The best routes around Lake Serre-Ponçon

Immense and luminous, the Serre-Ponçon lake is a true inland sea nestled between the mountains of the Hautes-Alpes and the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. This artificial lake, born from the construction of a dam on the Durance in the 1960s, is today a paradise for lovers of nature and outdoor activities. Its turquoise waters, bordered by green hills and steep peaks, create a spectacular and soothing setting.

With its beaches, wild coves and numerous water sports centres, Serre-Ponçon is an ideal playground for swimming, sailing, paddle boarding and kitesurfing. But it is also a place of serenity where you can simply let yourself be lulled by the beauty of the landscapes, admire the flamboyant sunsets or explore the small hilltop villages in the surrounding area.

A land of harmony between water and mountains, Lake Serre-Ponçon seduces as much by its majesty as by its warm and bright atmosphere, typical of the Southern Alps. Whether you are looking for adventure or tranquility, this unique lake invites you to an unforgettable experience in the heart of a grandiose natural setting.

A lake surrounded by mountains

The sea in the mountains! This is how we can describe the Serre-Ponçon Lake! This is the impression you will keep from your stay on the shores of this lake of extraordinary beauty.

What will surprise you when you arrive from Gap, on a sunny day, it is to discover at the bend in the road this vast expanse of blue water in front of you, whereas until then dry landscapes burnt by the sun had accompanied you in the ascent of the Durance valley towards the Brianconnais.

And second surprise, if you follow the road to Savines le Lac, is to cross this lake on a bridge along the water. You have the impression of already being part of this lake, of already being conquered by its charm.

Not all artificial lakes are attractive, but this one, with its size, its relief, its banks, and its color, can only surprise you. Besides, we quickly forget that it is not natural, it is so vast.

From Sauze du Lac, in a dominant position several hundred meters above the banks, you admire a sunset over a lake sparkling with a thousand lights. Sometimes it looks like a section of Mediterranean coast, sometimes like a Norwegian fjord, depending on the landscape that serves as a backdrop. In winter, the snow-capped mountains surrounding the lake add intensity to the light that emerges from the site.

The most beautiful sites on the banks of Lake Serre-Ponçon

In Savines le Lac, you feel like you are in a seaside resort, the lake seems so big and the mountains so far away.

The Bay of Moulettes, with its calm waters, turquoise or emerald depending on the time of day, reminds you of an aber in Brittany, or a cove on the Côte d'Azur. The few sailboats that venture there confirm your impression.

In any case, Lake Serre-Ponçon offers you the opportunity to practice all types of water sports; it's up to you to choose the one that suits you best.

The road to Ubaye, overlooks the lake and its tortured banks. You only have one desire: to transform yourself into Robinson Crusoe of the Alps and explore this mysterious and wild corner of the lake.

In its northern part, on the outskirts of Embrun, you can enjoy all the water sports possible at the Embrun water sports centre. Very well equipped, clean and secure, it is ideal for family swimming! Beware of the difference in temperature between the outside, often close to thirty degrees, and the water, which rarely exceeds twenty degrees...

And Embrun? You love its medieval side, its old alleys, its panoramas of the surrounding mountains. In winter, when the lake is partly frozen and doesn't particularly inspire you to take a dip, the nearby ski resort of Les Orres offers you a great experience of sliding on panoramic slopes. You can enjoy other perspectives from the slopes and forests of the Montclar resort, perhaps during a snowshoe walk on a beautiful winter's day. The Serre-Ponçon lake will be present in the background at the bend in the trails.

Strolling around Lake Serre-Ponçon

If you prefer more mystical places, head to Boscodon Abbey and its thousand years of history.

For lovers of unspoiled nature, the Queyrasis not far away…

The most beautiful photo? That of the islet of the Saint Michel chapel, lost in the middle of the lake, but which was in fact a mound in the old village submerged during the creation of the water reservoir. Depending on the light, and depending on the level of filling of the lake you have the impression that it floats above the water.

Holidays in the Serre-Ponçon Lake region are refreshing, invigorating, sporty and offbeat. Enough to satisfy the most curious travellers looking for the less travelled paths both in summer and winter.

Activities not to be missed around Lake Serre Ponçon

On nautical activities on the lake! For example at Savines-le-lac or at the Embrun nautical base.
- Pedalo
- stand up paddle
- canoe, kayak, etc…
Discover the landscape of Chabrières Needles (Réallon): It feels like we're in the Dolomites!
Venturing into the Parpaillon tunnel (summer only). 500 meters of freshness, or even more…
Cool off near the cascade Piss. A 100m jump! (Rabioux valley)
Discover the creation of the lake at Lake Museoscope and the Serre-Ponçon Dam in Rousset
Visit Apiland, a discovery site dedicated to the world of Bees!
Seek silence and serenity in Shrine of Our Lady of Laus
Combine hiking and culture by hiking towards theAbbey of Our Lady of Boscodon.

The best webcams around Lake Serre Ponçon

(click on the name of the village)

Reallon: a stunning view of the lake from this webcam installed at the top of the Réallon ski resort
Savines the lake : a webcam to admire the color of the lake at Savines le lac.
Savines the lake: a view of the lake, again from Savines le Lac.
Embrun: view of the body of water.
Les Orres: view of Embrun and the surrounding mountains