Best lakes around Parmilieu are found within the broader Isère department, as Parmilieu itself is a village in France known for historical stone quarries and hiking trails. The Isère region is home to numerous natural and artificial lakes. These bodies of water provide various opportunities for water-based activities and offer scenic landscapes. The area's geography combines mid-altitude and high mountains, contributing to diverse natural features.
Last updated: June 21, 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
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
This spot didn't impress me: "blue lake" is an exaggeration, it's a very small reservoir... lots of people on the banks too.
0
1
Smaller pond than lake..more green than blue. Average.
0
0
La Vallée Bleue, a multi-activity leisure site in the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes region. It brings together a multitude of activities on the banks of the Rhône, in a remarkable natural setting. Lake on the Haut Rhône with rental of mountain bikes, water pedals, go-karts, stand up paddle, boats with and without a license, jet ski, mini golf, tourist steam train and bike rails, inflatable games, pony rides , flyboard, bicycle repair workshop, treetop course, permanent orienteering course. Restaurants. Aquapark with heated swimming pool, slide. Green spaces, fishing pond, picnic areas. 3* campsite with mobile home rentals and campervan service area in season, stopover gîte. Source: Isère Tourism
1
0
Optevoz has been occupied since the Bronze Age. In the 19th century, limestone mining and agriculture were the main activities. At this time, the village became a place of stay for many painters seduced by the light and the landscapes (in particular the Vanne d'Optevoz represented in numerous paintings). Source: Optevoz website
0
0
Leisure center with marina, entertainment, boat rental and a swimming pool (you are not actually allowed to swim in the Rhone, despite the sunbathing area right next to it)
0
0
Blue Lake, as you can imagine, owes its name to the bright shades of blue that its water takes on. The bridge that spans the lake makes it look bigger than it is, but it is actually the dam that creates the lake on the Gardon River.
3
0
Lac Bleu, as you can imagine, owes its name to the bright shades of blue that its water takes on. The bridge over the lake almost makes it look bigger than it is, but in fact the bridge is the dam that creates the lake on the Gardon River.
2
1
Not far from the Base de Loisirs de la Vallee Bleue there is an old house with these painted windows. Looks really good.
1
0
While Parmilieu itself is known for hiking, the broader Isère department offers several popular lakes. Among them are Lac Bleu on the Gardon, known for its vibrant blue water, and Vallée Bleue Lake, a multi-activity leisure site. Lake Paladru is also very popular, especially in summer, as France's fifth-largest natural lake.
Yes, several lakes in the Isère region are excellent for families. Vallée Bleue Lake is a prime example, offering a wide range of activities like pedal boats, stand-up paddleboarding, an aquapark with a heated pool, inflatable games, and pony rides. La Tuille Pond is another family-friendly spot, offering a tranquil setting near Optevoz.
The lakes and surrounding areas offer diverse outdoor activities. At Vallée Bleue Lake, you can enjoy mountain biking, jet skiing, flyboarding, and a treetop adventure course. Lake Monteynard is particularly popular for windsurfing due to excellent wind conditions. For land-based activities, you can find numerous hiking trails, road cycling routes, and running trails around Parmilieu and the nearby lakes.
For watersports enthusiasts, Vallée Bleue Lake is a multi-activity hub offering jet skis, stand-up paddleboarding, and various boat rentals. Lake Monteynard is renowned as one of Europe's best wind spots, making it ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Yes, Lake Paladru is a very popular spot for swimming during the summer months, known for its mesmerizing azure waters. Vallée Bleue Lake also features an aquapark with a heated swimming pool and slide, providing a dedicated area for swimming.
The region boasts diverse natural beauty. You'll find clear-water lakes like Lake Laffrey and Lake Sautet, often set against dramatic mountain backdrops. Lac Bleu on the Gardon is notable for its bright blue hues. The area combines mid-altitude and high mountains, offering scenic viewpoints and forests, especially around lakes nestled between ranges like the Chartreuse Mountains or the Dévoluy and Vercors mountains.
Yes, the region has historical significance. For instance, La Tuille Pond near Optevoz is in an area with evidence of occupation since the Bronze Age. Parmilieu itself is known for its historical stone quarries. The broader Isère department also has a rich past, with many villages and natural sites holding centuries of history.
The summer months are particularly popular for visiting the lakes, especially for swimming and water-based activities, as seen with Lake Paladru. However, the region offers beauty year-round. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with vibrant foliage or blooming landscapes. Winter can offer serene, unspoiled nature for walks around the clearer lakes like Laffrey and Sautet.
Vallée Bleue Lake is a well-equipped leisure site that includes restaurants, picnic areas, and a 3-star campsite. Other popular lakes like Lake Paladru and Lake Laffrey, being significant tourist destinations, also typically have amenities and dining options nearby, especially during peak season.
While popular lakes can get busy, especially in summer, you can often find more tranquil spots. Lake Laffrey and Lake Sautet, both in the Matheysine region, are known for their serene shores and unspoiled nature, offering a peaceful escape for leisurely strolls or quiet contemplation amidst beautiful scenery.
Many leisure sites are working towards better accessibility. Vallée Bleue Lake, as a multi-activity site, aims to accommodate a wide range of visitors, often including accessible pathways and facilities. For specific accessibility needs, it's always recommended to check directly with the individual lake's management or local tourism offices, such as Grenoble Tourisme, for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, camping is a popular option. Vallée Bleue Lake has a 3-star campsite with mobile home rentals and a campervan service area. Many other lakes in the Isère region, particularly the larger and more developed ones like Lake Paladru and Lake Monteynard, offer various accommodation choices ranging from campsites to gîtes and hotels in nearby towns.


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