4.5
(1163)
9,871
hikers
92
hikes
Hiking in Réserve Naturelle Régionale Du Lac D'Aiguebelette features a diverse landscape centered around the emerald-colored Lac d'Aiguebelette, France's third-largest natural lake. The region extends to parts of the Montagne de l'Épine, providing a mountainous backdrop and varied elevation. Trails traverse extensive deciduous, coniferous, and mixed forests, alongside wetlands and agricultural grasslands. This natural reserve offers a range of physical features for hikers to explore.
Last updated: May 13, 2026
2.8
(4)
32
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2.8
(4)
35
hikers
7.57km
01:59
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(3)
16
hikers
18.4km
05:16
400m
400m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(2)
7
hikers
4.51km
01:11
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
8
hikers
3.45km
00:53
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Réserve Naturelle Régionale Du Lac D'Aiguebelette
Lake Aiguebelette is a natural lake located in France in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Main lake of the Savoyard Avant-Pays, in the southern end of the Jura massif, it is located approximately 10 kilometers from Chambéry, approximately 40 kilometers from Grenoble and approximately 100 kilometers from Lyon. It has an area of 545 hectares and is as such the seventh natural French lake after Lake Geneva (in part), Lake Hourtin and Carcans, Lake Grand-Lieu, Lake Bourget, Lake Annecy and Lake Marville (at Kerguelen). Bordered to the east by the Épine chain which culminates with Mont Grelle at 1,427 meters and to the west by Mont Tournier, its maximum depth is 71 meters. At first glance, it is characterized by its often green color, whereas, in the same region, Lake Annecy is bluer and Lake Bourget is more often steel gray. Lake Aiguebelette is a private lake which belongs to the Rivérieulx de Chambost de Lépin family and Électrcité de France, who have entrusted its management to the Communauté de Communes du Lac d'Aiguebelette. Its banks are shared between five riverside municipalities: Aiguebelette-le-Lac, Lépin-le-Lac, Saint-Alban-de-Montbel, Novalaise and Nances. In the southern part of the lake there are two islands, surrounded by reed beds. In order to preserve the quality of its waters and its environment, thermal motor boats have been prohibited on the lake since a decree of 1967. It has also been the first regional freshwater nature reserve in France since March 2015. Source: Wikipedia
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Magnificent lake in a mountain atmosphere, with a pretty road that goes around it, partly away from traffic. Do it clockwise.
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The Lac d'Aiguebelette is an essential place in the summer season. The road around the lake offers an easy ride that allows you to enjoy views of the mountains and the lake. There are a number of side roads and trails that will take you to the water's edge, as well as plenty of places to stop and cool off.
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The parish church was built and renovated several times during the 19th century, including the bell tower in 1868, which was repaired in 1890 after being struck by lightning. In the evening, the building is illuminated.
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By the way, the name of the village is Saint-Alban-de-Montbel. The church is right across the town hall.
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Great viewpoint on the west shore of the lake. Follow the small road that leads downhill from the church. This is a shortcut to the Plage du Sougey.
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There are nearly 100 hiking trails accessible from bus stations in Réserve Naturelle Régionale Du Lac D'Aiguebelette. These routes cater to various skill levels, with a good mix of easy, moderate, and difficult options.
The terrain around Lac d'Aiguebelette is quite varied. You'll find paths along the tranquil lake shores, through extensive deciduous, coniferous, and mixed forests, and across agricultural grasslands. Some trails also ascend parts of the Montagne de l'Épine, offering more challenging sections and panoramic views.
Yes, there are several easy hikes suitable for families. For example, the route "Lac d'Aiguebelette – Eglise saint-de-morrel loop from Nances" is an easy option that allows you to enjoy the lake's beauty. The region's calm environment, especially around the lake where motorboats are prohibited, makes it ideal for family outings.
Absolutely. Many of the bus-accessible trails are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point, often near a bus stop. An example is the "Eglise saint-de-morrel – Lac d'Aiguebelette loop from Saint-Alban-de-Montbel", which offers a pleasant loop around the lake area.
The region is rich in natural beauty. You can enjoy the stunning emerald waters of Lac d'Aiguebelette itself, which is a significant highlight. Trails also offer views of the Montagne de l'Épine and diverse ecosystems. For panoramic vistas, some routes lead towards points like the Col du Crucifix, providing rewarding views over the lake valley.
Generally, dogs are welcome on many trails in the Réserve Naturelle Régionale Du Lac D'Aiguebelette, but it's always best to keep them on a leash, especially in protected areas or near wildlife. Check specific trail regulations if you plan to hike with your dog, as rules can vary.
The reserve is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions for hiking. Spring brings lush greenery and blooming flora, while autumn showcases vibrant fall colors. Summer is also popular, especially for combining hikes with water activities on the lake, though trails can be busier.
The duration of hikes varies greatly depending on the route's distance and difficulty. You can find shorter, easy walks like the "Eglise saint-de-morrel loop from Saint-Alban-de-Montbel" which takes around 40 minutes, to moderate routes such as the "Lake Aiguebelette loop from Nances" which can take over 3.5 hours.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.47 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning emerald color and tranquility of Lac d'Aiguebelette, the diverse landscapes ranging from lake shores to mountain views, and the well-maintained network of trails that cater to all levels.
While popular spots around the lake can attract visitors, the extensive network of 300 km of marked trails means you can often find quieter paths, especially away from the immediate lakefront during peak times. Exploring trails that venture into the forests or higher up the Montagne de l'Épine can offer a more secluded experience.
Yes, while many routes hug the lake, some trails venture into the surrounding mountains, particularly towards the Montagne de l'Épine. For more experienced hikers, ascents like Mont Grêle (though not directly from a bus stop in this guide) offer spectacular scenery and significant elevation. Look for routes marked as 'moderate' or 'difficult' for more challenging climbs, such as the "Lake Aiguebelette – Lake Aiguebelette loop from Nances" which includes notable ascents.


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