Top 4 Lakes around Saint-Martin-De-Clelles

While Saint-Martin-de-Clelles itself doesn't host major lakes, the surrounding Isère region offers two prominent options: the artificial Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet and the series of glacial Lacs de Laffrey. Both provide diverse outdoor activities and scenic views within a reasonable distance.

Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet is famous for its stunning turquoise waters and the iconic Himalayan Footbridges. These suspended walkways over the Drac and Ebron rivers offer a unique hiking experience and magnificent views of the lake and surrounding peaks.

Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, particularly for kitesurfing, windsurfing, and wingfoiling due to consistent thermal winds. You can also enjoy paddleboarding, fishing, and mountain biking around its shores. Hiking, especially across the Himalayan Footbridges, is another major draw.

Yes, there are several spectacular viewpoints. Don't miss the View of Lake Monteynard from the Balcon du Drac for panoramic vistas, or the View of the confluence of the Ébron and the Drac, which offers magnificent lake views as part of a shaded hike.

The Lacs de Laffrey, particularly the Grand Lac de Laffrey, are ideal for bathing, with an equipped beach at La Palud. You can also rent pedal boats, canoes, and kayaks. The lakes are popular for sailing, rowing, and fishing, offering a serene setting for picnics and nature activities.

Yes, both Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet and Lacs de Laffrey offer family-friendly options. The Grand Lac de Laffrey has an equipped beach perfect for swimming. At Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet, families can enjoy easier sections of the footbridges or take a boat trip on La Mira.

Absolutely. The Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet area is renowned for its hiking, especially the loop incorporating the Himalayan Footbridges. For more general hiking, you can explore routes like the 'Drac Footbridge – Ebron Footbridge loop from Mayres-Savel' or the 'Magnificent view – Drac Footbridge loop from Mayres-Savel', which are part of the broader Mountain Hikes around Saint-Martin-De-Clelles guide.

The best time to visit is generally during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn (May to October), when the weather is pleasant for water activities, hiking, and enjoying the scenic beauty. In winter, the Lac de Laffrey can freeze over, offering a different, tranquil atmosphere for snowshoeing.

Yes, the Lacs de Laffrey hold historical significance as they are located along the historic Route Napoléon. This adds a layer of cultural interest to their natural beauty.

Yes, for those seeking more challenging routes, the area around Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet offers options. For example, the 'Drac Footbridge – Ebron Footbridge loop from Mayres-Savel' is rated difficult. You can find more challenging trails in the Mountain Hikes around Saint-Martin-De-Clelles guide.

Visitors particularly enjoy the stunning panoramic views, especially from spots like the Balcon du Drac. The unique experience of walking the Himalayan Footbridges at Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet and the opportunity for diverse water sports are also highly appreciated. The clear, cool waters and equipped beaches of Lacs de Laffrey are popular for relaxation and swimming.

Yes, the region offers other scenic spots. For instance, the View of the Drac Gorge provides exceptional views, often with minimal traffic, especially if you take the Corniche du Drac path. There's also a View of Lac du Sautet, though some sections may require a good mountain bike.