Top 6 Lakes in Vercors

The Vercors region offers several scenic lakes. Lauzon Lake is a natural, grassy lake nestled at the foot of the Jocelme and Sirac peaks, ideal for a break or picnic. La Moucherolle Lake, though artificial, provides a photogenic splash of color against the rocky landscape. Further afield, Lac Monteynard-Avignonet is known for its incredible turquoise waters and dramatic setting between mountains.

Yes, several lakes in the Vercors region are suitable for families. Flower Camping Le Lac du Maradan features a pleasant swimming lake and a separate pond, along with a restaurant, making it great for a relaxing camping experience. Le Lac Bleu Camping Site also offers a quiet setting with a small lake.

The Vercors region, with its lakes, is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking opportunities, including mountain hikes and waterfall hikes. For example, you can explore trails like the 'Pic Saint-Michel (1966 m) – Arc Pass loop' or the 'Canyon des Gueulards et Gorges d'Omblèze loop'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Mountain Hikes in Vercors and Waterfall hikes in Vercors guides.

Beyond the lakes themselves, the Vercors region boasts impressive natural features. Lauzon Lake is notable for being at the foot of two 3,000-meter peaks, the Jocelme and the Sirac. The Furon Dam, while man-made, is a significant crossing point that connects to routes descending towards Sassenage from the ViaVercors, offering unique views of the water reservoir and gorges.

The Vercors region is a haven for nature lovers, hikers, and those seeking outdoor activities. While specific lake conditions vary, generally, late spring to early autumn (May to October) offers the most favorable weather for hiking, swimming, and enjoying the lakes. Some artificial lakes, like La Moucherolle Lake, are associated with snowmaking systems, suggesting winter activities are also prominent in the wider area.

Yes, there are easy walking options around some Vercors lakes. For instance, Lac de la Moucherolle is accessible via hiking, including an option to take the Côte 2000 gondola from Villard-de-Lans. Lac des Prés, another artificial retention pond, has numerous paths leading to it, with an easy walk from Lans-en-Vercors, perfect for a picnic amidst meadows.

While many Vercors lakes offer tranquil settings, Lac Monteynard-Avignonet, situated between the Dévoluy and Vercors mountains, is particularly famous for watersports. It's renowned for exceptional thermal winds, making it one of Europe's best spots for kitesurfing, windsurfing, and wingfoiling. Other activities there include paddleboarding, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and waterskiing.

You can find various accommodation options, including campsites, near the Vercors lakes. For example, Flower Camping Le Lac du Maradan and Le Lac Bleu Camping Site both offer pleasant camping experiences directly by lakes, often with additional facilities like restaurants.

The Vercors massif itself is a striking natural park in the French Prealps, characterized by its mountainous landscape. While not a lake, the Barrage du Furon (Furon Dam) is a notable man-made structure that interacts with the natural gorge, creating a beautiful crossing point and offering views of the water reservoir and surrounding rock formations.

Lake Paladru, located between the Chartreuse Mountains and the Valdaine, is France's fifth-largest natural lake. It's known for its mesmerizing azure waters, offering visitors opportunities to swim, explore timeless trails, and visit local farms, making it a distinct and beautiful destination in the broader Vercors region.

Yes, the Vercors region offers challenging hikes, some of which can be combined with lake visits or offer views of them. For instance, routes like the 'Path with panoramic view – Grand Veymont loop' or the 'Tour of Mont Aiguille' provide more demanding terrain and significant elevation gains within the Vercors Regional Natural Park. You can explore these and other challenging routes in the Hiking in Vercors guide.