Top 20 Lakes around Sallanches
Best lakes around Sallanches are situated in the heart of the French Alps, offering diverse natural landscapes. The region is characterized by its proximity to the Mont Blanc massif, providing a backdrop for various lake environments. Sallanches itself is a gateway to both accessible leisure lakes and more challenging high-altitude mountain lakes. These areas provide opportunities for water activities, nature observation, and hiking.
Best lakes around Sallanches
- The most popular lakes is Green Lake, a forest lake that reflects Mont Blanc. Its distinctive green color gives it its name.
- Another must-see spot is Lac de Pormenaz, a lake situated at an altitude of 1,945 meters in the Passy nature reserve. It features a small island in its center.
- Visitors also love Lake Anterne, a lake at the foot of the Fiz rocks. It is known for its capacity of approximately 760,000 cubic meters of water and its surrounding wildlife.
- Sallanches is known for its accessible leisure lakes and high-altitude mountain lakes. Visitors can explore a variety of lake types, from those offering water sports to tranquil natural reserves.
- The lakes around Sallanches are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 560 upvotes and over 250 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Green Lake
Highlight • Forest
Even in winter, when it's frozen over and covered in deep snow, it's simply fantastic!
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Lac de Pormenaz
Highlight • Lake
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Lake Anterne
Highlight • Lake
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Refuge du Lac de Gers and Lac de Gers
Highlight • Mountain Hut
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Third Lake at Les Ilettes
Highlight • Lake
In 1976 a meeting was held between Sallanches and Saint-Martin for the development of Lac des Ilettes. This area located in the territory of Sallanches but bordering on the commune of Saint-Martin could only be developed by a joint agreement of the two communes.
In 1977, the development of Les Ilettes helped with the merger of St Martin and Sallanches.
For the construction of the future white highway, this area will be reserved for the extraction of materials.
Two other large lakes will be exposed and subsequently developed into tourist sites.
***
Today it is a beautiful place of relaxation for everyone:
* What if we teased the trout? !
This 1st lake, coming from St Martin, is reserved exclusively for fishing; it measures 242 m long.
Tranquility assured. The island located in the middle of the lake being a hunting reserve, you will have plenty of time to observe mallards and wild rabbits while waiting for the fish to take the bait!
- Aquatic species: wild and rainbow trout, perch, carp, pike, roach, tench, chub, crayfish, verons, frogs.
- Fishing license: on sale at the Passion Pêche store or at the Sallanches Tourist Office
- Night fishing for carp: "no kill" organized by the Faucigny Approved Association for Fishing and Protection of the Aquatic Environment (registration required)
- Fishing competitions: organized by the fishing company (information at the tourist office)
- Sites and regulations: Haute-Savoie fishing license offered with the license.
* Take the plunge !
This 2nd Ilettes lake is intended for swimming and relaxing (supervised swimming in July - August). It is 450 m long.
- Under the sun or the shade, it is good to relax on the green lawns bordering the waters of the lake.
- Numerous facilities are provided for leisure and well-being: open-air showers, volleyball courts, bowling greens, fitness trail, ping-pong table.
- equipped picnic areas, snacks and refreshment bar in summer only.
- free parking and toilets
In summer, this lake, which also abounds with species found in the 1st lake, is closed to fishing.
Swimming authorized and supervised in July and August within a specific area.
- barbecue is accepted under certain conditions.
* Want to slide on the water?
Jibe and fun lovers are welcome on this 3rd lake, one of the best spots in Haute-Savoie, for windsurfing.
It measures 515 m long
- ideal site for discovering the pleasure of water sports
- at the end of this 3rd lake, a waterbird observation cabin is available to visitors.
- The north shore of the lake is reserved for fishing.
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Tips from the Community
Beautiful lake located next to the Gers Refuge and below Col Pelouse
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the video of the sallanches - lake of Pormenaz route https://youtu.be/l23IUvTwiSc?si=zyzWhbqQLNobocY-
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I loved this lake! and even more so to go around it (with some complicated steps) and see it full of fish.
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Unfortunately, due to French national park rules, dogs are not allowed to cross the trail - not even if they are on a leash. Camping is also prohibited.
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A beautiful high-altitude lake, even if the water remains cold! Be careful, as in all high-altitude lakes, swimming is prohibited. It damages the flora and shores and disturbs the fauna.
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Superb bivouac spot with a beautiful view of Pointe Noire, we came across ibexes, magical!
