Best lakes around Cordon offers a variety of natural bodies of water within the Haute-Savoie region of France. The area features lakes situated in diverse landscapes, from valley floors to mountain pastures. These locations provide opportunities for various outdoor activities and offer scenic viewpoints. Cordon's proximity to these lakes makes it a base for exploring the natural features of the surrounding area.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Cordon.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Very beautiful lake with a supervised swimming area.
1
0
Lovely place to have a picnic on one of the benches. You have a beautiful view. You can also take beautiful pictures in the mirrored water.
0
0
A beautifully landscaped bathing lake with many sports and leisure opportunities
5
0
The lake is very beautiful and there are enough places to sit and eat. The view of the surrounding area is also beautiful. However, there are no nice hiking trails nearby as it is a ski resort
0
1
The "Lac des Iles" is an artificial lake created in the 1970s following the excavation of the materials necessary for the creation of the A40 motorway. It is designed for leisure activities and in particular swimming: - supervised beach in summer, - grassy coves, - activities: mini-golf, small electric boats, orienteering course, fitness trail, karting... - water pleasures: windsurfing, stand-up paddle, fishing...
1
0
Tardevant Lake (2110) A magnificent view of the Danay, the Bouchet valley and the Grand Bornand on the way up. A breathtaking view of the Lachat and the Chinaillon massifs. A peaceful and wild valley where only nature reigns supreme 💕❤️💕👌 The hike can be extended towards the summit of Ambrevetta (alt. 2,462m) and Pointe de Tardevant (alt. 2,501m)
1
0
Lake Flaine is located at the bottom of a valley over-excavated by a local glacier which descended from the summit of the lapiaz zone of the Platé desert (Tête lawn (2475 m) and Grandes platières (2480 m)) during the great glaciations. At its western end, it is blocked by the rocky threshold of the Col de Cou (1501 m). From a geological point of view, this depression is dug in limestone from the Urgonian (130 to 112 million years) and the Neocomian (145 to 130 million) which is very easily attacked by water and which therefore cannot hold her back. The bottom is however covered with a thick layer of silt that can reach several tens of meters which ensures its watertightness7. During the last retreat of the glacier from the basin, almost 12,000 years ago, the lake was 20 meters deeper and occupied the entire bottom of the basin over a length of 1200 m but it gradually shrank that the losses became more active and accelerated its evacuation. The result is a long plain slowly tilting 2% towards the west where the lake takes refuge in its low waters6. Currently, the lake is fed by four small streams, three of which are permanent. Two come from the Col de Cou while the third comes from the south and circulates under the scree. The main one follows the valley, it crosses the Flaine ski resort and its wastewater treatment plant and has a very variable flow rate: it can be dry but can also flow 300 l/s6. The surface area of the lake fluctuates accordingly and is only 1.5 ha and 0.8 m deep during low water in autumn and winter. However, it does not pass below this limit because its main outlet is not at the lowest point, but on its southern bank, in a scree. The flood period occurs when the snow melts to reach a size of 12 ha for a depth of 10.5 m, values reached in 1985-86 around June 1st. This value, however, seems higher than in previous decades since the water then surrounds the alpine chalets on the lake plain and the fir trees have their trunks in the water for several weeks, which represents conditions where they do not should not be able to develop. The cause of the increase in spring floods is attributed to the creation of the Flaine resort in the 1960s which led to waterproofing of the soil (parking lots, roads, sealing of lapiaz for ski slopes, etc.) as well as the capture of additional water from Lake Vernant8. Another consequence is that the bed of the Flaine stream has sunk several meters as it enters the lake plain6. During periods of high water, water flows through two additional temporary outlets located on the north side of the lake and forming funnels 2 to 3 m in diameter7. Water characteristics A surface temperature of 13.5° was recorded on May 26, 1986. In winter, the lake can also freeze over almost its entire depth. A measurement carried out during periods of high water revealed that its pH is relatively alkaline (9.08) for relatively low mineralization (TH = 4.46 °f mainly due to 17.2 mg/l of calcium). Lined by fine gray-beige silt, the lake is quite turbid and has a transparency of only around 1 m. Bacteriologically contaminated, around 1990 it was in an advanced state of eutrophication due to the lack of performance of the wastewater treatment plant6. The lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout and brown trout9.
1
0
Great lake, with lots of sporting opportunities for everyone
3
0
For windsurfing and other water sports, Third Lake at Les Ilettes is an excellent choice. It was specifically designed for windsurfing and is considered one of the best spots in Haute-Savoie for water activities. The site also features a waterbird observation cabin.
Yes, Third Lake at Les Ilettes is very family-friendly, offering a swimming lake with supervised swimming in July and August, green lawns for relaxing, open-air showers, volleyball courts, ping-pong tables, and equipped picnic areas. Snacks and a refreshment bar are available in summer. Lake Passy is also beautifully landscaped with many sports and leisure opportunities, including a supervised swimming area.
Lac de la Cour is a very peaceful spot located in the middle of mountain pastures. It offers beautiful views and is ideal for picnics, with benches available. Visitors often enjoy the mirrored water for photography.
The first lake at Les Ilettes is exclusively reserved for fishing, boasting species like wild and rainbow trout, perch, carp, and pike. Fishing licenses are available for purchase locally. The north shore of the third lake at Les Ilettes is also reserved for fishing.
Lake Tardevant is situated in a wild valley setting and offers magnificent views of the surrounding massifs. From here, you can extend your hike towards higher summits like Ambrevetta (2,462m) and Pointe de Tardevant (2,501m) for a more challenging adventure.
The lakes around Cordon are set in diverse landscapes, from valley floors to mountain pastures. You can find lakes fed by streams, surrounded by forests, and offering panoramic viewpoints of the Alps. For example, Lake Flaine is located at the bottom of a valley over-excavated by a glacier, with a unique geological history and varying water levels depending on the season.
Beyond water activities on the lakes themselves, the region offers a variety of outdoor pursuits. You can find numerous running trails, such as the 'La Cabane du Petit Pâtre loop' or 'Cross of the Head loop', which can be explored via the Running Trails around Cordon guide. For more challenging adventures, mountain hikes like the 'Petit Croisse loop' are detailed in the Mountain Hikes around Cordon guide. Road cycling routes with superb views are also available, as seen in the Road Cycling Routes around Cordon guide.
Lake Flaine has a fascinating geological history, formed in a valley over-excavated by a local glacier. Its depression is dug in limestone, and its current size and depth fluctuate significantly with the seasons, influenced by meltwater and local developments. The area around Les Ilettes also has a history related to the development of the future white highway and the merger of local communes.
Visitors to the lakes around Cordon highly appreciate the diverse natural beauty and the variety of activities available. Many enjoy the peaceful settings for relaxation and picnics, the stunning mountain views, and the opportunities for water sports. The komoot community has shown its appreciation with numerous upvotes and shared photos across various lake highlights, highlighting the area's appeal for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.
Yes, the second lake at Les Ilettes is specifically intended for swimming and relaxation, with supervised swimming available during July and August. Lake Passy also features a beautifully landscaped supervised swimming area, making it a great option for a refreshing dip.
While specific 'hidden gems' are not explicitly detailed, lakes like Lac de la Cour, nestled in mountain pastures, offer a very peaceful and serene atmosphere, suggesting a potentially less crowded experience compared to more developed sites. Its focus on tranquility and natural beauty makes it a great escape.


Still not found your perfect lake around Cordon? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.