Best lakes around Chanaz are found in a region known as "Savoie's Little Venice," uniquely positioned between the Canal de Savières and Lac du Bourget. This area offers a blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The Canal de Savières, approximately 2.5 to 4.5 kilometers long, flows directly through Chanaz, connecting Lac du Bourget to the Rhône River. Lac du Bourget is France's largest and deepest natural glacial lake, providing extensive water sports and scenic views.
Last updated: June 21, 2026
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Great hike, magnificent viewpoint and for the more playful, a great bivouac spot on the edge of a cliff with sunset 👍
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Very pretty, calm and peaceful lake
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Beautiful view over the lake. Be careful with small children! Danger of falling!
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Small lake a stone's throw from the Rhône, the wine-growing villages of Bugey de Belley and Grand Colombier. You can swim there in summer at the beach on the south side or fish. To discover at the edge of the lake: its sculpted rocks and sculptures.
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More of a side arm of the Rhône Lateral Canal, nice place and beautiful cycle path.
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Chanaz is uniquely situated between the picturesque Canal de Savières and France's largest natural glacial lake, Lac du Bourget. The Canal de Savières connects Lac du Bourget to the Rhône River, offering a tranquil environment, while Lac du Bourget provides a vast expanse for various activities.
Lac du Bourget is a hub for extensive water sports. You can enjoy swimming, wakeboarding, waterskiing, stand-up paddleboarding, diving, sailing, rowing, and fishing. Its waters can reach pleasant temperatures of up to 26°C in summer, making it ideal for aquatic recreation.
Yes, several spots are great for families. Lake Lit au Roi is an excellent place to stop, picnic, and enjoy the lakeside, often with swans. Lake Barterand also offers a swimming beach in summer and is known for its calm, peaceful atmosphere.
For breathtaking panoramas, visit the View of Lake Bourget, which offers a wide vista of the lake and its surrounding peaks. Another Lake view highlight provides a great perspective, often with a restaurant terrace to enjoy the scenery.
Yes, the area is well-suited for cycling. The banks of the Canal de Savières offer pleasant routes, including connections to the Via Rhôna. Around Lac du Bourget, you'll find cycle paths, such as a 51km itinerary, that allow you to explore beaches, harbors, and viewpoints. For more detailed routes, check out the Gravel biking around Chanaz and Road Cycling Routes around Chanaz guides.
The Canal de Savières offers serene walking routes along its banks. For more extensive options, the surrounding mountains of Lac du Bourget provide various hiking trails. You can find running and walking routes in the Running Trails around Chanaz guide, including moderate loops around Lake Lit au Roi and the Savière Canal.
Chanaz itself, known as 'Savoie's Little Venice,' offers a unique historical backdrop with its 15th and 16th-century buildings, Venetian bridge, and hydraulic mill. Additionally, the Lavours Dam is a man-made monument crossing the Rhône, where you can walk around and enjoy views of the Colombier.
The Canal de Savières is unique as it's the only lock in Savoie that provides a gateway to the Rhône. It's known for its romantic and tranquil environment, lush surroundings, and a gentle current that occasionally reverses. The charming village of Chanaz, with its artisan shops, further enhances its appeal.
The summer months are particularly popular, as Lac du Bourget's waters warm up to 26°C, making it ideal for swimming and water sports. The pleasant weather also makes it perfect for cycling, walking, and picnicking by the lakeside.
The Canal de Savières boasts abundant flora and fauna, including various bird species, ducks, and swans. At Lake Lit au Roi, you can often spot swans. Lake Barterand is notable for its sculpted rocks and sculptures along its edge.
Visitors frequently appreciate the stunning natural beauty, especially the panoramic views of Lac du Bourget surrounded by mountains. The diverse range of outdoor activities, from serene boat trips on the Canal de Savières to active water sports on Lac du Bourget, and the charming, historic ambiance of Chanaz itself, are also highly praised.


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