Camping holidays by a beautiful lake: relaxation and activities on your doorstep
France has more than 50,000 lakes and other bodies of water, including around 11,000 natural lakes, making it one of the countries with the most freshwater in Europe.
Some of them now have ideally located campsites on their shores, with direct access to the lake beach. These establishments allow you to make the most of the setting: swimming just a few metres from your accommodation, water sports without having to take the car, and a view of the water as soon as you wake up. Some campsites even have private pontoons, integrated leisure centres or rentals right on the shore. For a rejuvenating stay in the heart of nature that is both active and peaceful, camping by a lake is a practical and enchanting choice. Discover all the campsites near lakes, ponds and rivers, or choose one of the most beautiful lakes in France.
What are the most beautiful lakes in France?
1. Lake Annecy (74): swimming and cycling around the purest lake in France
In the heart of the Alps, Lake Annecy is a benchmark for swimming, water sports and cycle touring enthusiasts. Lined with beaches such as Albigny and Saint-Jorioz, you can swim in exceptionally pure waters while enjoying a magnificent Alpine panorama. It is also one of the few lakes where you can cycle safely all the way around.
See all campsites near Lake Annecy
2. Lake Sainte-Croix (04/83): the most beautiful turquoise waters in the South of France
Nestled between the Verdon Gorges and the Valensole Plateau, Lake Sainte-Croix charms visitors with its bright turquoise colour. It is one of the best lakes in France for swimming, renting a pedal boat or exploring the gorges by kayak. With its pebble beaches and wild coves, Lake Sainte-Croix offers the perfect setting for a nature holiday in the South.
See campsites in Les Salles-sur-Verdon
3. Lac du Salagou (34): a nature and swimming spot in the heart of Languedoc
Salagou Lake, with its red earth unique in France, offers a spectacular contrast between the ochre of the volcanic soil and the deep blue of its waters. This large natural lake in the Hérault is ideal for swimming, mountain biking, windsurfing and kitesurfing. Salagou Lake attracts lovers of wild landscapes and tranquillity.
See campsites in Clermont-l'Hérault
4. Lake Geneva (74): beaches and alpine landscapes between France and Switzerland
Lake Geneva (lake Léman in France) is a veritable inland sea straddling France and Switzerland, and one of the largest lakes in Western Europe. On the French side, its shores offer charming villages such as Yvoire and Thonon-les-Bains, beaches, marinas and numerous water sports activities. Lake Geneva is also a perfect spot for cruises with views of the Alps.
See campsites near Lake Geneva
5. Lac d'Oô (31): hiking and waterfalls in the Pyrenees
Perched at an altitude of 1,500 metres, Lake Oô is well worth the effort! Accessible only on foot (about an hour's walk), this mountain lake is famous for its 275-metre waterfall that flows directly into it. Lake Oô, nestled in a green cirque, offers a magical setting ideal for hikers looking for a picnic in the cool air.
See campsites in Bagnères-de-Luchon
6. Lac du Der (51/52): nature holidays in north-eastern France
A huge artificial lake (4,800 hectares), Lake Der attracts nature lovers and birdwatchers: it is one of the best spots for observing grey cranes. It also offers beaches, marinas and water sports centres.
See campsites in Giffaumont-Champaubert (main resort on Lake Der)
7. Lac de Castillon (04): swimming in emerald green waters in the Verdon
Less crowded than its neighbour Sainte-Croix, Lake Castillon is a hidden gem with bright green waters. A paradise for kayakers and families looking for peace and quiet.
See campsites in Saint-André-les-Alpes
8. Lac du Bourget (73): alpine charm and deep waters in Savoie
Lake Bourget is the largest natural lake entirely located in France. With its deep waters and alpine setting, it attracts swimmers, sailors and lovers of spectacular landscapes. Lake Bourget is also linked to Lamartine, who found inspiration there for his famous poem Le Lac. Aix-les-Bains, on its eastern shore, is a very pleasant spa resort.
See campsites near Lac du Bourget
9. Lac d'Allos (04): a high-altitude gem with crystal-clear waters
In the Mercantour National Park, at an altitude of over 2,200 metres, Lac d'Allos is the largest natural high-altitude lake in Europe. This glacial lake, nestled in a wild setting, can be reached after a beautiful hike. Allos Lake offers spectacular views of larch forests, mountain pastures and rocky peaks. Its crystal-clear water makes you want to dive in... despite the freezing temperature!
10. Lac des Settons (58): swim in the heart of nature in the Morvan
In the heart of the Morvan Regional Natural Park, Lac des Settons is a popular place for families to relax. Surrounded by forests, Lac des Settons offers sandy beaches, playgrounds and water sports centres. You can go paddleboarding, electric boating or simply swim in a green and unspoilt setting.
See campsites in Montsauche-les-Settons
11. Lac de Serre-Ponçon (04/05): the sea in the mountains in the Southern Alps
This vast dam lake offers an exceptional setting of blue waters, mountains and sunny coves. Lake Serre-Ponçon is one of the most beautiful lakes in the South of France, combining water sports (sailing, water skiing, swimming) and panoramic hikes. It is also famous for its chapel perched on an island in the middle of the lake.
See campsites in Savines-le-Lac
12. Grand Lac de Clairvaux (39): family swimming in the Jura
Located in the Jura mountains, the large Clairvaux lake is one of the two twin lakes of Clairvaux-les-Lacs. It is particularly popular with families for its supervised beaches, fresh water and leisure facilities. The large Clairvaux lake is a beautiful alternative to crowded destinations, while offering a wide range of leisure activities.
See campsites in Clairvaux-les-Lacs
13. Lac de Guéry (63): high-altitude swimming and volcanic silence
The highest lake in Auvergne, Lac de Guéry is located at an altitude of 1,244 metres, near the Sancy massif. Surrounded by volcanic peaks and forests, Lac de Guéry is ideal for peaceful walks, swimming in summer and ice fishing in winter. A hidden gem for those who love unspoilt nature.
14. Lake Gérardmer (88): the most beautiful lake in the Vosges for swimming in the heart of the forest
Surrounded by fir trees and hills, Lake Gérardmer is an iconic location. Located in the famous Valley of Lakes, it offers beaches, hiking trails and water sports facilities, making it an excellent swimming spot in north-eastern France. Lake Gérardmer is also pleasant in all seasons.
15. Lake Pareloup (12): a freshwater ocean in Aveyron
Lake Pareloup, in the high plateaus of Aveyron, is one of the largest lakes in the south of France. With its 1,260 hectares, sandy beaches and marinas, it offers an ideal setting for swimming, sailing and fishing. Lake Pareloup is perfect for a summer in the countryside, far from the crowds.
See campsites in Salles-Curan and Canet-de-Salars
Which is the bluest lake in France?
Lake Sainte-Croix, with its turquoise waters flowing from the Gorges du Verdon, is often considered the bluest lake in France. Its spectacular colour, due to the presence of microalgae and clear waters, makes it a star of postcards and a must-see destination for summer holidays.