Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet, Artificial reservoir in Isère department, France
Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet is an artificial lake in the Isère department, where turquoise water extends over a length of 20 kilometers. The reservoir reaches a depth of 115 meters in some areas and connects the valleys of the Drac and Ebron rivers.
The reservoir came into being in 1961 following the construction of a 145-meter-high dam by Électricité de France. The facility was intended to provide hydropower for electricity generation in the region.
The recreation center at Treffort has become a gathering point for water sports enthusiasts who come to use the thermal winds. The lake also attracts hikers who walk across the two suspension bridges linking the mountain slopes.
The bay at Treffort provides water access and works well for windsurfing or kitesurfing during windy afternoons. The suspension bridges are open to walkers and link several hiking paths along the shores.
The lake ranks as the second windiest in Europe because temperature differences between the water surface and mountains create strong afternoon winds. These conditions make it especially popular with kitesurfers who travel from across France.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
