Top 2 Lakes around Plagne

The Plagne region offers a diverse range of lakes, from high-altitude alpine lakes nestled within the Vanoise National Park to more accessible leisure lakes in the valleys. You'll find glacial lakes, mountain lakes with turquoise waters, and even lakes with sandy beaches and recreational facilities.

Yes, several stunning high-altitude alpine lakes are accessible. Lake Nantua is a beautiful glacial lake, sometimes sapphire and sometimes emerald in color. Further into the Vanoise National Park, you can find Lac de la Plagne at 2,144 meters, offering an azure-blue expanse surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Lac Garattaleu, at 2,517 meters, is another high-altitude gem known for its verdigris colors.

For breathtaking scenery, Lake Nantua is highly praised for its changing colors and limestone cliffs. Lac Vert, near Plagne Centre, provides magnificent views of Mont Blanc. High-altitude lakes like Lac de la Plagne and Lac Garattaleu also offer spectacular mountainous backdrops, especially within the Vanoise National Park.

Absolutely. The Versants d'Aime Leisure Park Lake (also known as Mâcot water body) is ideal for families. It features a sandy beach with supervised swimming in July and August, pedal boat rentals, 'water walking balls,' children's play areas with water jets, and various sports courts. Lake Genin and Étang de Lalleyriat are also considered family-friendly, offering tranquil settings for picnics and breaks.

Swimming is permitted and supervised at the Versants d'Aime Leisure Park Lake (Mâcot water body) during July and August, which features a sandy beach. However, swimming is generally not allowed or recommended in some high-altitude mountain lakes, such as Lac Vert and Lac de Presset, to protect their delicate ecosystems.

Many lakes offer opportunities for hiking and walking. For example, a 14 km hike (700m elevation gain) leads to Lac de la Plagne, partly following the GR5 route. The Versants d'Aime Leisure Park Lake is a starting point for white-water sports like rafting, kayaking, and hydrospeed on the Isère River. You can also find various running, hiking, and MTB trails nearby. For instance, there are several running, hiking, and MTB loops around Lake Genin. You can find more details on these activities in the running, hiking, and MTB guides around Plagne.

Yes, there are options for easier walks. A circuit trail around Lac Vert, starting from Plagne Centre, takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, though it has some steep parts. Lake Nantua is also appreciated for scenic walks. For a very easy hike, there's an 'easy' 2.5 km loop around Lake Genin from Apremont.

The Versants d'Aime Leisure Park Lake is well-equipped with a sandy beach, supervised swimming, children's play areas, sports courts, free barbecue pits, picnic tables, and a bar/restaurant. Étang de Lalleyriat offers benches and public restrooms, making it a good spot for a break. Lac Vert provides picnic tables and barbecues.

Fishing for trout and salmon is permitted on specific days from June to September at Lac de la Plagne. Always check local regulations and licensing requirements before planning a fishing trip.

Visitors frequently highlight the stunning natural beauty, the tranquility of the mountain settings, and the diverse range of activities available. The changing colors of Lake Nantua and the 'little Canada' feel of Lake Genin are particularly popular. The family-friendly amenities and supervised swimming at the Versants d'Aime Leisure Park Lake are also highly appreciated.

Lac Garattaleu, located at 2,517 meters below the Col du Palet, is described as a 'gem' for those undertaking hikes in the Vanoise mountains, offering stunning natural beauty and verdigris colors. Lac de Presset, nestled in a spectacular setting at the foot of the Pierra Menta mountain, also offers a remote and breathtaking alpine experience for hikers.

Accessibility varies. The Versants d'Aime Leisure Park Lake is easily accessible by car, bike (via the Green Way), or free shuttle from Plagne Centre. Lac Vert is also relatively accessible with a circuit trail starting from Plagne Centre. High-altitude lakes like Lac de la Plagne, Lac Garattaleu, and Lac de Presset typically require hiking to reach them, with paths that can be challenging in parts.