The lakes of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes showcase remarkable geological diversity. The natural glacial lakes such as Bourget and Annecy contrast with the deep volcanic lakes of Pavin and Bouchet. The artificial lakes of Serre-Ponçon and Monteynard complete this hydrographic network. This region includes high-altitude lakes in the Alps and the Massif Central, plains water bodies, and hydropower dam reservoirs.
Puy-de-Dôme, France
Volcanic crater lake formed 6900 years ago, with a depth of 92 meters and a diameter of 800 meters.
Haute-Savoie, France
Second largest natural lake in France located at the foot of the Alps, with a maximum depth of 82 meters and an area of 27 square kilometers.
Isère, France
Artificial lake created in 1962 by the Monteynard-Avignonet dam on the Drac River. Its depth reaches 115 meters with an area of 6.5 square kilometers.
Savoie, France
Largest natural glacial-origin lake in France with an area of 44.5 square kilometers and a maximum depth of 145 meters.
Puy-de-Dôme, France
This natural Auvergne lake is located at 1250 meters altitude in the Puys chain. Its deep waters host a population of trout and perch.
Ain, France
This natural glacial-origin lake covers 141 hectares in the southern Jura. The maximum depth reaches 43 meters at the center of the basin.
Haute-Loire, France
This artificial lake is located in the Meygal massif at 1200 meters altitude. It spans 4 hectares and allows fishing activities.
Haute-Loire, France
This lake occupies a volcanic crater formed 800,000 years ago. The waters reach a depth of 28 meters and cover an area of 44 hectares.
Ardèche, France
This volcanic lake occupies a crater at 1000 meters altitude. Its waters reach a depth of 108 meters and supply several surrounding villages.
Cantal, France
Reservoir of 562 hectares formed in 1945 by the dam on the Cère River. The water body stretches over 10 kilometers.
Isère, Savoie, France
The hydroelectric dam of Grand Maison forms this artificial lake of 132 hectares located at 1700 meters altitude in the French Alps.
Savoie, France
Natural lake of 545 hectares with five islands. Its green waters maintain a temperature of 27 degrees in summer and host rowing competitions.
Isère, France
Natural water body of 392 hectares in the Voironnais region. The white limestone bottom and depth of 35 meters allow underwater visibility.
Haute-Savoie, France
Mountain lake located at 2352 meters altitude in the nature reserve of Aiguilles Rouges, reflecting the peaks of the Mont Blanc massif.
Savoie, France
Reservoir of 320 hectares located in the Beaufortain massif, surrounded by alpine meadows and peaks of the Northern Alps.
Savoie, France
Artificial reservoir of 235 hectares formed by the Tignes dam, built in 1952 for hydropower production in the Isère Valley.
Savoie, France
Water body at 2100 meters altitude in the Tarentaise Valley, fed by glacier melt from the Grande Motte.
Isère, France
This artificial reservoir of 270 hectares runs along the Alps road. Trails and a cycle path allow for easy exploration.
Puy-de-Dôme, France
Volcanic crater lake at 1176 meters altitude, formed 150,000 years ago in the Sancy massif. Its depth reaches 63 meters.
Rhône, France
This former gravel pit turned aquatic area offers 350 hectares of water surface with several natural beaches and supervised swimming areas in summer.
Isère, France
This natural mountain lake is located at 2000 meters altitude in the Belledonne massif. It is accessible via a hiking trail.
Savoie, France
Natural high mountain water body at 2318 meters altitude in the Vanoise massif, accessible by marked trail.
Savoie, France
Protected natural area with reed beds and wet meadows home to migratory birds and amphibians.
Puy-de-Dôme, France
Circular volcanic-origin water body at 1202 meters altitude in the Dore Mountains, surrounded by beech forests.
Cantal, France
Natural glacial-origin lake located at 1250 meters altitude in the Cantal mountains. It covers 6 hectares at the foot of Puy de la Tourte.
Puy-de-Dôme, France
Water reservoir of 3 hectares created in 1980, located in the Super-Besse ski resort at 1350 meters altitude.
Haute-Loire, France
Water reservoir of 220 hectares located between the gorges of Lignon, offering water sports and bordering hiking trails.
Cantal, France
Natural glacial-origin lake at 862 meters altitude in the Cantal massif. Its area of 34 hectares makes it one of the largest natural lakes in Auvergne.
Allier, France
Pond of 45 hectares with leisure facilities at the edge of the Cher.
Cantal, France
Artificial lake of 126 hectares created in 1947 by a hydroelectric dam. It is situated at 833 meters altitude in northern Cantal.
Hautes-Alpes, France
Largest artificial lake in metropolitan France fed by the Durance and Ubaye rivers.
Haute-Savoie, France
High-altitude water body bordered by grassy slopes, accessible by a hiking trail with a refuge open from June to September.
Puy-de-Dôme, France
Natural volcanic-origin lake of 60 hectares, surrounded by forests with a 5-kilometer hiking path around the water body.