Top 15 Lakes around Riddes

For stunning high-altitude experiences, consider Lac des Vaux, known for its clear waters and flowery shores, or Lac de Louvie, a secluded mountain lake with views of the Grand Combin. Another impressive option is Lac des Dix, a large reservoir surrounded by high mountains and featuring Switzerland's highest dam wall.

Yes, the Domaine des Îles near Sion is an excellent choice for families. This expansive park offers a natural lake with supervised swimming in summer, vast green spaces, picnic areas with grills, children's play areas, and various sports facilities like mini-golf and an adventure park. It's free to enter and open year-round.

While many mountain lakes are cold, swimming is possible for the brave. Lac des Vaux, despite its high altitude, can reach 10-12°C in July and August, though a wetsuit is recommended. The natural lake at Domaine des Îles offers supervised swimming during the summer months.

For a challenging and rewarding experience, the 22.2 km hike around Lac de Mauvoisin takes approximately 8 hours and offers breathtaking views of the lake, waterfalls, and mountains. The trail includes tunnels and galleries, with opportunities to spot alpine wildlife. Lac des Dix also offers plenty of hiking options, from easy routes to technical climbs with ladders.

Yes, Lac de Tseuzier offers a popular and family-friendly circular hiking trail. It's approximately 4.6 km long with only 80 meters of elevation gain, making it an easy walk that can be completed in about an hour. This trail provides amazing views of the Col de Rawyl mountain range and distant 4000m peaks.

The lakes near Riddes boast diverse natural features. Lac des Vaux is known for its clear waters and flowery shores. Lac de Tseuzier features emerald waters, waterfalls, streams, and varied plant life. Lac de Mauvoisin offers a spectacular alpine setting with wild nature, fed by glaciers and rivers creating numerous waterfalls. You can also find panoramic views of the Rhône Valley and Mont Blanc massif from many viewpoints.

The best time to visit is generally during the summer months, from July to September, when the weather is warmer and hiking trails are clear of snow. High-altitude lakes like Lac des Vaux are typically accessible for hiking and swimming (for the brave) during July and August. Some lakes, like Lac des Vaux, freeze in early October and only begin to melt in late May.

Yes, fishing is a popular activity at some lakes. For example, fishing permits for Lac des Vaux can be obtained from the local tourist office starting in June. While Lac des Toules has little natural wildlife due to annual emptying, some fish are released for recreational fishing.

Beyond hiking, the region offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find excellent running trails, such as the 'Le fou and Lac Des Vaux from La Tzoumaz' loop, or explore mountain biking routes like 'Les Ruinettes 2,200 m – Col de la Croix de Cœur loop'. For more options, check out the Running Trails around Riddes, Mountain Hikes around Riddes, and Gravel biking around Riddes guides.

Yes, Lac de Mauvoisin is formed by the Mauvoisin Dam, one of the highest arch dams in the world at 250 meters. Guided visits to the dam are available. Lac de Tseuzier is also a reservoir created by the Rawyl dam. Additionally, Lac des Toules is notable for hosting the world's first high-altitude floating solar plant, an impressive engineering feat designed to withstand harsh alpine conditions.

The Domaine des Îles near Sion has a campsite with a restaurant ('Au Bonheur') and another restaurant ('Restaurant des Iles'). For high-altitude options, the mountain hut Cabane de Chanrion is located at the southernmost point of the Lac de Mauvoisin trail, offering refreshments. The altitude restaurant in Croix-de-Coeur is also a starting point for walks to Lac des Vaux.

Many trails in the Valais region are dog-friendly, especially those in natural areas. While specific dog-friendly designations vary, generally, well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome on hiking trails around lakes like Lac des Vaux, Lac de Tseuzier, and Lac de Mauvoisin. Always ensure to clean up after your pet and respect local wildlife.

Lac de Mauvoisin stands out for its spectacular alpine setting and wild, pristine nature, being part of Switzerland's second-largest nature reserve. It features one of the world's highest arch dams, the Mauvoisin Dam, and its turquoise waters are fed by surrounding glaciers, creating numerous waterfalls. The challenging hike around the lake offers breathtaking views and opportunities to spot alpine wildlife.

Lac des Toules is unique for hosting the world's first high-altitude floating solar plant, inaugurated in 2019. This innovative plant generates significant power and is a marvel of engineering designed to withstand extreme alpine conditions. Beyond its technological aspect, the lake is surrounded by majestic mountains, offering a peaceful setting for hiking and observing alpine animals like marmots.