Best lakes around Piégut are situated within a landscape characterized by the Southern Alps, featuring both significant artificial reservoirs and natural bodies of water. This region offers diverse outdoor experiences, from serene lakeside environments to challenging mountain viewpoints. The area is known for its natural beauty, attracting visitors seeking both relaxation and active exploration. Piégut's lakes are central to the region's natural appeal and recreational opportunities, including family friendly lakes Piégut.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
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The desire to establish a dam to tame the tumultuous waters of the Durance dates back to the 19th century. The creation of the lake marked the beginning of significant economic and tourism growth for the region. The site has quickly become an essential tourism destination in the Southern Alps. This work therefore makes Serre-Ponçon one of the largest artificial lakes in France and one of the largest earthen dams in Europe.
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Constructed over six years and completed in 1961, the barrage flooded two villages - Savines and Ubaye. Climbing up past the barrage, you can see just how it as built to almost blend into its surroundings.
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Mount Colombis (1733 m) is one of the least known monsters of the Alps. Very tough climbs like Mont Ventoux, Grand Colombier or Mont du Chat have a much greater reputation in the cycling world. But it's not just because of that... to put it bluntly, it's because it's so scary!
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For climbers and panorama fans. I don't want to judge whether it is THE most beautiful view of the Lac, because the view from the Pic de Morgon is not to be despised either, but you can't get up there by bike. The effort of climbing up the Mont Colombis with 2-digit percentage values is definitely worth it and is also rewarded with a spectacular panorama.
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At 1734m, from the summit of Mont Colombis, there is a panoramic view of the Avance and Durance valleys and of the Serre Ponçon lake. Site classified as a natural area of ecological, faunal and floristic interest. Benches and orientation tables.
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Lake at the foot of the superb mountain of Céüse with a small leisure centre. The cliffs, classified as a Natura 2000 zone, are home to peregrine falcons and choughs. Renowned for rock climbing, they attract climbers from all over the world.
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Both Serre-Ponçon Dam and Pelleautier Lake are considered family-friendly. Pelleautier Lake, in particular, offers a small leisure center at the foot of the Céüse mountain, making it ideal for a day out with children.
The region boasts diverse natural beauty. At Pelleautier Lake, you'll find a scenic landscape with cliffs classified as a Natura 2000 zone, home to peregrine falcons and choughs. The area around Mont Colombis, offering views of Lac de Serre-Ponçon, is also a classified natural area of ecological, faunal, and floristic interest.
Yes, the region offers excellent hiking. The ascent to Mont Colombis provides a challenging hike to 1734m with spectacular panoramic views of Lac de Serre-Ponçon. For more options, you can explore various trails listed in the Hiking around Piégut guide, including routes near Demoiselles Coiffées and Feensteine Cliffs.
For breathtaking vistas, the View of Lac de Serre-Ponçon from Mont Colombis is highly recommended. From its 1734m summit, you get a panoramic view of the Avance and Durance valleys and the vast Lac de Serre-Ponçon. The observation deck at Serre-Ponçon Dam also offers elevated views of the reservoir.
Absolutely. The region provides several road cycling routes, some of which pass by or offer views of the lakes. You can find routes like 'Col de Pontis – Lake Serre-Ponçon loop' or 'Serre-Ponçon Dam – Rousset Dam loop' in the Road Cycling Routes around Piégut guide.
The Serre-Ponçon Dam is a significant historical and engineering marvel. Its construction, completed in 1961, created one of the largest artificial lakes in France and one of the largest earthen dams in Europe. The project involved flooding two villages, Savines and Ubaye, and marked a period of significant economic and tourism growth for the Southern Alps.
Yes, there are various running trails available. You can explore routes such as 'The surprise – The Châteauvieux Marls loop' or 'Mont Colombis loop' which offer different distances and difficulty levels. More details can be found in the Running Trails around Piégut guide.
Visitors appreciate the diverse outdoor experiences, from the serene lakeside environments to challenging mountain viewpoints. The region's natural beauty, including the vastness of Lac de Serre-Ponçon and the scenic cliffs near Pelleautier Lake, is a major draw. The area is popular for both relaxation and active exploration, with many enjoying the panoramic views and hiking opportunities.
While the guide highlights popular spots, the region is rich with natural beauty. Pelleautier Lake, though having a leisure center, is a natural lake nestled at the foot of the Céüse mountain, offering a scenic landscape that feels a bit more secluded than the larger Serre-Ponçon. Exploring the various viewpoints around the larger lakes can also lead to quieter, stunning perspectives.
The region's lakes offer appeal across seasons, but the best time for active exploration and enjoying the leisure centers is typically from late spring to early autumn (May to October) when the weather is warm and stable. This period is ideal for hiking, cycling, and water-based activities. Winter can offer beautiful, snow-covered landscapes, particularly for those interested in winter walks or photography, though some facilities might be closed.
Yes, particularly around Pelleautier Lake, the cliffs are classified as a Natura 2000 zone and are known to be home to peregrine falcons and choughs. The broader region, being part of the Southern Alps, supports a variety of mountain and lakeside wildlife, making it a good spot for nature observation.
While specific accessible trails are not detailed, the observation deck at Serre-Ponçon Dam is slightly elevated and generally designed for visitor access. For other areas, it's advisable to check specific site information or local tourist offices for the most up-to-date details on accessibility, as many trails in the mountainous region can be challenging.

