lac de Saint-Pardoux is an artificial lake in the Haute-Vienne, about 30 km north of Limoges, created in 1975.
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