Lake Aiguebelette
A wonderfully well-kept secret of a lake
The smallest of the four lakes is a wonderfully well-kept secret of a lake, hidden by small mountains west of Chambéry.
It's also literally quieter than our other great lakes, as motor boats aren't allowed on its waters. Fishermen slip out silently on their barques. Little boathouses line its reedy sides.
Rowers strain at their oars; the place even hosted the 1997 world rowing championships. On top of that Aiguebelette claims to have the warmest waters of Savoie's great lakes (up to 28°C !). Its beaches have excellent facilities, so they're ideal for family holidays.
All sorts of outdoor activities can be practiced: mountain bike - 200 km of mountain bike pists! hiking, paragliding, tree-top assault course, canyoning... Contact Vertes Sensations for further information
Discover 18km of cycling road around Lake Aiguebelette. This is not a leisure trail, but cycling is very pleasant on this road.
Beaches around lac d'Aiguebelette
(watched over by lifeguards)
Aiguebelette-le-Lac, Lépin-le-Lac, Nances, Novalaise, St-Alban-de-Montbel.
Cultural and natural Heritage
The legend of Madrin: the Château de Rochefort retains memories of one opf the most famous smugglers in this frontier zone, 18th century Louis Mandrin.
In the Avant Pays Savoyard, the Grotte des Echelles (caves) are spectacular: the valleys of les Echelles and Chambéry are seperated by a sheer limestone wall pierced by galleries. The Voie Sarde, located at the same place is an old Roman road under a vault of trees. it gives access to the lovely village of Saint Christophe la Grotte.
Museum "Lac et Nature" in Lépin-le-lac: a small museum presenting the animals, plants, fishes... of the region: contact by mail: philippe.feger@wanadoo.fr or on +33 4 79 36 08 45
Belvederes overlooking the lake
Contact the tourist office of Lake Aiguebelette for detailed directions: +33 4 79 36 00 02- The road to the col de l'Epine (path of l'Epine): many stops are possible to admire the fantastic panorama on Lake Aiguebelette and Lake Bourget.
- In verthemex, on the road to the col, glance at the stunning paragliding take off area overlooking the lake.
- In Saint-Alban-de-Montbel, right behind the church, there is a map giving you details of the landscape: beautiful view accross the water
- Belvédère of the Site des Fils in Saint-Maurice-de-Rotherens: fantastic view on the hilly landscape, plains and the Rhone river.
Where to eat
- Auberge Les Morainières à Jongieux - 1 star in the Guide Michelin. Tel +33 4 79 44 09 39
- A selection of other restaurants...
Where to sleep
