Top 20 Lakes around the Rhone-Rharound thee Canal

The region offers a variety of water bodies. For recreational activities, the Xanten North Sea is popular for surfers and features ports with restaurants and boat rentals. The Walsum Rhine Meadows Nature Reserve provides views of the Rhine floodplains and a well-developed bike path. Further afield, Lac du Bourget, though not directly on the canal, is a significant natural lake connected to the broader Rhône system, offering extensive water sports and scenic views. The Canal de Huningue and Colmar Canal also provide recreational opportunities and access to smaller artificial lakes.

You'll find diverse natural settings. The Walsum Rhine Meadows Nature Reserve offers vast floodplains, while the Canal de Huningue runs through the alluvial landscape of the old Rhine, including the Petite Camargue Alsacienne nature reserve. Lac du Bourget is framed by steep mountains like Mont du Chat and the Bauges Mountains, providing dramatic vistas. The Bislicher Insel Nature Reserve is another intact floodplain landscape, important for migratory birds.

Yes, many areas are suitable for families. The Canal de Huningue offers picnic and barbecue areas, and its towpath is great for family walks and cycling. The Colmar Water Sports Center, near the Colmar Canal, features sandy beaches, supervised swimming, beach volleyball, soccer fields, and children's playgrounds. Benrath Palace, with its beautiful park and lake, is also an ideal recreational spot for all ages.

Water sports are a major draw. The Xanten North Sea is a prime location for surfers. The Canal de Huningue allows for water sports, climbing, and fishing. Lac du Bourget is popular for sailing, water skiing, and scuba diving, with cruises available from towns like Aix-les-Bains. The Colmar Water Sports Center provides opportunities for swimming and beach activities.

Absolutely. The Canal de Huningue features a historical towpath, now a convenient foot and bicycle path, offering routes like the cycle track from Huningue towards Kembs. The Walsum Rhine Meadows Nature Reserve has a well-developed bike path on the dam with great views. The Colmar Canal also offers picturesque routes for leisure cycling and strolling, especially through areas with vineyards and half-timbered houses.

The region has rich history. The Canal de Huningue itself is a historical connection canal built in the 19th century. Along the Colmar Canal, you can experience the charm of 'Little Venice' in Colmar, known for its half-timbered houses and traditional arts. Benrath Palace is a graceful castle with beautifully landscaped gardens, offering a glimpse into historical architecture and design.

For breathtaking views, Lac du Bourget offers panoramic vistas from Chambotte Mountain, Revard, or Relais du Mont de Chat. The Walsum Rhine Meadows Nature Reserve provides expansive views of the Rhine floodplains. Additionally, the View of Lake Untersee offers a beautiful perspective of Lake Constance.

Visitors frequently appreciate the diverse recreational opportunities and natural beauty. Many enjoy the well-maintained paths for cycling and walking, the opportunities for water sports, and the peaceful atmosphere of the nature reserves. The scenic views, especially at sunset, are often highlighted, as are the family-friendly facilities and picnic spots.

Yes, the Bislicher Insel Nature Reserve near Xanten is a paradise for ornithologists, serving as an important refuge for migratory birds, especially in winter. The Petite Camargue Alsacienne nature reserve, traversed by the Canal de Huningue, also offers opportunities for nature observation.

You can find various cycling routes. For example, the towpath along the Canal de Huningue is ideal for cycling. The Walsum Rhine Meadows Nature Reserve has a well-developed bike path on the dam. For more structured routes, consider exploring options like the 'Reichenau Island Loop from Constance' or 'RhineWine-Tour – along the river and the Rhine terraces', which are part of the broader cycling network in the region. You can find more details on these routes in the Cycling around the Rhone-Rharound thee Canal guide.

Yes, swimming is possible at several locations. The Colmar Water Sports Center, accessible via the Colmar Canal, offers supervised swimming with sandy beaches. Lac du Bourget also has numerous beaches popular for swimming, especially during the summer months. Some artificial lakes in the region, often called 'gravières', also provide designated swimming areas.

Many lakes and canals offer excellent opportunities for hiking and running. The towpath along the Canal de Huningue is suitable for both. The park around Benrath Palace is very pleasant for hiking. For dedicated running trails, you might explore routes like the 'Cologne Cathedral – Clarenbach Canal loop' or 'College Footbridge – Lake of Parc de la Tête d'Or loop', which are part of the wider running network. More information can be found in the Running Trails around the Rhone-Rharound thee Canal guide.