The Alpine lakes, nestled in the heart of the majestic mountains, offer a perfect balance between nature, leisure and culture. Whether you are in France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria or even Slovenia, each alpine lake reveals breathtaking landscapes and incomparable richness. Let's dive together into an overview of the most beautiful alpine lakes for your next stay.
The lakes of the French Alps: between nature and romance
On French shore of Lake Geneva, Évian-les-Bains et Thonon-les-Bains are spa towns renowned for their beneficial mineral waters. These destinations offer a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for walks on landscaped quays, visits to flower-filled parks and boat trips. The surrounding mountains, such as the peaks of Chablais, offer hikes with spectacular views of the lake and the surrounding Alps.
Nicknamed the “blue lake” for the clarity of its waters, the Annecy lake is one of the jewels of the French Alps. In summer, its beaches such as those of Talloires or Duingt attract lovers of swimming and water sports, while its banks are home to cycle paths that run alongside picturesque villages. Culture lovers can visit the old town of Annecy with its romantic canals and the perched castle offering breathtaking views of the lake. In winter, the snow-capped mountains surrounding the lake create a striking contrast with the sparkling water, providing a perfect setting for hiking or even paragliding flights from the Col de la Forclaz. It is certainly one of the most beautiful landscapes of the lakes in the French Alps.
A little further south, the largest natural lake in France, the Bourget lake, located in Savoie, is an invitation to relax. With its warm waters in summer, it attracts bathers, while water sports enthusiasts indulge in kayaking, paddle boarding or sailing. The city ofAix les Bains, nicknamed the “Riviera of the Alps”, is a must-see destination for its thermal baths, flower-filled walks and gourmet restaurants. The viewpoints from the Chambotte or Dent du Chat belvedere offer breathtaking panoramas of the lake and surrounding peaks, while the Hautecombe Abbey – the former necropolis of the Dukes of Savoy – adds a historical touch to the stay.
In Southern Alps, created by a hydraulic dam, the lake of Serre-Ponçon is a paradise for water sports and nature lovers. Surrounded by impressive peaks, it offers an ideal setting for water skiing, sailing and kitesurfing. The beaches, such as those of Savines-le-Lac, are ideal for relaxing with the family. In winter, the resorts of Les Orres or Montclar offer water sports activities with panoramic views of the lake. The contrast between the blue waters and the snow-capped mountains makes it a unique place.
There are of course other lakes in France, notably those ofAiguebelette and Paladru on the road from Lyon to the Alps, as well as the lake of Sainte Croix and we invite you to discover them in the specific articles:
- Lake Geneva (French shore)
- Lake Annecy
- Bourget Lake
- Lakes of Paladru and Aiguebelette
- Lake of Serre-Ponçon
- Lake Sainte Croix and the Verdon

The beauty and elegance of the lakes of the Italian Alps
Famous for the Borromean Islands, like Isola Bella with its baroque palace and terraced gardens, the lake maggiore is a symbol of elegance. Cities like Stresa et Verbania welcome visitors with flower-filled promenades and Belle Époque villas. The surrounding mountains offer hiking opportunities, while cruises on the lake allow visitors to discover its many riches.
Le Como lake, framed by lush green mountains and picturesque villages, is a dream destination for a romantic stay. Historic villas like the Balbianello villa or Villa Charlotte, with their lush gardens, transport visitors into a world of refinement. Villages like Bellagio, nicknamed the "pearl of the lake", or Varenna, with its cobbled streets and small beaches, invite discovery and contemplation. Whether by boat, on foot or by bike, every moment spent on the shores of Lake Como reveals a unique beauty. Among the lakes of the Italian Alps it is certainly the most chic.
With its crystal clear waters lined with lemon trees and vineyards, the lac de garde is a place where nature, culture and gastronomy blend together. The city of Sirmione, famous for its thermal baths and castle, is a must-see stop. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Mount Baldo, accessible by cable car, for hikes offering breathtaking views of the lake. To the north, the town of Riva del Garda is a paradise for water sports and mountain biking enthusiasts.
Among other large lakes, the Lake Orta and Lake Iseo complete these jewels of the Italian Alps.
For more details on the Italian lakes, the following articles will complete your search for information to prepare your trip:

