Lake Aiguebelette, a magical place to recharge your batteries

France's third largest natural lake, situated at an altitude of 373 metres between Lyon and Chambéry, Lac d'Aiguebelette takes its name from its magnificent emerald green colour. Its shores, coupled with the two islands to the south of the lake, create the atmosphere of an Alpine lagoon in a wild, unspoilt ecosystem. It is as popular with anglers for its ecological diversity as it is with bathers for the purity of its water. In order to preserve this corner of paradise, navigation is regulated and motorboats are prohibited.

7 beaches have been developed along the 14km of riverbank. Those at St Alban and Pré-argent are particularly suitable for families, with play areas and inflatables available. The beach at Bon Vent, with its well-shaded lawn, is ideal for picnics, while the beach at La Crique is easy to get to as it is just off the motorway. Access is subject to a charge during the summer season and is free the rest of the year. The surrounding villages have retained their authentic character, with many examples of rural life carefully restored in a particularly flower-filled setting.

World-renowned for itsrowing, Lake Aiguebelette has hosted numerous national and international competitions, including the world championship in 2015. The rowing centre is located on the beach road, between the Pré-argent and Sougey beaches. There are many other water-based activities on offer, including stand-up paddling, boat trips, canoeing and, of course, swimming, which is supervised from June to August. In summer, the water is between 24°C and 26°C, the ideal temperature!

But the lake isn't just for water sports: there are plenty of land and air-based activities that are just as popular. For thrill-seekers, you can fly over the lake in a paraglider or microlight, or see it from above after a via-ferrata. Rest assured, this is also possible after a simple hike. For children, the Sougey beach offers pony trekking and a spectacular accrobranche with a view over the lake. Not far to the south, the Chartreuse is an unspoilt massif that will appeal to lovers of wide open spaces. The banks of the Rhône will delight cycling enthusiasts.

Throughout the year, the lake is home to a wide range of animal and plant species. While the open water zone is home to a number of the lake's emblematic fish species, such as the Lavaret, this biodiversity is essentially present on the banks, which have largely remained natural. The main challenge today is to preserve the aquatic and terrestrial plant belts, which play an essential role in maintaining biodiversity (feeding, reproduction and protection zones) and help to maintain water quality. With this in mind, certain parts of the coastline have been protected by a decree since 2001.

Lac d'Aiguebelette is very well served by the A43 motorway. A motorway exit leads directly to the north of the lake. It takes 45 minutes to get there by car from Lyon, 5 hours from Paris and 3 hours from Marseille. If you're travelling by train, you'll need to get off at Lépin le Lac and then make your own way: on foot if your rental car is nearby, or by bike. On summer weekends, traffic around the lake can get a little busy, especially when you're returning from the beach.

Lake Aiguebelette is not the only attraction in the region, and the town of Chambéry is also well worth a visit. This medieval town, nestling in the mountains, offers a wealth of cultural activities. The tour of Lac du Bourget is another local classic, covering some 60km of rather hilly terrain. If you're only interested in the views, head for the Col du Chat, La Chambotte, Pragondran or Ontex, among others.