The weather forecasts for the coming days are all in agreement: Lyon and its region are in for another heatwave. And as if to thumb its nose at us, nature has planned this for the very week when the seasons change and we celebrate music and our dads. With the mercury rising, there are two options: hole up in shopping malls or head out into the countryside—provided you know where to go (you know where our hearts lie). After telling you about the fantastic 50-kilometer hike along the Azergues River, it’s time for a swim in a glacial lake: Lake Barterand!
Lake Barterand, the pearl of Bugey
Nestled a few kilometers from Chanaz, the “Venice of Savoy,” Lake Barterand offers all the pleasures of a day in the countryside during these hot spells. Supervised swimming is available from June 15 to September 15, from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., allowing young and old alike to enjoy a preserved natural setting. Since swimming is supervised, beach access costs €2.50, letting you relax and enjoy the area between swims and naps in the shade.
There’s also a 7-kilometer loop that takes you around the lake, passing by a whole section of stones carved directly into the rock— a local curiosity you won’t want to miss!
A region where heritage, vineyards, and mountains meet
If, by the way, you’d like to kill two birds with one stone by exploring the area, we highly recommend visiting Chanaz, a beautiful little medieval town—less touristy than Annecy—that perfectly blends local heritage with cultural richness.
If you’re into cycling and the Tour de France is approaching, you should know that Lake Barterand lies at the foot of one of the most legendary mountain passes: the Grand Colombier. From up there, the view of the Rhône and Lake Bourget—just like the one from the Mont du Chat lookout— is absolutely breathtaking. For those who’d like to go for a short hike, you can walk from the lake to the villages of Vongnes and Marignieu through the Bugey vineyards, simply by following the green signs marked “LV.”
Swimming is permitted only on the beach and only when it is supervised. Lake Barterand, just like Chambod Island, is designated as a “Sensitive Natural Area,” and the department is doing everything possible to preserve the area’s biodiversity and ensure public access. Its preservation also depends, above all, on each and every one of us.
