The 9 most beautiful lakes in France to explore while camping

The jewel in the crown of the Haute-Savoie, this magnificent lake at the foot of the Alps offers a vast and varied array of activities, on land as well as on the water. However you choose to spend your time, you’ll be bowled over by the lake’s incomparable beauty. 

On land, if you see yourself as the next Chris Froome, set off on two wheels on a cycle ride along the “green way” that goes around part of the lake. Admire the scenery which changes constantly as you pedal along. Meanwhile, seasoned walkers can take to one of the many hiking trails. There are numerous lookout points along the paths, each offering a unique view over the lake. 

Or take your pick from a microlight aircraft, paraglider or other flying machine and take to the skies for a bird’s eye view of the lake. Even from high up, you’ll continue to be amazed by the stunning beauty of this extraordinary lake. 

Finally, we can’t talk about Lake Annecy without mentioning watersports! Stand-up paddleboarding, boat trips, sailing, jet skiing and so much more are in store for all the family, but the best way to make the most of the lake is to have a swim. With supervised swimming areas on most beaches on the lake, it would really be a pity not to enjoy some fun with your children!

Still on the Atlantic Coast, a little further north this time, there’s another lake that is just as perfect for you and your water babies! Lake Hourtin is the largest freshwater lake in France and a haven of peace just an hour from Bordeaux. 

Take along your buckets and spades, ready to build the best ever sandcastle with your young campers. Then to follow up all that building work, treat yourself to a refreshing dip in the lake!  

Budding young navigators can try their hand at sailing in a small boat. One eye to port and the other to starboard, snug in a life jacket, they’ll be ready to embark on their very own adventure on the lake! Your apprentice sailors won’t forget this experience in a hurry. Thanks to the supervised swimming areas, you won’t need to worry too much about your little divers. Teens and adults: how about trying a different watersport like flyboarding or kitesurfing on the lake?

Back to the Atlantic Coast now to the lovely department of the Landes, as we turn the spotlight on Lake Léon. This body of water stretches some 340 hectares, half of which is a listed nature reserve. It is a true haven of peace that nature lovers in particular will enjoy. And it’s easy to understand why: this bucolic natural setting includes two beaches, wild areas and several hiking trails. And forget the car – Lake Léon is to be explored on foot or on a bicycle!

Look out for the amazing fauna and flora, particularly the amateur birdwatchers among you, because numerous migratory birds stop here twice a year during their long-haul flights. Meanwhile, budding photographers will take out their cameras to capture the colours of the lake and its surroundings, which change from one season to the next. 

Where there’s a lake, there are watersports to enjoy. There’s no shortage of family fun on and in the water during your lakeside holiday in the Aquitaine region thanks to a wide choice of leisure activities, such as pedal boats, electric boats, canoes, stand-up paddleboards and windsurfing, or why not try a spot of fishing? There’s something for everyone, and for every age!

There are many more lakes worth visiting in the south-west of France while you’re enjoying a lakeside camping holiday, such as Lake Soustons in the Landes, located just a few steps from your accommodation. Only a few kilometres from huge sandy beaches, this lake is ideal for a lovely natural interlude in the great outdoors surrounded by sand dunes and pine forests.

Just one watchword here: make the most of it! Whether you’re visiting with the family or as a couple, there are a thousand and one ways to explore the lake from every angle, on the water or from the land. You can enjoy the lake in so many ways: splashing around in complete safety with the family on supervised beaches, sandcastle competitions with your feet in the water, not forgetting the many watersports, such as stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing and fishing. On the Soustons marine lake, you can even hire a catamaran for a day out with your loved ones!

If you prefer to stay dry, you can also choose to discover the lake from terra firma! Take the specially marked-out path that forms a 4-kilometre circuit around the lake… you’ll be pleased to hear that it’s accessible on foot, on a bicycle and even with a pushchair, so anyone can join in!

Last, but certainly not least… In the Centre-Val de Loire region, the lakes of Sologne invite you to enjoy moments of pure peace and tranquillity and spot more than 140 species of birds that have made their home there. A rare and unspoiled natural corner of France, the lakes of Sologne are halfway between the Loire châteaux and the forest.

Wait! We’re not finished... and you won’t believe your eyes: Sandaya campsites are full of surprises, like the Les Alicourts campsite in Sologne, which has its own large private lake. Here, it’s not the campsite that’s next to a lake, but a lake that’s located within the campsite. Unbelievable, but true! Here, you can have a go at cable waterskiing, paddleboarding or set out in a canoe. We love campsite holidays with Sandaya!