Best lakes around Crots, a commune in the Hautes-Alpes region of France, offers a variety of aquatic experiences. The area is characterized by its connection to the large Lac de Serre-Ponçon and several smaller, picturesque mountain lakes. Visitors can find diverse natural landscapes, from high-altitude settings within larch forests to accessible family-friendly shores. This region provides opportunities for both tranquil relaxation and active exploration of its water bodies.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
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I tried to get up with my bike. push biken a lot, but without knowing what the terrain would be I ended walking up the last 800m aprox. Maybe I could have made it with bike to the top, but hell it was certainly the most crazy things have done. Great, technical rock downhill.
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The Chanteloube viaduct, located on the Serre-Ponçon lake, is an unusual place. Built for a railway line that was never completed, this partially submerged viaduct offers a fascinating spectacle, with its arches reflected in the turquoise waters of the lake.
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Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed in the lake, it is prohibited
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Very nice to pass over this bridge but pay attention to the traffic.
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The loop to the Joubelle cabin is very pleasant to do, from the lake parking lot.
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The Chanteloube viaduct, located in the town of Chorges, emerges like a silent vestige of a bygone era. Started in the early 1900s, it was initially intended to connect Chorges to Barcelonnette by rail. The project was finally abandoned in the 1930s. Each year, in the spring, as the lake swells from melting snow and seasonal rains, the viaduct disappears beneath the waters. However, in winter, when the lake level drops, the viaduct emerges from its aquatic lethargy, revealing its majestic arches and solid pillars.
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Yes, several lakes around Crots are ideal for families. Lac de Saint-Apollinaire is a superb spot with benches, shady areas, and a bar, where swimming is permitted. The Eaux Douces beach on Lac de Serre-Ponçon is also very popular with families and young children due to its shallow, supervised waters in July and August. Lake Sainte-Marguerite is part of a superb family-friendly hike and is great for picnics.
The Eaux Douces beach on Lac de Serre-Ponçon is a prime location for water sports. Its consistent thermal winds make it excellent for kitesurfing and other aerial water sports. In the mornings, the calmer waters are perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, windsurfing, water skiing, and wakeboarding.
Yes, for easy walks, Lac du Lauzerot offers a very accessible 2.4 km loop that takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, with parking just a 5-minute walk away. Lake Sainte-Marguerite is also part of a superb hike that can be enjoyed with family, offering beautiful forest portions.
Around Lac du Lauzerot, you'll find a wild yet soothing atmosphere within a larch forest, where you can observe local flora like Yellow Gentian and meadow sage. During autumn, the larches change color, creating a vibrant spectacle. Near Lake Sainte-Marguerite, marmots can sometimes be seen higher up the dish.
Yes, the Chanteloube Viaduct, partially submerged in Lac de Serre-Ponçon, offers a fascinating spectacle with its arches reflected in the turquoise waters. Near Lac du Lauzerot, you can find the Notre-Dame du Lauzerot Chapel, built in 1873. The Savines Bridge on Lake Serre-Ponçon also provides a unique crossing point with views of the vast lake.
The summer months, particularly July and August, are ideal for water sports and swimming, as beaches like Eaux Douces are supervised. Autumn offers a stunning visual experience, especially around Lac du Lauzerot, when the larch forests transform into vibrant colors.
Yes, Lac du Lauzerot is a high-altitude lake perched at 1625 meters within a larch forest. The region also offers numerous other high-altitude lakes and hiking opportunities, such as those found around Mount Guillaume, which provides breathtaking panoramic views of Lac de Serre-Ponçon and its surroundings.
Swimming is permitted in Lac de Saint-Apollinaire, which also offers shady spots. The Eaux Douces beach on Lac de Serre-Ponçon has shallow, supervised waters perfect for swimming in July and August. Lake Sainte-Marguerite is also swimmable in summer.
The area around Crots offers diverse outdoor activities. For cycling, you can explore routes like the 'View of Lac de Serre-Ponçon – View of the Durance River loop from Crots' which is an easy 8 km ride. For hiking, consider the 'Lac de Sainte-Marguerite loop from Les Orres - Pra Paisset', a moderate 10.4 km trail. Mountain biking trails are also available, such as the 'Abbaye de Boscodon – Boscodon Abbey loop from Crots'. You can find more details on these activities in the Cycling around Crots, Mountain Hikes around Crots, and MTB Trails around Crots guides.
Yes, Lac du Lauzerot offers equipped areas for picnics and barbecues. Lac de Saint-Apollinaire has a bar for dining and benches for relaxation. Lake Sainte-Marguerite is also an excellent spot for a picnic.
Mount Guillaume provides a fantastic 200° view of Lac de Serre-Ponçon and its region. Lac de Saint-Apollinaire offers a fantastic view of the larger Lac de Serre-Ponçon. The Chanteloube Viaduct also provides a unique perspective of the lake with its partially submerged arches.
Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse experiences, from the peaceful, wild atmosphere of high-altitude lakes like Lac du Lauzerot to the vibrant water sports scene at Lac de Serre-Ponçon's Eaux Douces beach. The family-friendly amenities at Lac de Saint-Apollinaire and the scenic hikes to Lake Sainte-Marguerite are also highly valued. The region's natural beauty, especially the larch forests in autumn, and the unique landmarks like the Chanteloube Viaduct, are frequently highlighted.


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