Bourget Lake
The largest natural lake in France
Bourget Lake (Lac du Bourget in french) is surrounded by mountains. Indeed, the Epine massif and the Mont du Chat surround the lake on one side. On the other side we find Chambotte, Mont Revard and Bauges. This lake, with its 18km long, is the largest natural lake in France. It has been and still is sung by the greatest poets. It offers nautical and seaside pleasures in water that can reach 26°C in summer.
Sporting Activities
Lac du Bourget offers its shimmering shores in Aix-les-Bains. On the other bank, from Bourget-du-Lac, the wild coast runs alongside the wooded mountains of La Dent du Chat. To the north, along the Savières canal, we discover The Chautagne, its hills and its poplar plantation.
Thanks to the France Nautical Station label awarded to Aix-les-Bains Riviera des Alpes, Lake Bourget has a large nautical offer. Among other things, you can practice sailing, rowing, canoeing, rafting, fishing, diving, water skiing, wake-boarding… Ideal for swimming, Lac du Bourget also has 14 ports, more than 2,600 pleasure rings. In addition, the lake is also known for its fishing and is home to around thirty fish species. Some are famous, such as lavaret or arctic char.
A guided tour allows you to discover the Belle-Epoque cachet of Aix-les-Bains or the historic center of Chambéry. But also the edges of the lake, which have a lot to offer, from the small to the largest walk. The Massif des Bauges Regional Natural Park is located just twenty-five minutes from the lake. It offers many possibilities for walks and hikes. There is the famous Revard belvedere and the Nivolet’s cross. Moving away towards Chautagne we cross the GR® 65, the way to Saint Jacques de Compostela, and its view of the Jura.
Cultural Activities
To the south of the lake, the Dent du Chat and the Molard Noir are also very popular. Pushing towards Chambéry, there are many walking routes starting from the agglomeration. One takes us in the footsteps of Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
To the west of the lake, Aix-les-Bains exhibits its Roman remains and its old palaces. Hautecombe Abbey, majestic necropolis of the Counts of Savoy, has an exuberant Gothic style, and watches over the lake.
To the north you will find the Canal de Savière, which connects Lac du Bourget to the Rhône. Above all, don’t miss the flowery village of Chanaze and the vineyards that are the pride of Chautagne. Then, opposite the lake, to the south, Le Bourget-du-lac is home to a priory. You will also find there the remains of the castle of Thomas II as well as the fishing village of Bourdeau. There is also Chambery, the former capital of the Duchy of Savoy, ten kilometers away, which combines past and present. To the south of the lake, the Dent du Chat and the Molard Noir are also very popular. Pushing towards Chambéry, there are many walking routes starting from the agglomeration. One takes us in the footsteps of Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
To the west of the lake, Aix-les-Bains exhibits its Roman remains and its old palaces. Hautecombe Abbey, majestic necropolis of the Counts of Savoy, has an exuberant Gothic style, and watches over the lake.
To the north you will find the Canal de Savière, which connects Lac du Bourget to the Rhône. Above all, don’t miss the flowery village of Chanaze and the vineyards that are the pride of Chautagne. Then, opposite the lake, to the south, Le Bourget-du-lac is home to a priory. You will also find there the remains of the castle of Thomas II as well as the fishing village of Bourdeau. There is also ten kilometers away, Chambéry, former capital of the Duchy of Savoy, which combines past and present.
Do not miss:
Belvederes For Panoramas Exceptional !
- Le mont Revard, from its height of 1563m it has a rich history. Formerly accessible by rack railway, then by cable car until 1969, it is now accessible by road.
- Le belvédère de Grumeau à Ontex, perched at 1158m it dominates the Lac du Bourget. From this site which overlooks Hautecombe, the view embraces the lake, the Bauges massif and the Chambotte.
- Le belvédère de la Chambotte, above Chindrieux, this panorama offers a view of the villages of Chautagne, the abbey of Hautecombe, the Canal de Savière, Aix-les-Bains and the cluse de Chambéry.
- La Dent du Chat, can be reached on foot from the Col du Chat. This pleasant walk takes place mostly in the forest. Beware, however, of the drop and the last part of the route, which is dizzying.
- Le belvédère de la Grande Mollière in Tresserve, is one of the most accessible viewpoints. Located on the first heights of the lake, it is equipped with transparent panels that help the visitor to identify the surrounding peaks.