The 10 Most Beautiful Mountain Lakes in France

France is overflowing with gorgeous lakes, each more amazing than the last! Breathtaking panoramas where mountains protect those bucolic lakes with their bewitching beauty. Get ready for an unforgettable tour!

 

10) Gérardmer Lake

Gerardmer Lake
Gérardmer Lake: Emerald of the Vosges, an oasis of serenity in the heart of the East. Photo credits: lesfortstrotters via Creative Commons 2.0.

Nestled in the Vosges mountains and surrounded by a lush forest, Gérardmer Lake is captivating with its picturesque atmosphere.

115 hectares of pure beauty, which you can cross from one side to another while admiring the scenery. A real sight to behold!

 

9) Capitello Lake

Capitello Lake
Capitello Lake: An unspoiled alpine landscape, this wild mirror between mountains tells a spellbinding story. Photo credits: Rémih via Creative Commons 4.0

Lost in the Corsican mountains, Capitello Lake truly shines with its magnificent turquoise water.

The deep blues of the water and the green, mountainous landscapes of the Corsican peaks really add some cachet to the panorama stretching before your eyes.

The flora and fauna living in and around the lake contribute to its charm and offer a diverse ecosystem.

 

8) Bethmale Lake

Bethmale Lake
Bethmale Lake: The charm of Canadian landscapes in the heart of the Pyrenees.

Bethmale Lake, nestled in the Pyrenees mountains, offers a truly amazing view.

With crystal-clear water and a lush forest, the lake and its surroundings are an amazing sight to behold!

And the autumn colors, that’s really something you shouldn’t miss. It’s like being in a Canadian landscape!

 

7) Oô Lake

Oô Lake
Oô Lake: The pearl of the Pyrenees, its emerald glow between sky and mountains bewitches. Photo credits: Grégory Tonon via Creative Commons 2.0

This lake, situated in the Pyrenees, has water ranging from turquoise to deep blue and offers a magnificent and bucolic landscape.

This lake is often known for its incredible waterfall, which flows into the lake. It’s truly a photographer’s paradise.

 

6) Allos Lake

Allos Lake
The calm emerald of Allos Lake: a natural jewel nestling at altitude.

Located in the French Alps, in Mercantour National Park, specifically at Allos Lake, which offers a stunning landscape with its mountains and trees.

The hiking trails around the lake allow you to admire its surrounding beauty, and each season’s unique charm, whether it’s the summer greenery or winter’s blankets of snow.

 

5) Tignes Lake

Tignes Lake
Tignes Lake: Frozen alpine splendor, an icy wonder that enchants at any altitude. Photo credits: Tiia Monto via Creative Commons 4.0

Lost in the French Alps, Tignes Lake seduces tourists with its breathtaking landscape, surrounded by mountains each more beautiful than the last.

The lake’s azure color is attributed to the water melting from the surrounding mountains, adding a special charm to this picturesque spot.

In winter, the lake freezes and proposes a new panorama that winter sports enthusiasts can observe while enjoying their activities. It’s truly an impressive sight!

 

4) Bourget Lake

Bourget Lake
Bourget Lake: Soothing blue, surrounded by mountains and history, an enchanting natural canvas. Photo credits: Patrick via Creative Commons 2.0

Bourget Lake, located in the French Alps, is the largest natural lake in France, almost 45km²!

This natural and picturesque setting is surrounded by impressive mountains, making it a perfect place to enjoy some rest.

 

3) Sainte-Croix Lake

Sainte Croix Lake
Sainte-Croix Lake: an azure mirror of serenity under the Provencal sky.

Located in the Verdon Regional Park, in the Var region, Sainte-Croix Lake offers a truly majestic panorama with the turquoise water it’s famous for.

The forest surrounding the lake and the mountains overlooking the panorama, make it a truly breathtaking vista!

You can also visit the nearby Verdon Gorge, its look-alike canyon offers beautiful scenery to admire!

 

2) Serre-Ponçon Lake

Serre-Ponçon Lake
Serre-Ponçon Lake: Majestic mountain scenery, an enchanting palette of blues.

Nestled in the southern part of the Alps, Serre-Ponçon Lake is surrounded by majestic peaks, making this a charming destination.

The lake is known for its emerald-colored water that contrasts with the vivid blue sky and the surrounding greenery of the forest. It’s an unbelievable sight to see!

 

1) Annecy Lake

Annecy Lake
Annecy Lake: A crystalline Alpine beauty, its elegant shores evoke a captivating natural idyll.

Nestled in the mountainous Alps, the top of this list is none other than Annecy Lake!

Famous for its idyllic horizon surrounded by mountains and lush forests, the lake offers a shining natural setting that will blow your mind.

The color of the lake changes depending on the weather, going from emerald green to turquoise blue.

The lake’s shores are lined with cities and villages such as Annecy or Talloires, adding to the picturesque and striking feel of the place.