Lake Aiguebelette, the best-kept secret

PROTECTED NATURE RESERVE

At an altitude of 360 m, Lake Aiguebelette is, as Henry Bordeaux wrote,

 an emerald jewel encircled by mountains. 

The beautiful, triangular stretch of water is dotted with two small islands to the south.

Part of the Natura 2000 European biodiversity network, the lake boasts a remarkable ecosystem as well as protected conservation areas. 

The Lake Aiguebelette regional nature reserve covers over 800 hectares and was granted protected status in 2015. 

SWIMMING AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES

Aiguebelette is one of France’s warmest natural lakes: in summer, the water temperature can reach 28°C! 
To protect the site, swimming is only permitted in marked areas, and motor boating is prohibited. 
Lake Aiguebelette is sheltered from the wind by Mount Epine and characterised by unusually still waters. This makes it the perfect spot for rowing, as demonstrated by the presence of an international rowing club, where many athletes regularly come to train. Indeed, the World Rowing Championships have twice been hosted here, in 1997 and 2015. 
The diversity of the lake's fish stock is attributable to its burgeoning ecosystem. Lavaret whitefish are one of the lake’s culinary specialities. They are caught using a typical Alpine technique known as gamba fishing (a hand line to which ten hooks are attached). 

CULTURAL OUTINGS

The lake has attracted many tourists since the beginning of the 20th century. The lakeside villas and the boathouses, which are not to be found elsewhere in the French Alps, testify to the lake's popularity. Why not head to the Maison du Lac to take a stroll and discover the temporary exhibitions? Local crafts are also prevalent. In Nances, you’ll find the Francépoque doll workshop, bursting at the seams with china dolls in traditional and historical dress. At the Rougy tannery you can learn about the expertise which has been handed down from generation to generation. A little further afield, in Saint-Genix sur Guiers, the local museum explains the legend of France’s very own Robin Hood, Louis Mandrin.