The most beautiful discovery ideas around the lakes of Paladru and Aiguebelette

Nestled between green hills and gentle mountains, the lakes of Aiguebelette and Paladru embody the perfect harmony between nature and tranquility. These alpine jewels, with their clear and peaceful waters, offer an idyllic setting where time seems to stand still. Their charm lies in their authenticity, far from the tumult of major destinations, and in their ability to combine preserved beauty and cultural richness.

Reflecting a generous nature, these lakes are part of a territory shaped by local history. Bordered by quiet beaches and bucolic landscapes, they invite contemplation and escape. Whether you come to recharge your batteries, explore their banks on foot or enjoy the simple pleasures of water, these two lakes offer a unique experience where the sweetness of life reigns supreme.

The lakes of Aiguebelette and Paladru form a captivating duo, ideal for anyone looking to reconnect with the essential in a setting of serenity.

Lake Paladru, between Lyon and Grenoble

Between Lyon and the massif of the Chartreuse, you have the choice between two pre-Alpine lakes.

Lake Paladru, towards Grenoble, near Voiron, and Lake Aiguebelette towards Chambéry. The first has a moderate relief and a rural appearance, the second overlooked by the mountains already has the appearance of an alpine lake.

Lake Paladru is an invitation to rest and laziness. An ideal place to spend a stay far from the hustle and bustle of tourist areas, silence dominates its surroundings.

The banks of Lake Paladru unfortunately do not allow you to go around it because they are private land. You can lay your towel on beaches, or observe them from the water by rowing on a stand up paddle, or by sailing boat for example. You can also sit on the terraces of restaurants that offer to taste lake specialties.

In the surroundings of Lac de Paladru, you can visit the city center of Voiron. In the middle of a network of small alleys with colors more southern than alpine, stands the church of Saint Bruno: when the snow covers the surrounding mountains, the photo of the facade of the church and its towers framing a summit is very aesthetic. Not far from there, further south, the Bièvre plateau already allows you to see, in the gap between the Chartreuse and the Vercors, the Dauphinois massifs well covered in snow in winter, which overlook Grenoble.

Lake Aiguebelette, in the Savoyard foothills

Lake Aiguebelette is much wider, especially at one end, and paths along the banks allow you to walk or cycle around it. The water temperature rises to 28 degrees in summer, and attracts a lot of people. Are you one of them? No problem, there is room for everyone! Many beaches are accessible from the road that goes around the lake. There is even a railway line, with the Lépin le Lac station just a few metres from a lovely equipped beach.

Prefer the afternoon, when the sun passes over the mountain and lights up the wooded slopes that are reflected in the lake. Swim, sail in an electric boat or pedal boat, learn to sail or admire the banks on a paddle board. It is also an excellent way to approach the ducks and other inhabitants of the lake.

Two small islands in the middle give you dreams of an explorer and are a good target for your water activities. Here, the traditional sport is rowing, of which only the "farou" comes to disrupt the competitions with its violent and sudden gusts.

If you like camping, the very natural side of these two lakes is perfectly suited to this type of accommodation.

In the surrounding area, walks are mainly in the Savoyard foreland region, which was previously called Petit Bugey (the large one being further north, in the Ain department). Mont Grelle, the summit of the Epine massif, offers a beautiful view of the lake, but also of the Chambéry basin, the Bauges and the first large Savoyard massifs. On the village side, Novalaise, a few kilometers from the lake, a small medieval town is the capital, on the road that goes around Mont du Chat towards Yenne. Through the Mont du Chat tunnel, the exit of which, in this direction, is spectacular, you arrive at the beaches of Bourget du Lac.

The lakes of Paladru and Aiguebelette are not the largest French lakes, nor even the most spectacular, but the ease of access and the high temperature of the water make them a good destination for a nature holiday to combine for example with a discovery stay in the massif of the Chartreuse, near.

Activities not to be missed around the lakes of Paladru and Aiguebelette

Swimming in the very warm waters from Lake Aiguebelette (up to 29 degrees in the middle of summer!)
Le discovery trail around Lake Aiguebelette
Le laze on one of the public or private beaches of Lake Paladru
A cultural stroll in Chambéry or to Grenoble
A hike to discover the massif of the Chartreuse

The best webcams around the Lakes of Paladru and Aiguebelette

(click on the name of the village)

Paladru Lake : nice view from the pontoon on Lake Paladru
Saint Alban of Montbel: we can see Lake Aiguebelette from this webcam located on the west bank of the lake.
Aiguebelette Lake: We discover the lake from the north shore, at the exit of the highway (does not always work!!!)