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Lake Gers is a high altitude lake
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A magnificent view of Lake Gers in a green and majestic setting.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of activities can I do at the lakes around Sallanches?
The lakes around Sallanches offer a wide range of activities. You can enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, windsurfing, and pedal boating at leisure lakes like Lac de Passy and Les Lacs des Ilettes. For land-based fun, these areas also provide mini-golf, go-karting, fitness trails, and picnic spots. Higher-altitude lakes such as Green Lake, Lac de Pormenaz, and Lake Anterne are popular for hiking and nature observation.
Are there family-friendly lakes near Sallanches?
Yes, Lac de Passy and Les Lacs des Ilettes are excellent choices for families. Lac de Passy offers a developed beach, supervised swimming in summer, mini-golf, go-karting, and picnic areas. Les Lacs des Ilettes has a designated swimming lake with lifeguard supervision during July and August, grassy areas, picnic tables, and a fitness circuit, making it very suitable for families.
Can I go swimming in the lakes near Sallanches?
Yes, swimming is permitted and often supervised at specific lakes during the summer months. Lac de Passy features a developed beach with supervision in July and August. At Les Lacs des Ilettes, the second lake (Lac de Baignade) is reserved for swimming and paddleboarding, also with lifeguard supervision during July and August.
Where can I go fishing near Sallanches?
Fishing is a popular activity at several lakes. Lac de Passy allows fishing for species like trout, perch, and catfish, requiring a license obtainable from the Tourist Office. At Les Lacs des Ilettes, the first lake (Lac de Pêche) is specifically designated for fishing, with trout, perch, carp, and pike. A fishing license is required here as well.
What are the options for water sports like paddleboarding or windsurfing?
Lac de Passy offers paddleboarding, windsurfing, and pedal boating. Les Lacs des Ilettes also provides opportunities for paddleboarding on its swimming lake and is a known spot for windsurfing on its third lake, though personal equipment is required for windsurfing there.
Are there high-altitude mountain lakes for hiking near Sallanches?
Yes, the region boasts several stunning high-altitude lakes accessible via hiking. These include Green Lake, known for its reflections of Mont Blanc, Lac de Pormenaz at 1,945 meters, and Lake Anterne at the foot of the Fiz rocks. These offer more challenging hikes and breathtaking natural scenery.
What are the best lakes for nature observation and wildlife near Sallanches?
Les Lacs des Ilettes is excellent for nature observation, particularly its third lake which doubles as a nature reserve with informational panels and a bird and fish-watching cabin. Lake Anterne is also known for its surrounding wildlife, including marmots and ibexes in the meadows.
How accessible are the lakes around Sallanches?
Lac de Passy and Les Lacs des Ilettes are highly accessible, located a short drive or even within 2 km of Sallanches city center, respectively. They offer parking and paths suitable for buggies and bicycles. High-altitude lakes like Green Lake, Lac de Pormenaz, and Lake Anterne require hiking to reach them.
When is the best time to visit the lakes around Sallanches?
The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. For swimming and water sports at leisure lakes like Lac de Passy and Les Lacs des Ilettes, the summer months (July and August) are ideal due to warmer weather and supervised swimming. For hiking to high-altitude lakes, late spring to early autumn generally offers the most favorable conditions, avoiding snow and ice.
Are dogs allowed at the lakes near Sallanches?
Dog policies vary by location. For instance, dogs are generally not allowed on the trails leading to Lac de Pormenaz due to French national park rules, even on a leash. It's advisable to check specific regulations for each lake or nature reserve before visiting with your dog.
Are there places to eat or facilities available at the lakes?
Yes, both Lac de Passy and Les Lacs des Ilettes offer facilities. Lac de Passy has food and refreshment options available on-site during the summer. Les Lacs des Ilettes provides picnic tables, showers, and a snack and refreshment bar in summer. For high-altitude lakes, you might find refuges like Refuge du Lac de Gers, which offers meals and overnight stays.
What kind of running trails are available near the lakes?
There are various running trails around the lakes. For example, you can find routes like the 'View of Lac de Passy – Passy Lake Boardwalk loop' or the 'Third Lake at Les Ilettes loop' which are suitable for jogging. You can explore more options on the Running Trails around Sallanches guide.
Can I go cycling near the lakes around Sallanches?
Yes, the region offers road cycling routes that pass by or near some lakes. For instance, routes like 'View of Mont Blanc – Saint-Martin Bridge loop' can be found in the area. More detailed information on cycling routes is available in the Road Cycling Routes around Sallanches guide.
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