The splendor of the lakes of the Swiss Alps
Shared between France and Switzerland, the Lake Geneva is surrounded by terraced vineyards, castles and historic towns. On the Swiss side, Montreux and its famous jazz festival attract music and culture lovers, while the Château de Chillon, near Vevey, transports visitors back to the Middle Ages. Cruises on the lake offer spectacular views of the Vaud Alps and the Savoy mountains.
The Lakes Thun and Brienz, located in the region ofBernese Oberland, are two jewels of exceptional beauty. Lake Thun, known for its turquoise waters, is surrounded by charming villages such as Spiez and Oberhofen, where picturesque castles stand proudly facing the lake. Cruises allow you to discover these iconic sites while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, such as the Jungfrau. Lake Brienz, meanwhile, is renowned for its emerald color and wild setting. Visitors can board a historic steamship or explore the Aare Gorge, an impressive natural spectacle. The town of Brienz is also known for its wood craftsmanship, offering a unique cultural immersion. The town of Interlaken can boast of being the only town built between two lakes in the Alps.
Located near Lucerne, Lake Lucerne is surrounded by iconic mountains like the Riga and Pilate. Boat trips and hikes offer breathtaking views of this Alpine landscape. Lucerne, with its Chapel Bridge and museums, adds a cultural dimension to this exceptional natural setting.
Several other lakes in the northern Swiss Alps tell of a time when glaciers covered the Swiss plateau. Today important cities have been built on their shores such as Zurich and Zug.
At altitude, the lakes of Engadine are worth a visit in any season.
The region of Tessin, , in southern Switzerland, is renowned for its palm-fringed lakes and unique Mediterranean atmosphere. The lake maggiore, shared with Italy, seduces with its Brissago Islands, famous for their lush botanical gardens. The city ofAscona, with its cobbled streets and lakeside terraces, is ideal for a romantic getaway. This lake offers a peaceful setting, ideal for relaxation and water activities. With its international film festival and local markets, Locarno combines culture and nature in perfect harmony.
Le Lake Lugano, meanwhile, is a true gem nestled between the mountains. Visitors can explore the charming city of Lugano, with its flowery parks and museums, or climb Monte Brè and Monte San Salvatore for spectacular views. Cruises on the lake take you to Morcote. , voted one of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland, with its picturesque church and panoramic gardens.
Here are some articles to discover the lakes of the Swiss Alps:

The simple luxury of Austria's Alpine lakes
The region near Salzburg, known as Salkammergut, brings together idyllic lakes such as the Lake Wolfgang and Mondsee, perfect for water sports, and Lake Hallstättersee, surrounded by spectacular mountains. The Wolfgangsee, is known for its crystal clear waters and picturesque villages such as St. Wolfgang, where the pilgrimage church attracts many visitors every year. The Mondsee, famous for its abbey seen in the film The Sound of Music, is a perfect place for water sports and waterside picnics.
Lake Hallstättersee, surrounded by spectacular mountains, is one of the most iconic. The village from Hallstatt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, fascinates with its colorful houses, museums dedicated to salt extraction and hikes that offer breathtaking views. Culture lovers will also enjoy visiting the salt mines, witnesses to a thousand-year-old history.
La Carinthia, a region in southern Austria, is known for its warm, crystal-clear lakes surrounded by lush green mountains. The Wörthersee is the most famous in the region. With its well-equipped beaches, luxurious hotels and charming villages such as Velden and Pörtschach, this lake is perfect for a summer holiday that combines relaxation and water sports.
Le Millstätter See, surrounded by forests and hiking trails, is an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility. Visitors can explore the shores by bike or boat, or simply enjoy the serenity of the waters. Lake Ossiacher See, meanwhile, combines water sports, nature and culture with its classical music festival at the Ossiach Monastery.
Finally, the Weissensee, one of Austria's most pristine lakes, is a true paradise for nature lovers. In summer, swimming and kayaking are popular, while in winter its thick layer of ice attracts ice skaters and winter hikers.

The lakes of the Bavarian Alps
In Bavaria, the Konigssee is a rare gem. This remarkably pure glacial lake is surrounded by steep mountains and dense forests, creating an almost mystical atmosphere. Visitors can take electric boats to the iconic red-roofed St. Bartholomew's Church or explore the Berchtesgaden National Park that surrounds the lake. In winter, the frozen lake becomes a unique playground for nature lovers.
Le Chiemsee, nicknamed the “Bavarian Sea,” is a perfect place to relax. This vast lake is home to two main islands: Herreninsel, with its Versailles-inspired palace, and Fraueninsel, known for its Benedictine monastery. The water activities, beaches, and charming surrounding villages attract families and history lovers alike. It is the largest lake in the Bavarian Alps.
Many other magnificent lakes punctuate the landscapes of Bavarian Alps, among which the Tegernsee.

In Slovenia, the lakes around Triglav
With its island topped with a church and its castle perched on a cliff, the Lake Bled is a magical destination. Activities include trips in a “pletna” (traditional rowboat), hiking in the surrounding mountains and swimming in its crystal clear waters. Less well-known than Lake Bled, the Bohinj Lake is a true haven of peace. Located in the heart of the national park of Triglav, it offers unspoiled landscapes and a wilder atmosphere. The activities are varied: canoeing, paddle boarding, fishing or hiking to spectacular waterfalls such as Savica. This lake is ideal for those looking for a total immersion in Slovenian nature.
The Alpine lakes offer incredible diversity, from romantic and cultural landscapes to water sports and hiking paradises. Whether you are drawn to the crystal-clear waters of Lake Annecy, the historic islands of Lake Maggiore or the magic of Lake Bled, each destination promises an unforgettable stay in the heart of the Alps.
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