Top 8 Lakes around Hurtières

The most notable body of water is the Lac des Hurtières, located in the lower part of St-Alban-d'Hurtières. It's a significant recreational area offering supervised swimming from a sandy beach during summer, fishing, beach volleyball, pétanque, and an adventure trail for children. You'll also find picnic areas and a bar-restaurant, "Le Café-Gourmand," open seasonally.

Yes, beyond Lac des Hurtières, the region features several stunning mountain lakes. These include Lake Crop, known for its varying shades of turquoise, and the cluster of Lac Carré, Lac de Cottepens and Lac de la Motte, which are part of the Sept Laux massif. The Refuge des 7 Laux is nestled among these, offering an exceptional setting.

The area around Hurtières offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult, and cycling routes. For example, there are mountain hikes like the "Lac du Pas de la Coche – Grand lac du Vénétier loop" and easier hikes such as the "Col des Ayes (944 m) loop." You can explore more options in the Hiking around Hurtières and Cycling around Hurtières guides.

Absolutely. Lac des Hurtières is particularly family-friendly, offering supervised swimming, a sandy beach, and a "parcours-aventure" (adventure trail) for children. Lake Curtillard is also noted as family-friendly, nestled at the foot of the Belledonne peaks.

Lac des Hurtières is situated within a protected "Natura 2000" site, part of a European network for protecting rare species. A pedagogical discovery trail around the lake allows visitors to learn about local flora and fauna, including orchid meadows and natterjack toads. The site's natural heritage has been carefully preserved and enhanced through re-vegetation and tree planting.

Yes, supervised swimming is available at Lac des Hurtières every afternoon during the summer season from a sandy beach, making it a safe and enjoyable spot. Other mountain lakes like Lake Crop are also ideal for swimming and cooling off in summer, though supervision may vary.

The summer months are ideal for visiting Lac des Hurtières, especially for swimming and recreational activities, with its supervised beach and open bar-restaurant. For mountain lakes like Lake Crop and those around the Refuge des 7 Laux, late spring to early autumn offers the best conditions for hiking and enjoying the scenery, often with snowmelt creating magnificent contrasts.

Lac des Hurtières itself has an interesting historical context. It was created from an old gravel pit, which was enlarged between 1993 and 2000 to supply materials for the construction of the A43 Maurienne highway. Since 1996, extensive rehabilitation efforts have transformed the site into the recreational area it is today, including the remodeling of banks and creation of islands.

Lac des Hurtières offers a range of amenities for visitors. There's a bar-restaurant, "Le Café-Gourmand," open from early May to late September (closed Monday and Tuesday evenings), providing meals, snacks, and refreshments. The lake also features picnic areas, dedicated fishing zones, and facilities for motorhomes, along with parking.

Lac des Hurtières is described as free and accessible. It offers convenient parking and amenities for motorhomes, making it an easy destination for many visitors. Public transport options to the lake may be limited, so checking local schedules is advisable.

Visitors frequently praise the unique natural beauty and tranquility. For instance, Lake Crop is loved for its exceptional turquoise colors, while the area around Lac Carré, Lac de Cottepens and Lac de la Motte is described as a magical and exceptional mineral universe with a particular light. The overall blend of recreational activities and natural preservation at Lac des Hurtières is also highly appreciated.