Visiting Lake Bourget
In the heart of the Jura Mountains, within the Savoie region of France, lies a lake dating back 19,000 years. It served as the inspiration for the poem "Le Lac" by Alphonse de Lamartine and remains a significant destination for tourism and thermal spa culture in France.
History
Lake Bourget is the largest glacial lake in France, formed by the retreat of a massive alpine glacier. Its creation occurred in several stages over a period of approximately 140,000 years.
In its current form, it covers more than 44 km², sits at an elevation of 231.5 meters, and maintains an average depth of 85 meters.
Remnants of Neolithic villages found along the shores prove that humans have lived here for millennia. During antiquity, Romans frequented the thermal springs of Aix, while in the Middle Ages, the lake served as a strategic waterway to Lyon. Today, Lake Bourget operates as a hub for numerous recreational marinas.
The area is managed by the Comité du Lac (Lake Committee), a group representing local authorities, state agencies, tourism boards, and conservation organizations. This collaborative management ensures development remains in balance with the surrounding ecosystem.
Visiting Lake Bourget
The primary draw here is the water. You can find organized cruises as well as active water sports, including windsurfing, scuba diving, rowing, and waterskiing.
The lake is also popular for its beaches, some of which are private, where the water temperature ranges from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) during the summer.
History enthusiasts should visit the abbaye royale d'Hautecombe (Royal Abbey of Hautecombe), the prieuré du Bourget-du-Lac (Bourget-du-Lac Priory), the église Saint-Laurent (Saint-Laurent Church), or the château de Thomas II (Thomas II Castle).
It is a pocket of nature and history where modern life and heritage coexist.
Lake Bourget offers you plenty of things to do in a very pretty setting. In the summer, it is possible to swim in the cool, clear waters of this mountain lake. If it is scorching hot, the coolness of the water will do you a world of good. There are also quite a variety of water activities such as sailing, water skiing, scuba diving, wakeboarding, and canoeing or kayaking. There are several clubs and schools along the shores of the lake.
If you want to go shopping, sightsee, hang out on a terrace, or try your luck at the casino, the town of Aix-les-Bains offers all of that :)
Looking to hike in the mountains? No problem, numerous hiking trails start right from the banks of Lake Bourget.
In short, a nice spot to spend a vacation.