Top 6 Lakes around Selonnet

The region around Selonnet offers a diverse range of lakes, including large artificial reservoirs like Serre-Ponçon Dam, smaller mountain lakes, and high-altitude lakes such as Black Lake. You'll find everything from vast water sports hubs to secluded natural pools.

Lac de Serre-Ponçon is a major hub for water sports, benefiting from exceptional sunshine. You can enjoy swimming at its nine 'Blue Flag' beaches, rent boats or paddleboards, and partake in activities like windsurfing, kitesurfing, canoeing, kayaking, waterskiing, wakeboarding, and towed tubing. The lake is also popular for fishing, with species like pike, lake trout, perch, and carp.

Yes, both Lac des Monges and Lac de Serre-Ponçon offer excellent hiking. Near Monges Lake, trails lead through forests and alpine pastures, offering panoramic views of the Southern Alps from Sommet des Monges. Around Lac de Serre-Ponçon, you can find trails with breathtaking views, such as the Belvedere of Curattes or the ascent to Pic du Morgon. For more hiking options, explore the running trails around Selonnet.

Lac de Serre-Ponçon features several unique landmarks. The 11th-century Chapel Saint-Michel now sits on a small island in the lake, a remnant from when the area was flooded. The partially submerged Chanteloube Viaduct offers a fascinating spectacle with its arches reflected in the turquoise waters. You can also visit the impressive Serre-Ponçon Dam itself and learn about its history at the Muséoscope du Lac.

Absolutely. Monges Lake offers a more secluded and serene experience. Nestled within a Natura 2000 area, it transitions from pine forests to alpine pastures, providing a peaceful retreat with clear views over the Reynier valley. It's an ideal spot for wildlife observation, with chamois often spotted, and fishing for tench.

Lac de Serre-Ponçon is very family-friendly, offering safe swimming at its 'Blue Flag' beaches and a wide range of water sports suitable for various ages. The Serre-Ponçon Dam itself is considered a family-friendly highlight. While Lac des Monges is more focused on hiking and nature, the presence of a refuge and accessible trails can also make it enjoyable for families seeking a quieter outdoor experience.

The lakes around Selonnet are renowned for their spectacular views. From View of the lake and Ubaye valley, you can enjoy panoramic vistas of Lac de Serre-Ponçon's sparkling blue waters surrounded by the majestic Alps. Ascending to Sommet des Monges near Monges Lake provides breathtaking 360-degree views of the Southern Alps, including the Dévoluy and Ecrins massifs.

Yes, the region offers excellent cycling opportunities. You can find numerous routes for both mountain biking and road cycling. For gravel biking, explore options like the Seyne-les-Alpes – Col du Fanget loop. Road cyclists can enjoy routes such as The Gorges of la Blanche from Selonnet. Check out the gravel biking guide and road cycling routes around Selonnet for detailed tours.

The region benefits from exceptional sunshine, with up to 300 days a year, making it pleasant for much of the year. Summer is ideal for water sports at Lac de Serre-Ponçon. For hiking, late spring to early autumn offers comfortable temperatures, though snow can persist late into the season at higher altitudes like Lac des Monges, adding to its wild character.

The waters of Lac de Serre-Ponçon are a striking lagoon-blue. This distinctive color is due to the minerals and sediments carried by the Durance and Ubaye rivers, which feed the lake. This creates a visually stunning landscape often compared to a tropical island.

Yes, the region is home to high-altitude lakes, such as Black Lake. This lake is recognized as a sensitive natural area due to its rich and fragile biodiversity, offering a unique natural experience for visitors.

The diverse natural landscape surrounding Monges Lake, which transitions from pine forests to beech groves, oak forests, and alpine pastures, makes it possible to spot wild animals, such as chamois. It's part of a Natura 2000 area, highlighting its ecological significance.