Lac de Serre-Ponçon
Just 25 km south-west of Gap, Lac de Serre-Ponçon is one of the largest artificial lakes in Western Europe and one of the most dramatically beautiful — a vast turquoise expanse ringed by lavender-dotted hillsides and the snowy Écrins peaks. In summer it becomes a full-scale outdoor playground; in spring and autumn it is hauntingly serene.
Water Sports & Beaches
The lake's sheltered bays around the villages of Savines-le-Lac and Embrun host sailing schools, kayak and stand-up paddleboard rental, wakeboarding and even scuba diving — visibility in the clear glacial water can exceed 10 m. Sandy lakeside beaches at Les Eygoires and Baie Saint-Michel fill with families in July and August but remain perfectly pleasant in June and September.
The water temperature reaches a swimmable 22–24°C in peak summer, warmer than many expect for an Alpine lake at 780 m altitude. Pedalo hire is available directly from the beach at Savines for a more leisurely afternoon.
Scenic Drives & Cycling
The Route des Grandes Alpes passes along the lake's eastern shore, offering some of the most photogenic driving in the department. The 50 km loop road around the full lake takes about 90 minutes by car but is even better by bicycle — a dedicated cycle path runs along the southern shore between Embrun and Chorges.
The submerged village of Savines (flooded when the dam was built in 1960) occasionally re-emerges during low-water winters, creating an eerie, much-photographed spectacle of rooftops and church walls breaking the surface.
More of Gap
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Gap →
