Top 3 Lakes around Marchamp
Best lakes around Marchamp, a commune in the Ain department of eastern France, are characterized by their unique geological and natural features. The region is notable for Cerin Lake, an area of significant paleontological discoveries from a former tropical lake environment. Marchamp also features the Musée Paléoécologique de Cerin, which houses Jurassic fossils, and the "Eye of the Peat Bog," a distinct circular basin. These natural landmarks contribute to the Marchamp region geography, offering insights into ancient ecosystems and opportunities for exploration.
Best lakes around Marchamp
- The most popular lakes is Lac d'Ambléon, a lake that is a small altitude lake in the heart of Bugey. It is easily accessible and offers a very pretty loop for walks.
- Another must-see spot is Vallée Bleue Lake, a multi-activity leisure site. Visitors can expect a range of activities on the banks of the Rhône in a remarkable natural setting.
- Visitors also love Lake Arboréiaz, a lake nestled in an isolated natural setting. It is known for its location in the middle of a valley surrounded by marshes.
- Marchamp is known for altitude lakes, multi-activity lakes, and secluded natural lakes. The variety of lakes provides diverse experiences for visitors to see and explore.
- The lakes around Marchamp are appreciated by the komoot community, with 73 upvotes and 31 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
Lac d'Ambléon
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Vallée Bleue Lake
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Lake on the Haut Rhône with rental of mountain bikes, water pedals, go-karts, stand up paddle, boats with and without a license, jet ski, mini golf, tourist steam train and bike rails, inflatable games, pony rides , flyboard, bicycle repair workshop, treetop course, permanent orienteering course.
Restaurants. Aquapark with heated swimming pool, slide. Green spaces, fishing pond, picnic areas. 3* campsite with mobile home rentals and campervan service area in season, stopover gîte.
Source: Isère Tourism
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Vallée Bleue Marina and Recreation Area
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Lake Arboréiaz
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Tips from the Community
In the middle of a valley and surrounded by marshes, the lake of Arboréiaz is nestled in an isolated natural setting. It is known for having hosted the filming of the movie "Les Enfants du marais", by Jean Becker.
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Lake Ambléon is located in the Bas-Bugey massif, in a valley of the Tentanet mountain (712 m above sea level). Its area is 5.58 hectares. Recognized as a natural zone of ecological, fauna and flora interest (ZNIEFF) type I, it is made up of a marshy part and a deeper zone, which however does not exceed ten meters in depth Lake Ambléon, accessible by the D41 road which connects Ambléon to Lhuis, is frequented in summer by fishermen and walkers. Nearby a stele was erected in memory of the Ambléon maquis. Source: Wikipedia
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La Vallée Bleue, a multi-activity leisure site in the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes region. It brings together a multitude of activities on the banks of the Rhône, in a remarkable natural setting. Lake on the Haut Rhône with rental of mountain bikes, water pedals, go-karts, stand up paddle, boats with and without a license, jet ski, mini golf, tourist steam train and bike rails, inflatable games, pony rides , flyboard, bicycle repair workshop, treetop course, permanent orienteering course. Restaurants. Aquapark with heated swimming pool, slide. Green spaces, fishing pond, picnic areas. 3* campsite with mobile home rentals and campervan service area in season, stopover gîte. Source: Isère Tourism
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Leisure center with marina, entertainment, boat rental and a swimming pool (you are not actually allowed to swim in the Rhone, despite the sunbathing area right next to it)
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Not far from the Base de Loisirs de la Vallee Bleue there is an old house with these painted windows. Looks really good.
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Very very pretty loop... With some sections of major roads that can be avoided. For those who enjoy walking, you pass very close to the Brive waterfall!
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Beautiful lake, be careful, it's a nature reserve, just for the pleasure of the eyes 🤩
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Nice break point, after passing the col des fosses
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Cerin Lake unique compared to other lakes in the Marchamp area?
Cerin Lake is primarily known for its exceptional geological and paleontological significance. It was once a tropical lake, and the surrounding quarry has yielded a wealth of high-quality fossils from the Jurassic period, including fish, crustaceans, and reptiles. This makes it a unique site for natural history and geology enthusiasts, rather than for traditional recreational lake activities.
Where can I learn more about the paleontological discoveries from Cerin Lake?
You can visit the Musée Paléoécologique de Cerin in Marchamp. It was the first museum of its kind in France and houses a superb collection of these ancient specimens, offering a glimpse into the region's past as a lagoon.
Are there family-friendly lakes or activities near Marchamp?
Yes, Vallée Bleue Lake is a multi-activity leisure site offering a wide range of family-friendly options. These include mountain bike rentals, water pedals, stand-up paddleboarding, mini-golf, and even an aquapark with a heated swimming pool. The Lac d'Ambléon is also noted as family-friendly and easily accessible.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Marchamp?
The region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as the 'Brive Waterfall loop from Marchamp' or 'Le col du Petit Perthuis – loop'. For cyclists, there are road cycling routes like the 'Montée vers le col de Portes' and touring bicycle routes that offer views of the Cerin Peat Bog and Lac d'Ambléon. You can explore more options in the hiking guide, road cycling guide, and cycling guide for Marchamp.
Can I swim in the lakes near Marchamp?
While Vallée Bleue Lake offers a beach and an aquapark with a heated swimming pool, swimming directly in the Rhône river itself is generally not permitted despite sunbathing areas. Lac d'Ambléon is a nature reserve, so it's primarily for viewing rather than swimming.
Are there any natural sensitive areas or unique natural features to explore?
Yes, the Cerin quarry area is designated as a "sensitive natural area" (ENS de l'Ain), offering beautiful landscapes and opportunities for walks. Marchamp also features a unique circular basin known as "l'œil de la tourbière" (the eye of the peat bog), which is 10 meters in diameter and can be viewed from a roadside observation point.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Marchamp?
The region is generally pleasant during spring and summer for outdoor activities and enjoying the lakes. The Vallée Bleue Lake leisure site operates seasonally, typically offering its full range of activities during warmer months. For geological exploration at Cerin, the museum is open year-round, though checking specific opening hours is recommended.
Are there any lakes with historical or cultural significance?
Lake Arboréiaz, nestled in an isolated natural setting surrounded by marshes, is known for having hosted the filming of the movie "Les Enfants du marais" by Jean Becker, giving it a unique cultural connection.
Where can I find a good viewpoint of the lakes or surrounding area?
The rest area on the ViaRhôna offers a beautiful view of the Rhône Lateral Canal and the surrounding mountains. Additionally, the Cerin quarry area, designated as a sensitive natural area, provides scenic landscapes for observation.
What amenities are available at the lakes?
Vallée Bleue Lake is well-equipped with facilities including restaurants, a 3-star campsite, picnic areas, and a range of activity rentals. The Vallée Bleue Marina and Recreation Area also offers entertainment and boat rentals.
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