Top 20 Lakes around Bessans

The Bessans region features a diverse range of lakes, including recreational areas with supervised swimming, natural alpine lakes known for their clear waters, and large artificial reservoirs used for hydroelectric power. You'll find everything from family-friendly spots to high-altitude bodies of water.

Yes, the Espace Ludi'lacs, located about 2.5 km from Bessans, is an excellent family-friendly option. It offers supervised swimming, inflatable aquatic structures, picnic areas, and various sports courts. Additionally, Lago Grande is noted as family-friendly, and the areas around Lac de Plan d'Amont and Lac du Mont Cenis also offer easy routes suitable for families.

The lakes offer a wide range of activities. At Espace Ludi'lacs, you can enjoy supervised swimming, fishing, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Lac du Mont Cenis is popular for mountain biking, gravel cycling, hiking, and even pedal boating at Europe's highest nautical base. Many lakes, like Lac de Plan d'Amont, serve as excellent starting points for hiking within the Vanoise National Park. For more specific routes, check out the hiking, gravel biking, and MTB trails guides for the Bessans area.

Yes, the Espace Ludi'lacs near Bessans has a dedicated swimming lake that is supervised daily during July and August, featuring inflatable aquatic structures. This is considered one of the most paradisiacal mountain swimming lakes in the area.

For stunning views and hiking, Lac du Mont Cenis offers expansive turquoise waters reflecting the surrounding peaks, with trails suitable for spotting marmots. Lac de Plan d'Amont, at the gates of the Vanoise National Park, is surrounded by rhododendrons and reflects the majestic Dent Parrachée. Lac du Chardonnet also provides breathtaking views during its easy to moderate hikes.

Yes, fishing is a popular activity. At Espace Ludi'lacs, one of the lakes is specifically managed for fishing, stocked with rainbow and fario trout (a fishing permit is required). Lago Grande is also known among fishermen for its clear waters rich in trout. Fishing is also popular at Lac du Mont Cenis.

Many lakes in the region, such as Lac du Mont Cenis, Lake Malciaussia, Lac de Plan d'Amont, Lac de Plan d'Aval, and Lake della Rossa, are artificial reservoirs. They play a crucial role in hydroelectric power generation for the valley. Some, like Lac du Mont Cenis and Lake della Rossa, were among Europe's highest artificial lakes at the time of their construction.

Yes, the region has some historical connections. The fluctuations in Lac du Mont Cenis's water level can reveal old structures, such as former dikes built by Italians between 1911 and 1921. Near Lago Grande, the 'royal road' was once the only connection between France and Novalesa, and the area is crossed by the 'Via Francigena' hiking trail. Lake Savine is even noted as a place where Hannibal camped during his crossing of the Alps.

Lac du Mont Cenis is a large artificial lake located at 1,974 meters, known for its stunning turquoise waters that often reflect the surrounding peaks. It's one of France's largest high-altitude lakes by volume and hosts Europe's highest nautical base, offering canoe and pedal boat rentals. The plateau around it is also excellent for mountain biking and hiking.

For tranquility, White Lake is highly recommended. It's described as a beautiful mountain lake with crystalline colors where the sky is reflected, inviting hikers to stop, breathe, and relax. Lago Grande is also known for its peaceful natural setting.

When hiking around lakes like Lac de Plan d'Amont and Lac de Plan d'Aval, especially within the Vanoise National Park, you have good chances of spotting local wildlife. Visitors frequently report seeing marmots, squirrels, ibex, and even bearded vultures in these areas.

While general access is open, some specific regulations apply. For instance, fishing at Espace Ludi'lacs requires a permit. Also, the road to Lake Malciaussia is reserved for cyclists only on Thursdays from late June to early August, with motorized vehicles restricted from 11:30 to 15:30. Parking at Lake Malciaussia is also subject to a fee during summer.