Lac de Serre Ponçon from north to south
A must-see mountain lake in the heart of the Alps
This immense mountain lake with its turquoise waters looks completely natural at first glance. However, it is the result of a veritable feat of human engineering. The construction of the Serre-Ponçon dam in the 1960s, designed to regulate flooding of the Durance, generate electricity and irrigate crops in the south, profoundly transformed the valley to create this azure-blue jewel, now perfectly integrated into the landscape.
From wild swimming creeks to scenic drives and science museums, there are a thousand ways to discover this jewel of the Southern Alps. Come and experience Lac de Serre-Ponçon for yourself.
How to discover Lac de Serre-Ponçon?
If you're looking for a corner of paradise in the Hautes-Alpes, Lac de Serre-Ponçon is the perfect place for a nature break, with family or friends. With its 18 km length, 3 km width and turquoise waters, this mountain lake is as impressive for its beauty as it is for its history. With its wild beaches, picturesque villages, scenic routes and water sports activities, there are a thousand ways to discover it.
North of Lac de Serre Ponçon
From the Pont de Savines to the town of Embrun
To start your exploration, the Pont de Savines is a good landmark to distinguish the north and south of the lake. Here, the Durance joins the reservoir to create a powerful, lively landscape.
We recommend a loop around this part of the lake:
- Take the N94 along the western shore and cross the Savines bridge.
- Stop off at Savines-le-Lac, a charming "seaside resort" with its harbour office and family beaches. For the record, the ancient village was swallowed up when the dam was built.
- Embark on La Carline, an emblematic tourist boat, and discover the lake from the water.
- Further north, the windy Eaux Douces beach is ideal for kitesurfers and wingfoilers.
- The loop continues through the villages of Crots and Baratier, then on to the riparian forest of the Liou, a partially submerged forest perfect for observing nature.
Embrun, a must-see
You can't go north without visiting Embrun, perched on a rocky outcrop. From the town and its separate lake of Serre Ponrçon, you'll enjoy an incredible panorama of the lake.
To complete your expedition north of the lake from the Serre Ponçon valleys, take the RD954 along the eastern side of the lake and through the mountain passes, with a recommended stopover at the Parc Animalier de Serre-Ponçon and its falconry show over the water. Beware: the road winds through the mountains and will lengthen your journey, but it's well worth the detour!
South of Serre Ponçon lake
Chorges, Rousset Serre Ponçon and the dam.
The southern part of Lac de Serre-Ponçon is a haven of charm and tranquillity:
- In Chorges, discover the Chanteloube creek and its semi-submerged viaduct. Depending on the season, you can walk over it or paddle over it on the water - a magical moment.
- From the Baie Saint-Michel, admire the Chapelle Saint-Michel, a survivor from the waters, and take advantage of the many water sports available.
- Then take the scenic Col Lebraut road towards the Serre-Ponçon dam , with its many views over the lake.
- At Rousset Serre-Ponçon, finish off with a wild cove surrounded by pine trees, with floating pools and a hanging oak tree, perfect for a swim or picnic.
- To complete the experience, don't miss the dam's museums: the Maison de l'Eau et des Énergies and the Museoscope tell the fascinating story of the lake and its construction.
The Ubaye branch on Lake Serre Ponçon
An escape to the south-east of the lake
Lac de Serre-Ponçon is not confined to the Hautes-Alpes: to the east, it extends into the Ubaye valley in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence département. The beach at Saint-Vincent-les-Forts is perfect for a swim break in a quieter, wilder area, while offering spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
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© analogue production -
© analogue production -
© justine Cochard -
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© justine cochard
Supervised beaches on Lac de Serre-Ponçon
Lac de Serre-Ponçon offers a number of supervised beaches in summer, all of which have been designed and awarded the Pavillon Bleu label. Dogs are not allowed on these beaches.
Southern sector of Lac de Serre Ponçon
Plage de Bois Vieux - Rousset Serre-Ponçon
Shaded beach in the heart of a pine forest with floating pool. Picnic areas, barbecue, children's games and water sports. Access by car with on-site parking or by a short hike from the dam lookout.
Plage de Trémouilles - Baie de Chanteloube
Preserved natural site with pétanque court and sanitary facilities. Summer shuttle service from Chorges. Discover the Chanteloube Viaduct and coastal hiking trail. (15 min from La Bâtie-Neuve, 20 min from Rousset Serre-Ponçon)
Plage des Pommiers - Baie Saint-Michel
Beach accessible to people with reduced mobility, with paved access to the water. Numerous water sports activities on site. (25 min from Rousset Serre-Ponçon, 15 min from La Bâtie-Neuve)
Plan d'eau des 3 Lacs - Rochebrune
Leisure center along the Durance, with ideal swimming and a variety of activities, right next to the lake (located in the commune of Rochebrune)
North of Serre Ponçon lake
Savin'Plage - Savines-le-Lac
Beautiful, shaded family beach just before the Savines bridge (20 min from La Bâtie-Neuve, 25 min from Rousset Serre-Ponçon)
Plage des Combettes - Savines-le-Lac
Quiet beach, a little less crowded than Savin'Plage, with playground and skate park. (20 min from La Bâtie-Neuve, 25 min from Rousset Serre-Ponçon)
Plage de Chanterenne - Crots
Nicknamed "Crotbeach" by the locals, this beach is ideal for learning to swim thanks to its shallow waters. (25 min from La Bâtie-Neuve, 30 min from Rousset Serre-Ponçon)
Plan d'eau d'Embrun
Large 27-hectare lake, disconnected from the main lake, with grassy beaches, numerous activities and footpaths around the site. A must for families. (30 min from La Bâtie-Neuve, 35 min from Rousset Serre-Ponçon)
Beaches on the Ubaye arm
Plage de Saint-Vincent-les-Forts
Beach at the foot of the mountains, offering a spectacular setting and a wide range of activities. (30 min from Rousset Serre-Ponçon)
Plage de Port-Saint-Pierre - Le Sauze-du-Lac
A wild beach surrounded by pine forests, ideal for relaxing and enjoying nature. (40 min from Rousset Serre-Ponçon)
Discover the Serre Ponçon valleys
Located to the south of the Serre Ponçon lake, the small valleys of Serre Ponçon are full of secret spots to discover, far from the hustle and bustle of the lake.
