When summer arrives in Lyon, we love to scour the surrounding area in search of the most beautiful lakes and the best places for a little getaway! And it has to be said, there’s plenty to do in the region! This time, we invite you to a getaway worthy of your finest travels! Less than 1h30 from Lyon, Lac d’Aiguebelette invites you on a journey out of time – we almost feel like saying out of France, so reminiscent are the two islands rising out of the water of the Maldives! This Savoyard jewel, classified as a Regional Nature Reserve, is one of the most secret and enchanting in France. In addition to the two small wild islands surrounded by reed beds that give it a heavenly feel, its emerald-green crystal-clear waters are reminiscent of tropical landscapes! What more could you ask for?
A little corner of paradise just a stone’s throw from Lyon
Set on the lake, these two small islands intrigue and fascinate! Ile de la Comtesse, visible from the shore or from a paddle or kayak, even boasts a mysterious chapel worthy of the best fairy tales. In order to preserve these beautiful little islets, home to a rare biodiversity, access is forbidden, but don’t panic! You can see them from your kayak, from the summit of a nearby hike or by paragliding over the lake! And believe us, it’s much better than on foot!
One of France’s hottest lakes
With temperatures soaring to 28°C in summer, Lac d’Aiguebelette is also one of the hottest lakes in France (another point in common with the Maldives!). There are seven supervised beaches where you can swim in pure water, since, to the delight of our eyes and ears, combustion engine boats have been banned since 1967!
Less well known than Lac d’Annecy or Lac du Bourget, Lac d’Aiguebelette seduces with its tranquility, intimate charm and unspoilt beauty. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend in paradise, a swim at 28 degrees or a romantic getaway between islands and mountains, this is the perfect spot to get away from it all without leaving Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes!
How do I get there?
From Lyon, there are several options:
- By car (1h10 journey time): take the A43 towards Bourgoin-Jallieu / Chambéry and exit at junction 12 “Lac d’Aiguebelette”.
- By public transport (1h45): take a TER train from Lyon Part-Dieu to La Tour-du-Pin (35 min), then take a bus to the center of Aiguebelette (1h journey). The connection between train and bus takes just 9 minutes, so you won’t lose any time!
- Think Blablacar! Even if your driver doesn’t go directly to Lac d’Aiguebelette, he can drop you off at the freeway exit. It’s just a 10-minute walk to the shores of the lake.
As you can see, Lac d’Aiguebelette is a real treasure. This natural site deserves all our attention. Let’s respect the environment.