Top 19 Lakes around Saint-Jean-D'Arves

Yes, several lakes cater to families. The Bathing Lake in Saint-Sorlin-d'Arves is an artificial lake with supervised swimming in summer, lawns, picnic tables, and children's games. Similarly, the Lac Bleu near Saint-Rémy-de-Maurienne offers excellent water quality for bathing, a shaded picnic area, and a fitness trail. For a more natural setting, Pontet Lake is also considered family-friendly and offers a chance to cool off in its waters.

Yes, swimming is possible in several lakes. The Bathing Lake in Saint-Sorlin-d'Arves has supervised swimming during July and August. The Lac Bleu is known for its very good water quality for bathing, with supervised swimming in summer. You can also refresh yourself with a dip in the cool water of Pontet Lake on hot days.

For breathtaking high-mountain scenery, you can hike from the Col de la Croix de Fer to discover Lac Bramant and Lac Blanc. These lakes offer views of persistent snow even in summer and the possibility of seeing marmots. Lake Lérié, located on the Emparis plateau at 2,450 meters, provides a magnificent view of the La Meije glacier. Similarly, Black Lake, at 2,435 meters, offers a splendid view of the Meije and Deux-Alpes glaciers.

Absolutely. The region is excellent for hiking. Many lakes, especially the high-altitude ones like Lac Bramant and Lac Blanc, are accessed via scenic paths. You can find numerous hiking routes, including moderate trails like the 'Col d'Arves loop from Saint-Jean-d'Arves,' which can be explored further in the Hiking around Saint-Jean-D'Arves guide.

The summer months (July and August) are ideal for visiting the bathing lakes, as swimming is often supervised. For high-altitude lakes, summer and early autumn offer the best conditions for hiking, though you might still encounter snow even in summer. The stunning alpine scenery is enjoyable throughout the warmer months.

Accessibility varies by lake. The Bathing Lake in Saint-Sorlin-d'Arves and the Lac Bleu recreational area are generally easy to access and offer facilities like shaded picnic areas. For high-altitude lakes like Lake Besson, you'll typically find parking areas from which you can start your hike.

Beyond hiking and swimming, the area offers various outdoor activities. You can explore mountain biking trails, such as the 'Tour des 3 lacs – L'Ouillon loop,' detailed in the MTB Trails around Saint-Jean-D'Arves guide. Cycling routes, including challenging ones like the 'Iron Cross – L'Ouillon loop,' are also available, as seen in the Cycling around Saint-Jean-D'Arves guide.

Yes, the Bathing Lake in Saint-Sorlin-d'Arves and the Lac Bleu offer more leisurely experiences with recreational areas. For a gentle stroll with views, the immediate vicinity of Lake Carrelet, located below the Alpette-Rousses cable car, is also a good option.

The lakes offer diverse natural features. You'll find alpine settings with views of glaciers and mountain landscapes, especially around high-altitude lakes like Lake Lérié and Black Lake. The area around Col de la Croix de Fer provides opportunities to see marmots and persistent snow. Lower-altitude lakes feature lawns, picnic areas, and shaded spots.

Visitors particularly appreciate the stunning views, especially from high-altitude spots like Lake Besson and Black Lake, which offer magnificent glacier vistas. The opportunity to cool off in the water, as at Pontet Lake, and the peaceful, natural environment are also highly valued.

Yes, some lakes have amenities nearby. The Lac Bleu recreational area includes a bar-restaurant. Near Lake Carrelet, the Auberge de l'Alpette is located a little higher up, offering a wonderful spot for a break with a view.

Generally, the natural areas and hiking trails around the lakes are suitable for dogs, but it's always recommended to keep them on a leash, especially in protected areas or where wildlife is present. Specific rules might apply to bathing areas, so check local signage.