Top 20 Lakes around Barcelonnette

Several lakes in the Ubaye Valley are ideal for families. Lac du Lauzanier is easily accessible and known for marmot spotting in summer. Lake Lauzet-Ubaye offers easy access, supervised swimming in August, picnic areas, and a children's play area. Jausiers Lake provides supervised swimming, a Wake Parc, and other recreational activities, while Rioclar Lake has a pleasant beach and picnic spots. The Plan d'eau de Siguret is also noted as family-friendly.

Yes, for experienced hikers seeking a challenge, the Lacs Marinet involve a demanding 6 to 7-hour walk through vast plains and mountains, rich in wildlife. The Chambeyron Hut, situated at 2,630 meters next to Lake Premier, is a scenic spot for mountaineers, overlooked by the Brec de Chambeyron. You can find more challenging routes in the area by exploring the hiking guide for Barcelonnette.

For wild swimming, Lake Lauzet-Ubaye offers free access and supervised swimming in August, along with pedal boat and paddle rentals. Jausiers Lake provides supervised swimming and a Wake Parc. Rioclar Lake also has a beach suitable for swimming. For a wider range of water sports, Lake Serre-Ponçon, often called a 'sea in the mountains,' is one of Europe's largest artificial lakes with extensive beaches and numerous providers for activities like kitesurfing, windsurfing, and wakeboarding.

The lakes around Barcelonnette are home to diverse wildlife. At Lac du Lauzanier, marmots are commonly seen roaming in the summer. The demanding trek to Lacs Marinet offers opportunities to spot chamois, ibex, donkeys, horses, and sheep herds with their shepherds.

Absolutely. The Lake of Nine Colours is a superb heart-shaped lake nestled in a rocky basin, offering a picturesque and tranquil experience. Lake Eissauprés is described as a 'wonder of a small lake' and provides a charming, secluded stop during the ascent of the Col de la Bonette. Lake Lauzet-Ubaye is known for its magnificent emerald waters.

The summer months are ideal for visiting, especially for activities like swimming and wildlife spotting, as marmots are prevalent at Lac du Lauzanier. The region's lakes offer varied experiences throughout the warmer seasons, with supervised swimming typically available in August at places like Lake Lauzet-Ubaye and Jausiers Lake.

Yes, near Lac du Lauzanier, you can find the small chapel of Notre-Dame des Lumières situated on a hill. Additionally, Lake Serre-Ponçon features the Vauban tower in nearby Saint-Vincent-les-Forts, offering a historical perspective. When the water level is low, remnants of the submerged village of Ubaye can also be seen.

Beyond lake-specific activities, the region offers extensive opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and running. You can explore various trails, such as the 'Lac des Neuf Couleurs Loop Trail' for hiking, or 'La Tour des Sagnes' for mountain biking. For more options, check out the dedicated guides for hiking, MTB trails, and running trails around Barcelonnette.

Yes, Lake Lauzet-Ubaye is notably easy to access by car. Lac du Lauzanier is also known for its easy accessibility, making it a popular destination for walks.

Some lakes offer amenities. Jausiers Lake has a snack restaurant with a shaded terrace. Rioclar Lake has a picnic area, and a nearby campsite provides a restaurant. The village of Lauzet-Ubaye, at the foot of Lake Lauzet-Ubaye, is a hub for whitewater sports and likely has dining options. For overnight stays, the Chambeyron Hut is a great place to spend the night by Lake Premier.

The View of the lake and Ubaye valley offers a breathtaking panorama of Lake Serre-Ponçon and the Ubaye valley. The Chambeyron Hut, by Lake Premier, provides stunning views dominated by the Brec de Chambeyron. The Lake Oronaye is also listed as a scenic viewpoint.