Top 20 Lakes in Isère
Best lakes in Isère are located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France. This department is characterized by its varied natural landscape, including glacial lakes, mountain lakes, and artificial reservoirs. The region provides diverse environments for outdoor activities and exploration, with many lakes offering opportunities for water sports and hiking.
Best lakes in Isère
- The most popular lakes include Lake Lauvitel, a lake that is the largest in the Ecrins National Park. Surrounded by peaks, it is situated at an altitude of 1530 meters.
- Another must-see spot is Ebron Footbridge, a bridge that spans the Ebron Gorge. This Himalayan-style footbridge is 180 meters long and offers views of the lake and surrounding peaks.
- Visitors also love Robert Lakes, a collection of four lakes located at the bottom of a natural cirque. These lakes are situated at an altitude of 1,998 meters and are surrounded by peaks over 2,400 meters high.
- Isère is known for its glacial lakes, high-altitude mountain lakes, and artificial reservoirs. These include the Grand Lac de Laffrey, Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet, and Lac du Paladru, offering a variety of natural settings to explore.
- The lakes in Isère are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 560 upvotes and over 260 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Ebron Footbridge
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Lake Achard
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Maintenant, la baignade et le bivouac sont interdits pour protéger le site et les chiens doivent être tenus en laisse.
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Lake Lauvitel
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Lac du Chambon and its dam
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Lake Crozet
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Lake Muzelle
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Lake Crop
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Étang de la Rosière
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Lake Paladru
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Robert Lakes
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Tips from the Community
On the GR 54 Tour de Ecrins tour, stage 11 and 1st photo of the view from the 12th and last day's stage.... the refuge is very good and highly recommended, the lake was unfortunately too cold for us, but beautiful to look at and the tour overall fantastic!
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Lake Paladru is very popular in the summer, especially on weekends. Swimming is possible; there's a small, well-equipped beach.
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This is a classic bike ride around Grenoble, easy and suitable for the whole family.
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The path to Lac de crop is somewhat steep at places, but it is well maintained and well marked. The view of the lake is truly rewarding. Highly recommended.
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Magnificent lake! Accessible to all! As a bonus, you'll find ibexes and a few marmots if you're lucky. For the more courageous, you can climb to an altitude of 2,900 m by continuing on the path with a magnificent view if the sky is clear!
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A lake with crystalline colors.
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Magnificent mountain lake!! However, bring good shoes because there is a lot of elevation gain and a repellent for flying insects because during our breaks, it was impossible to be left in peace.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some family-friendly lakes in Isère?
For families, Lac du Paladru, also known as 'Lac Bleu', offers crystal-clear waters for swimming and various water sports, along with beaches. Lac Achard is popular for family-friendly hikes with impressive views, especially in summer, and is accessible via snowshoeing trails in winter. Lake Crozet and Étang de la Rosière are also noted as family-friendly destinations.
Which lakes are best for water sports like paddleboarding or windsurfing?
The Grand Lac de Laffrey is excellent for sailing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding due to its often windy conditions, with rentals available. Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet is renowned as one of Europe's top spots for wind sports, attracting kitesurfers, windsurfers, and foilers with its consistent thermal winds. Lac du Paladru also offers sailing, paddleboarding, and canoeing.
Are there any lakes with historical significance in Isère?
Yes, the Grand Lac de Laffrey lies along the historic Route Napoléon, marking a significant spot where Napoleon famously persuaded royal troops to join him in 1815. Additionally, the area around Lac du Paladru has archaeological findings from submerged villages, displayed at the nearby Musée archéologique du Lac de Paladru.
What kind of hiking trails can I find around the lakes in Isère?
You'll find a variety of hiking trails. For instance, Lac Achard offers popular family-friendly hikes in the Belledonne mountain range. The area around Lac du Paladru is suitable for hiking, and the Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet is famous for its two Himalayan-style suspension bridges, the Pont des Alpes and the Pont de l'Herbeys, which are highlights for hikers. For more extensive hiking options, you can explore various routes in the region, such as those listed in the Waterfall hikes in Isère guide.
Can I go wild swimming in the lakes of Isère?
Many lakes in Isère offer opportunities for swimming. Lac du Paladru is known for its crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming. Lake Lauvitel is described as a wonderful bathing lake in spectacular alpine scenery during midsummer. However, for Lac Achard, swimming is generally prohibited to protect its sensitive natural environment.
What natural features and wildlife can be observed around the lakes?
The lakes are set in diverse natural landscapes. The Grand Lac de Laffrey is near the Pivodière marsh, a small reserve known for rare dragonflies. Lake Lauvitel is in the heart of the Ecrins National Park, surrounded by peaks. Lac Achard, located in the Belledonne mountain range, is part of a sensitive natural area (Espace Naturel Sensible and Natura 2000 zone), indicating rich biodiversity. Fishing is popular in Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet and Lac du Paladru, with species like trout, pike, and perch.
Are there any lakes suitable for winter activities?
Yes, Lac Achard is accessible via snowshoeing trails in winter, offering a different experience of its rugged scenery. The Robert Lakes are also frozen in winter, providing a beautiful, serene landscape.
What are some popular viewpoints around the lakes?
The two Himalayan-style suspension bridges at Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet, the Pont des Alpes and the Pont de l'Herbeys, offer spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Lac Achard provides impressive views of the Taillefer massif. The Robert Lakes, situated in a natural cirque dominated by peaks over 2,400 meters high, offer a remarkable site for views.
What kind of cycling routes are available near the lakes?
The region around Isère's lakes offers various cycling opportunities. For road cycling, you can find routes like the 'La Belle Via Cycle Route' or more challenging climbs such as the 'Col de la Croix de Fer Climb from Allemond'. You can find more details and routes in the Road Cycling Routes in Isère guide.
Are there any unique attractions near the lakes, like suspension bridges?
Yes, Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet is famous for its two Himalayan-style suspension bridges, the Pont des Alpes and the Pont de l'Herbeys. These bridges offer a thrilling experience and spectacular views, making them a major highlight for visitors. The Ebron Footbridge also spans the Ebron Gorge, offering magnificent views.
What is the best time to visit the lakes in Isère?
The best time to visit largely depends on your desired activities. Summer is ideal for swimming, water sports, and hiking, with many lakes offering bathing opportunities. In winter, lakes like Lac Achard are accessible for snowshoeing. The consistent thermal winds at Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet are particularly strong in the afternoon, making it great for wind sports during warmer months.
Are there opportunities for camping or bivouacking near the lakes?
Bivouacking is generally allowed at Lac Achard from sunset to sunrise outside peak summer months, with restrictions to protect the environment. For Lake Muzelle, you can choose to bivouac on the south shore or sleep at the lake refuge in the north. The Robert Lakes are also popular with campers.
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