Lac de Grand Maison, Artificial reservoir in Vaujany, France.
Lac de Grand Maison is an artificial reservoir in the French Alps that stretches between the communes of Vaujany in Isère and Saint-Colomban-des-Villards in Savoie. The basin sits at approximately 1,700 meters elevation and is surrounded by several walking trails that offer different views of the water and surrounding mountain landscape.
The reservoir was built by Électricité de France to harness water power in the French Alps and generate renewable electricity. The dam became part of the region's broader energy development program throughout the 20th century.
The lake is a gathering place for anglers from nearby communities who fish here during open seasons for mountain trout and other species. Local fishing traditions shape how people spend time by the water throughout the year.
Marked trails encircle the lake and provide easy access to different points along the shoreline. Parking areas are available near the main entrances, making it simple for visitors to start their exploration.
The water level changes noticeably throughout the year as EDF manages the reservoir for power generation and water storage. Visitors often notice the shoreline varies dramatically, sometimes revealing different views of the landscape depending on the season.
Location: Vaujany
Location: Saint-Colomban-des-Villards
Elevation above the sea: 1,698 m
Operator: EDF
Address: Lac de Grand Maison, 38114 Vaujany, France
GPS coordinates: 45.20556,6.12500
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:45
The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes area has lakes from very different beginnings. Large lakes that formed from glaciers, like Lake Bourget or Lake Annecy, appeared after the glaciers in the Alps melted. They have deep water surrounded by mountains. In the Massif Central, volcanic lakes sit in old craters, such as Lake Pavin, which is nearly 7,000 years old, and Lake Issarlès, which goes down more than 100 meters deep. Some lakes are high up in the mountains, like Lake Guéry at 1250 meters, while others are in flat land or in deep valleys. There are also several artificial lakes built in the 20th century to make electricity or manage water flow. Lake Monteynard was created in 1962 on the Drac river, and Lake Saint-Étienne-Cantalès, held back by a dam on the Cère river since 1945, are popular spots for swimming, sailing, and fishing. Each lake feels different: clear and cold mountain waters, wooded shores in Jura, changing colors in volcanic craters. Visitors can walk around these places, go by boat, or just enjoy the views from the banks.
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