“You don’t need much to be happy, very little indeed, to be happy, you have to be satisfied with what’s necessary: a little fresh water and the greenery that nature provides.” Baloo’s famous adage from The Jungle Book immediately takes shape in Fir Tree Lake. And that’s exactly what it’s all about: fresh water and greenery! Ideally located, easy to get to and offering a host of activities for young and old alike, the lake ticks all the boxes as the perfect destination for a day in the green this summer. Of course, we’ve got nothing against all the other lakes in the area – with Annecy and Le Bourget topping the list – but there’s something really special about this one. And here’s why!
Lac des Sapins, a treasure in the heart of Beaujolais Vert
The name alone says it all. “Le Lac des Sapins”: what could be more evocative? One imagines a blue jewel box lined with coniferous trees that provide a contrast of colors and enough shade to enjoy the place… Well, that’s just about it – only better!
Because yes, Lac des Sapins is a crystal-clear lake, Europe’s largest biological bathing area. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
More concretely, there are two options for taking a dip:
- Biological bathing (limited access for a fee): bathe in the natural environment, in contact with flora and fauna, where the water is naturally filtered by some 8,000 aquatic plants. Please note: swimming shorts are not permitted. [Click here to buy tickets].
- Managed bathing: here, access is free and you can also count on the supervision of lifeguards. But don’t forget that your vigilance towards your loved ones, and especially children, is paramount.
And what about activities?
Whether you prefer canoeing or paddling, the choice is vast, and even includes fishing! Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? Take a tour of the lake on foot or by bike. If you’re feeling lazy, you can simply take the tablecloth out for a picnic and enjoy the place just as much. Despite our best efforts to keep crowds under control, the lake can quickly become overcrowded, especially on sunny weekends in August. If you’re lucky enough to come on a Monday or Thursday, you’ll be able to enjoy this extraordinary place in an Olympian calm…
Getting to Lac des Sapins from Lyon
- By car: allow a good hour to get there. Please note that parking at the lake is not free (€8 for the whole day in high season and €5 in mid-season).
- By public transport: you’ll need to get to Amplepuis station (there’s a train every hour from Lyon Part-Dieu station), then take the shuttle bus which runs every day from July 7 to August 31.
The whole journey takes a good hour and a half. More information at https://www.tcl.fr/lesEchappeesNature””>la page TCL dédiée.
Vous en avez l’eau à la bouche ? Allez jeter un œil https://www.beaujolaisvert.com/en-direct/””>at webcams to immerse yourself in the site…