Lake of Sainte-Croix

Europe contains numerous lakes distinguished by their natural beauty and relative seclusion. From the turquoise waters of the Dolomites to the clear lakes of the Scottish Highlands, these locations span various geological formations. These lakes lie within alpine regions, volcanic areas, or historic cultural landscapes. In the Alps, lakes such as Lake Bohinj in Slovenia, Königssee in Bavaria, and Lake Brienz in the Bernese Oberland can be found. Hintersee near Ramsau and Seealpsee in Appenzell Innerrhoden sit in mountain valleys. In Southern Europe, Lake Scanno in Abruzzo and Lake Sorapis in the Dolomites are located. Hallstätter See in Upper Austria lies between steep mountain slopes. Other lakes exist in volcanic or glacially formed landscapes. Kerið crater lake in southern Iceland demonstrates volcanic activity. In Scotland, Loch Awe extends through the valleys of Argyll, while the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye flow in rock basins. Lake Saimaa in southeastern Finland forms part of an extensive lake district. These bodies of water illustrate the geological and landscape diversity of Europe.

The Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region combines medieval villages, historical fortifications, and natural areas between the Mediterranean coast and the Alps. The landscape ranges from the lavender-covered plateaus of Valensole to the steep limestone cliffs of the Calanques and alpine passes above 8,900 feet (2,700 meters). Geological formations like the mushroom-shaped Demoiselles Coiffées de Théus and the reddish sandstone rocks of Annot show millions of years of natural shaping. Monasteries such as Abbaye de Sénanque and Thoronet Abbey preserve Cistercian architecture, while villages like Gordes and Les Baux-de-Provence maintain their medieval layouts. The coastal settlements of Èze, Menton, and Gourdon sit on rocky perches above the Côte d'Azur, their narrow streets leading to viewpoints overlooking the sea. The Lérins Islands off Cannes and the Îles d'Hyères offer quieter coastal landscapes with Mediterranean vegetation. Inland, hiking trails like Sentier Martel pass through the Verdon Gorge, while the Vallée des Merveilles displays prehistoric rock engravings in an alpine setting. Fortifications including the Citadelle de Sisteron, Fort Carré in Antibes, and the ruins of Fort de Buoux document centuries of military history at strategic passages and heights.

The Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region has many lakes spreading from the Southern Alps to the Verdon gorge. Serre-Ponçon Lake covers about 28 km² and features sandy beaches and small coves tucked between forests. Sainte-Croix Lake is France's third-largest lake. High-altitude lakes like Allos and Sainte-Anne sit above 2,400 meters (7,874 feet) and offer cool, clear water surrounded by mountain peaks. Berre Pond is the region's biggest saltwater body. These lakes, both natural and human-made, provide space for swimming, kayaking, and paddling. Visitors find trails around the shorelines where they can walk at their own pace, spot local birds and fish, and soak in the surrounding landscape. Some lakes sit in wide, sunny valleys, while others nestle in high mountain basins with dramatic slopes nearby. These waters are easy to reach and offer something for everyone. You can visit a small quiet lake for an afternoon or spend days exploring larger ones. The region's lakes reflect the seasons, from warm summer swimming to crisp autumn walks along the water's edge.