Would you like to see extraordinary water without driving for hours, without even taking the road? Although Lyon is full of magical hidden spots and incredible villages in the surrounding area, we invite you to enjoy a little getaway that’s not far from the city, yet still very exotic! Just 25 minutes by train from the Part-Dieu station, you’ll discover Lac Bleu, a hidden treasure in Ambérieu-en-Bugey! Why is it worth the detour? A lake with turquoise reflections, a bucolic path, medieval remains and an end-of-the-world atmosphere. Get your sneakers and camera ready – a great day out awaits you!
A little-known lake of enchanting blue
Nestled in the heart of a lush green valley, Lac Bleu’s first surprise is the unique color of its waters, sometimes azure blue, sometimes emerald green, depending on the light. This natural spectacle is as fascinating as it is legendary! Some claim that this bewitching blue is due to theoxidation of copper residues, the remains of an old mine located nearby. Others simply see it as a magical light effect! Whatever the origin, the result is simply spectacular! However, even if the water is tempting, swimming is forbidden to preserve the natural balance of the site (no pain, no gain, after all). The lake also invites you to take a picnic break in the shade of the trees, or to immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings.
A walk through nature and history
To get to the lake, you’ll first need to reach the hamlet of Vareilles on the outskirts of Ambérieu. After a 35-minute walk from the station, you’ll pass through a charming old quarter and then a woodland path running alongside the Gardon stream. To the delight of explorers, you’ll come across the Grotte du Gardon, an archaeological site that bears witness to human occupation as far back as the Neolithic period! Once at the lake, we strongly encourage you to extend your walk!Several hiking trails start here, including the one leading to the Château de Saint-Germain, which dominates the valley. Although the 155-metre ascent is a bit strenuous, you’ll be amply rewarded by the breathtaking view at the finish…
If you love walks, turquoise waters or photographing magical atmospheres , Lac Bleu d’Ambérieu-en-Bugey is the destination for a day out! So if you haven’t yet discovered this secret corner of the Ain region, it’s high time you did (with the utmost respect for the environment, of course).
When is the best time to visit?
You’d be forgiven for thinking that the ideal time to visit Lac Bleu would be in summer… but think again! As we’ve seen, the magic of Lac Bleu lies more in its colors than in the hike itself. The good news is that all four seasons are great for getting out there, and each season reveals a different facet of the landscape. Hard to believe? Take a look at what you might see:
- Summer:
- Autumn:
- Winter :
- Spring
The choice is yours!
How to get there
🚆 25 minutes by train from Lyon Part-Dieu to Ambérieu-en-Bugey, then 35 minutes on foot
🚗 By car: 50 minutes via the A42 motorway