Top 3 Lakes around Saint-Aupre

While Lake Paladru is a popular destination for various activities, the immediate vicinity of Saint-Aupre features the tranquil Étang des Chartreux and the secluded Lac de Saint-Sixte. These offer a more intimate connection with nature and local history.

Yes, both the Étang des Chartreux and Lac de Saint-Sixte are integrated into walking routes. The Étang des Chartreux is part of a loop that allows you to explore wild bodies of water and their aquatic flora. For more extensive options, you can find various running trails around Saint-Aupre, some of which pass near these natural spots.

The Étang des Chartreux is a haven for biodiversity, particularly known as a paradise for dragonflies, including the large Aeschne dragonfly. Its banks are rich in lacustrine flora such as amphibious knotweed, blue molinia, meadowsweet, and marsh horsetail reed beds, making it ideal for nature observation.

Lac de Saint-Sixte offers a secluded and mysterious ambiance, nestled at the foot of the Chartreuse mountains. It's surprisingly deep, with local legends suggesting a connection to Lac de Paladru. The northern bank provides a flat, romantic path with beautiful reflections on the water, perfect for scenic walks.

Yes, near Lac de Saint-Sixte, you can find the ruins of a castle on a hill in the woods, which housed resistors during World War II. Additionally, behind the nearby church, there's a Merovingian crypt from the 4th century, built on the site of a Roman temple, offering a glimpse into the region's ancient past.

While the Étang des Chartreux is dedicated to relaxation and fishing, swimming and fishing are generally prohibited in Lac de Saint-Sixte due to specific regulations. For swimming, Charavines Beach on Lake Paladru is a well-equipped option.

The lakes are best visited for their calm atmosphere and picturesque walks through refreshing undergrowth. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant natural colors, while summer provides a serene escape. The light changes with the seasons, creating infinite palettes of color, especially at Lac de Saint-Sixte.

For family-friendly options, Lac de Paladru is highly recommended, with its lovely blue water and excellent cycle paths, including a perfectly developed cycle path on its eastern shore suitable for families with small children. The Étang des Chartreux also offers a peaceful environment for relaxation and nature observation.

For breathtaking panoramic views, the Croix des Cochettes View of Lac de Paladru offers an amazing perspective of this glacial lake from high up on the hillside. The northern bank of Lac de Saint-Sixte also provides romantic paths with beautiful reflections on the water.

The area around Saint-Aupre offers diverse cycling routes. You can enjoy the cycle path on the eastern shore of Lac de Paladru, which is ideal for families. For more challenging rides, explore the various road cycling routes or gravel biking trails around Saint-Aupre.

While specific parking areas for Étang des Chartreux and Lac de Saint-Sixte are not explicitly detailed, these locations are typically accessed via local roads and walking routes. Visitors usually find parking in nearby village areas or designated spots along the walking loops that encompass these natural sites.