Blue: this is what best defines the Serre-Ponçon lake. Located on the border of the Hautes-Alpes and the Alpes de Haute-Provence, just south of the French Alps, Lake Serre-Ponçon is certainly one of the most beautiful artificial lakes in France. A change of scenery, it is the ideal place for sports stays and a break from the hustle and bustle of the mountains.
As big as 4000 football stadiums, the Serre-Ponçon lake is the largest artificial lake in France. A land of escape and well-being, it promises its curious visitors many cultural, gastronomic and sporting discoveries. At Lake Serre-Ponçon, the sportsman is king in both winter and summer: during the winter period, you will be able to practice a wide range of skiing activities, thanks to 3 ski resorts located just a few minutes from the lake: Crévoux, Réallon and Les Orres. On the agenda? Skiing of course, but also hiking, snowshoeing in Les Orres in particular (its snowshoe trails offering wonderful views of the mountains and the lake), cross-country skiing in the heart of the Parc National des Écrins via the Nordic domain of Réallon, nature skiing in Crévoux, but also dog sledding, sledging, snake-gkiss (aux Orres), paragliding and many other activities for those who love sensations.
During the summer, the Serre-Ponçon lake becomes a paradise for water activities and white water sports: with its many beaches located in the municipalities of Chorges, Embrun, Crots, Sauze-du-Lac, Pontis, Le Rousset and Savines-le-Lac, the latter boasts nearly 90 kilometres of sandy shores, perfect for relaxing breaks in the heart of idyllic coves and for thrilling leisure. The lake is a very good kitesurfing spot well known to skiers and snowboarders and attracts countless adrenaline aficionados every year who come to challenge its waters! In addition to kitesurfing, you can also opt for a windsurfing session, an introduction to jet-skiing, boating to discover all the faces of the lake, but also kayaking around the Saint-Michel chapel, surfing, wakeboarding, rowing, paddle, pedal boat, swimming... There is something for everyone! With the family, we particularly recommend the towed buoy: laughing is guaranteed! Fishing enthusiasts will love its fish-bearing waters to catch pike, perch, carp and other roaches.
Serre-Ponçon is also a blue jewel nestled in the hollow of the mountains, mountains which, by their magnificence and reliefs, constitute wonderful challenges for outdoor enthusiasts. Mountain biking, hiking, climbing, horseback riding... the list is long! Hiking is the best way to contemplate the sparkling beauty of Lake Serre-Ponçon: along paths such as the one leading to the Serre-Ponçon lookout in the commune of Rousset, or via the route leading to Saint-Vincent-les-Forts (1280 metres above sea level), the Pic de Morgon (2324 metres above sea level) or even from the Aiguilles de Chabrières accessible from the Réallon station, you can admire all the facets of this amazingly beautiful blue pearl. At first light and at sunset, you will be amazed by the poetry of this lake perched at an altitude of 780 metres, in which the snow-covered peaks of the surrounding high mountains are reflected. Do not miss during your excursions the surrounding wonders, such as the Cascade de la Pisse de Châteauroux (Rabioux), the curious Cheminées Coiffées du Rabioux (in the valley of the same name), or the Cheminées des Fées, between the towns of Pontis and Sauze. If your heart is well attached, then aerial activities should seduce you! From a hang-glider, a paraglider, a hot air balloon, during a hydro-ULM flight or during a first freefall flight, you can discover all the magic of the Serre-Ponçon lake from a unique point of view!
Finally, how to evoke Serre-Ponçon without mentioning its gourmet delicacies? It is likely that the wines, mountain cheeses, but also the famous tournons de Champsaur, the trout of Châteauroux, the Seille de Veynes, the donkey ears, the honey-based desserts and the local charcuterie will delight all the epicureans!
