Top 14 Lakes around Le Grand-Bornand

For a family-friendly experience, the Third Lake at Les Ilettes is an excellent choice. It offers distinct lakes for swimming, fishing, and windsurfing, along with a fitness trail, volleyball courts, ping-pong tables, and numerous picnic areas. Supervised swimming is available in July and August, and barbecue is permitted under certain conditions. Lake Passy is also very family-friendly with a beautifully landscaped area, a supervised swimming zone, and diverse offerings for sports and leisure.

Yes, fishing enthusiasts have several options. Third Lake at Les Ilettes has a dedicated fishing lake stocked with wild and rainbow trout, perch, carp, and pike. Night fishing for carp is also available under 'no kill' rules. Lake La Cour is another picturesque mountain lake known for fishing, with rainbow and fario trout regularly released. Fishing is permitted at Lake Lessy under specific conditions, such as a single barbless hook and natural bait or fly only.

For a challenging and rewarding hike, consider the trail to Lessy lake. This magnificent mountain lake is nestled at 1730 meters and offers breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc from its ridge. The round-trip hike from Chinaillon typically takes about 5 hours. Another popular hiking destination is Lake Peyre, which also provides stunning views of the Mont Blanc range. You can find more detailed hiking routes in the Mountain Hikes around Le Grand-Bornand guide.

Swimming is permitted and supervised in July and August at the designated swimming lake within the Third Lake at Les Ilettes complex. Lake Passy also offers a supervised swimming area. However, swimming is strictly prohibited at Lake Lessy as it is a protected Natura 2000 environment, crucial for preserving its unique plant life and Alpine newt colony.

While specific regulations for dogs vary by lake, it's generally recommended to keep dogs on a leash and be mindful of wildlife, especially in protected areas. For example, when visiting Lake Peyre, it's advised not to bring pets, particularly during July and August, to protect the local wildlife. Always check local signage for the most current rules regarding pet access.

The lakes around Le Grand-Bornand offer diverse natural beauty. Lessy lake is a high-altitude alpine lake nestled at the foot of the Aiguille Verte, providing panoramic views of Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc. Lake La Cour also offers spectacular views of the Jalouvre mountain. Lac Bénit is situated on the northern slope of the Bargy chain, surrounded by limestone walls and scree. These lakes are often set amidst mountain pastures, offering rich flora and fauna.

The best time to visit the lakes is generally from May to October, outside of the snow season, when they are most accessible. During this period, you can enjoy activities like hiking, fishing, and picnicking. Summer months (July-August) are ideal for swimming at designated lakes and enjoying warmer weather, though some areas might be busier. Winter offers opportunities for snowshoeing or winter hiking to some lakes, but accessibility will be limited by snow conditions.

Yes, several lakes offer amenities for picnicking and barbecuing. Lake La Cour provides picnic and BBQ areas, with wood often supplied by the local fishing club during summer. The Third Lake at Les Ilettes complex also features equipped picnic areas and a snack/refreshment bar during summer. Barbecues are accepted under certain conditions at Les Ilettes.

While specific cycling routes directly around the lakes might vary, the region around Le Grand-Bornand offers extensive cycling opportunities. You can explore various road cycling routes, such as the Col des Annes or the Le Grand-Bornand – Chinaillon loop, or touring bicycle routes like the Croix Fry Pass – Col des Aravis loop. For detailed routes and difficulty levels, refer to the Road Cycling Routes around Le Grand-Bornand and Cycling around Le Grand-Bornand guides.

Accessibility varies by lake. The Lakes at Les Ilettes offer free parking, making them easily accessible by car. For high-altitude lakes like Lessy lake, access often involves a hike from nearby villages like Chinaillon, which can be reached by local bus services from Le Grand-Bornand. Lake La Cour is generally accessible from May to October, often requiring a drive to a starting point followed by a hike. Always check local transport schedules and road conditions, especially for mountain passes.

Lac Bénit, located at 1,452 meters on the northern slope of the Bargy chain, is steeped in local legends. One popular tale suggests fairies bathed there, influencing the production of butter and tomme cheese in the town. Another legend speaks of an episcopal ring falling into the lake during a blessing to prevent avalanches. The lake also benefited from developments in the early 1960s, doubling its surface area.

Yes, especially for protected areas. For instance, Lake Lessy is part of the Natura 2000 program, meaning swimming, camping, and open fires are strictly prohibited to preserve its unique ecosystem. Fishing at Lake Lessy is allowed only with a single barbless hook and natural bait or fly. Always look for local signage and respect environmental guidelines to protect these natural sites.