Top 6 Lakes around Ubraye
Lakes around Ubraye are situated in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France, within the broader Ubaye Valley. This region is characterized by its mountainous terrain and river valleys, offering a variety of natural settings for its water bodies. The area features both large artificial reservoirs and smaller, high-altitude mountain lakes. Ubraye is a commune located within this diverse natural landscape.
Best lakes around Ubraye
- The most popular lakes is Lac de Chaudanne, a lake known for its superb turquoise…
Last updated: April 26, 2026
Castillon Dam
Highlight • Monument
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Lac de Chaudanne
Highlight • Lake
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Route de Soleilhas
Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint
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Camping du Brec and its beach
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Saint-Julien-du-Verdon
Highlight • Settlement
More information: de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Julien-du-Verdon and de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lac_de_Castillon
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Tips from the Community
An absolute must for every good tourist 8-) Seriously, definitely check it out, the color of the water is different every time.
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Incredible plateau at over 1000 meters at the gateway to the Verdon.
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A bucolic road far from the hectic tourists, a calm lake nestled between the mountains
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Nice little place with a mini harbor. You can also rent a pedal boat if you feel like it.
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Riding a bike over a dam is a beautiful experience
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very impressive construction. Only when you stand on the dam you get an image of how gigantic it is. Once a week they open the dam and the water level on the river Verdon has risen so that on the river a whole lot of water activities take place such as canyoning, canoeing, rafting etc.
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Great blue reservoir. Used for tourism in the northern area. The reservoir can provide electricity for 31,000 people.
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Wilder and less developed for tourism than its cousin, the Lac de Ste Croix which is located a few leagues away, the Lac de Castillon is an artificial reservoir accumulating the turquoise blue water of the Verdon which gives it its particular colour. This dam is the result of a long history. In fact, as early as 1895, after a drought that ravaged crops throughout the south of France, the project for a dam appeared that would supply water to the orchards and fields of Provence. The irrigation of agricultural land was in fact the primary objective of this dam, whose construction finally began in 1928. The nationwide project will employ 1,200 workers, including many Germans hired as part of the repairs due by the Germany after the Great War. But the company managing the works went bankrupt in 1936 and the works did not resume seriously until the end of the 2nd World War with more than 2,000 workers (including again German prisoners of war) to end with the implementation service of the dam in 1948. The impoundment led to the disappearance of the village of Castillon, swallowed up by the waters of the lake which today bears its name. You can sometimes see some vestiges of the village, as well as an old bridge, when the level is at its lowest. The lake of Castillon contains in its normal configuration 150 million m3 (8 km, 500 ha) of which 85 million are reserved for agriculture. But the dam is also a hydroelectric plant that manages to produce, on its own, the annual consumption of 31,100 people. And of course, tourism has developed a lot and is now an important activity around the lake. In 2009, a sundial was inaugurated, the time lines of which are drawn on the vault of the dam. Covering an area of about 13,000 square meters, it is the largest sundial in the world. The time is given thanks to the curved shadow cast by the cornice overhanging the dam.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular lakes around Ubraye?
Visitors frequently enjoy Lac de Chaudanne for its superb turquoise waters and stunning limestone cliffs. Another highly regarded spot is the impressive Castillon Dam, which offers expansive views of the Verdon and Lac de Castillon.
Are there family-friendly lakes in the Ubraye region?
Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. Lac de Chaudanne is considered family-friendly, as is the area around Camping du Brec and its beach, which offers equipped beaches for safe swimming. Additionally, the charming Le Lauzet-Ubaye Lake is ideal for relaxation, pedal-boating, and kayaking, making it a great family spot.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around the lakes?
The region boasts diverse natural beauty. You'll find the striking turquoise waters and steep limestone cliffs of Lac de Chaudanne. The broader Ubaye Valley is home to the crescent-shaped Serre-Ponçon Lake, one of France's largest artificial lakes, surrounded by magnificent landscapes. Many high-altitude mountain lakes also offer serene natural settings.
What water activities are available at the lakes?
Serre-Ponçon Lake is a major hub for water sports, offering bathing, rafting, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Le Lauzet-Ubaye Lake is perfect for pedal-boating, kayaking, and swimming in its refreshing waters. At Saint-Julien-du-Verdon, located on Lac de Castillon, you can rent pedal boats.
Are there good viewpoints to admire the lakes?
Absolutely. The Castillon Dam itself provides impressive views of the Verdon and Lac de Castillon. For spectacular panoramic vistas of Lac de Castillon, visit Route de Soleilhas, which features a plateau at over 1000 meters. The lookout point at Le Sauze-du-Lac also offers stunning views of Serre-Ponçon Lake.
Can I go hiking near the lakes around Ubraye?
Yes, the Ubraye region and the Ubaye Valley offer numerous hiking opportunities. You can explore high-altitude mountain lakes like Lac de Sainte-Marguerite, known for hiking and picnicking. For more detailed routes, you can find various hiking trails in the area, including easy to moderate options. Explore more at the Hiking around Ubraye guide.
What is Serre-Ponçon Lake known for?
Serre-Ponçon Lake is renowned as one of the largest artificial lakes in France and a significant tourist destination in the Southern Alps. It's characterized by its magnificent crescent shape, covering 30 square kilometers, and features the picturesque 12th-century Chapelle Saint-Michel on a small island. It's a hub for various leisure activities and offers stunning views.
What makes Le Lauzet-Ubaye Lake special?
Le Lauzet-Ubaye Lake is a charming emerald-green lake known for its refreshing waters, ideal for summer swimming, and its peaceful banks lined with willow trees. It's a delightful spot for relaxation, pedal-boating, kayaking, and fishing, complemented by the charming village of Le Lauzet-Ubaye itself.
Are there cycling routes near the lakes?
Yes, the region provides challenging cycling routes that pass by some of the lakes and dams. For example, there are difficult cycling tours like the 'Castillon Dam – Castellane loop'. You can find more cycling options in the Cycling around Ubraye guide.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Ubraye?
The summer months are generally ideal for visiting, especially for swimming and water sports at lakes like Serre-Ponçon and Le Lauzet-Ubaye, which offer refreshing waters. The region's mountain lakes are also best accessed during warmer seasons for hiking and enjoying the serene natural surroundings.
Can I find places for wild swimming in the area?
While specific designated wild swimming spots are not detailed, lakes like Le Lauzet-Ubaye are known for their refreshing waters suitable for swimming. The equipped beaches at Camping du Brec and its beach also offer safe swimming opportunities.
What other outdoor activities can I do near the lakes?
Beyond hiking and cycling, the area around Ubraye offers diverse outdoor activities. Serre-Ponçon Lake supports paragliding and hang-gliding. You can also find running trails with varying difficulty levels. Explore more options in the Running Trails around Ubraye guide.
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