Top 7 Lakes around Saint-Clément-Sur-Durance

While Saint-Clément-Sur-Durance is known for white-water sports, the broader Hautes-Alpes region offers several popular lakes. Lac de Serre-Ponçon is the largest artificial lake in metropolitan France, famous for its clear waters and wide range of activities. Other well-loved spots include Lake Peyrol, which is great for picnics and strolls with views of the Ecrins, and Eygliers Lake, a leisure center perfect for swimming and relaxation.

Yes, the Hautes-Alpes region boasts several stunning high-altitude mountain lakes. Lake Hivernet, 2,370 m, offers solitude and superb views, often with marmots present, though it's a more challenging hike. Another beautiful option is Lac Miroir, located at 2200 meters in the Queyras Regional Natural Park, known for its enchanting setting and reflections of Point de la Saume, accessible via a roughly two-hour hike.

Near the lakes, you can discover interesting historical elements. Lac Napoléon features a historic refuge built in 1856 under Napoleon III, serving as a notable break point near the Col de Vars. On Lac de Serre-Ponçon, the iconic Saint-Michel Chapel stands on a small island, a survivor of submerged villages. The dam itself and the Muséoscope du Lac also offer insights into the region's history.

For families, Eygliers Lake is an excellent choice, offering a free-access leisure center where swimming is possible, along with two restaurants and shaded picnic spots. Lac Sainte-Anne, at 2400 meters, is also relatively easy to access with a 1.5-hour walk and features beautiful turquoise waters and panoramic views, making it suitable for families.

Lac de Serre-Ponçon is a hub for water sports, offering swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, boat rentals, water skiing, and wakeboarding. Many lakes also provide opportunities for wild swimming in their clear waters, while others like Eygliers Lake have designated swimming areas.

Yes, the region offers numerous hiking opportunities around its lakes. High-altitude lakes like Lac du Goléon and Lac de Souliers are popular destinations for hikers, with many trails leading to their shores. For more detailed hiking routes and options, you can explore the Running Trails around Saint-Clément-Sur-Durance guide, which includes routes like the 'Martinat Ridge Shelter loop from Gaudissard Haut'.

For those seeking a more tranquil experience, Lac de l'Orceyrette offers some of the most stunning Alpine views and is particularly beautiful in autumn. Lac Faravel is another beautiful mountain lake, especially full of meltwater shortly after winter, providing a serene natural monument for intermediate hikers.

Absolutely. The area around Saint-Clément-Sur-Durance and its lakes is excellent for mountain biking. Lac de Serre-Ponçon, for instance, has trails suitable for mountain biking. You can find various routes, including challenging ones like 'Boucle vers le lac de Peyrol', in the MTB Trails around Saint-Clément-Sur-Durance guide.

The best time to visit the lakes largely depends on the type of experience you're seeking. For water sports and swimming, the summer months (June to August) are ideal, especially for Lac de Serre-Ponçon which enjoys nearly 300 days of sunshine. For hiking to high-altitude lakes, late spring to early autumn (May to October) is generally best, avoiding snow. Lac de l'Orceyrette is particularly stunning for autumn colors.

Yes, some lakes offer facilities for visitors. Eygliers Lake has two restaurants on its banks and numerous shaded picnic spots. Lake Peyrol is also landscaped with areas perfect for picnicking and strolling. For other lakes, it's advisable to bring your own provisions, especially for high-altitude or more remote locations.

Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse natural beauty, from the vast, clear waters of Lac de Serre-Ponçon to the serene, high-altitude mountain tarns. The opportunities for both active pursuits like hiking and water sports, and peaceful relaxation amidst stunning landscapes, are highly valued. The unique historical elements, such as the Saint-Michel Chapel or the Napoleon refuge, also add to the appeal.