Holiday in Lac du Bourget

About Lac du Bourget

Lac du Bourget in the French Alps is the largest natural lake in France, measuring 18 kilometers in length and up to 145 meters in depth. Nestled between the limestone cliffs of Mont du Chat to the west and the Bauges massif to the east, it offers a dramatic backdrop that inspired the Romantic poet Alphonse de Lamartine to write his famous poem 'Le Lac'. The turquoise water reaches a pleasant 24 to 26 degrees Celsius in summer, making the lake a popular bathing destination. The beaches of Aix-les-Bains on the eastern shore — including Grand Port and Plage du Rowing — offer sandy beaches with an alpine panorama. Sailors, windsurfers, and kayakers appreciate the reliable thermal winds, while divers can explore submerged Gallo-Roman settlement remains in the crystal-clear water. Aix-les-Bains, the elegant spa town on the eastern shore, boasts a 2,000-year-old bathing culture — the Romans already utilized the hot springs. The Abbey of Hautecombe on the western shore, the burial place of the House of Savoy, is accessible by excursion boat and is an architectural gem. Cyclists love the 35-kilometer lakeside circuit, while hikers enjoy the ascent to Dent du Chat with spectacular views of the lake. Lac du Bourget combines alpine charm with Mediterranean flair — a hidden gem away from the crowded Mediterranean beaches.