Top 20 Lakes around Champagny-En-Vanoise

Among the most popular are Lake Tignes, known for its glacier-fed waters and winter activities, and Lake of the Cows, famous for its unique stone path and stunning mountain setting at 2,318 meters above sea level. Visitors also appreciate Lake Chevril, a dam lake featuring the impressive 'Lady of the Lake' statue.

Yes, the hike to Lac de la Grande Sassière is considered relatively easy and family-friendly. It covers about 7 km with a 200m elevation gain, making it ideal for introducing children to nature and wildlife observation within the Grande Sassière Nature Reserve.

The lakes offer diverse natural beauty. You can see the azure-blue waters of Lac de la Plagne reflecting snow-capped peaks, the distinctive flat stone path crossing Lake of the Cows, and the glacier-fed waters of Lake Tignes which freezes solid in winter. The region is also rich in wildlife, with opportunities to spot marmots, chamois, ibex, and bearded vultures.

The best time to visit is generally from late spring to early autumn (June to September) when the trails are clear of snow and the weather is favorable for hiking and outdoor activities. During winter, some lakes like Lake Tignes freeze, offering unique experiences like walking across the ice.

Yes, fishing for trout and salmon is permitted on specific days from June to September at Lac de la Plagne. Additionally, the Airolées Artificial Lake, located directly in Champagny-en-Vanoise, is noted for being rich in trout and offers 'no-kill' (catch and release) fishing during the season.

The Vanoise region is rich in wildlife. Around Lac de la Plagne and within the Grande Sassière Nature Reserve, hikers might spot marmots, roe deer, chamois, ibex, and bearded vultures. These areas are excellent for wildlife observation.

While many high-altitude lakes require significant hiking, Lac d'altitude des Blanchets, at 2350 meters, can be reached by taking the gondola to the Live 3000 panoramic viewpoint, followed by a hiking trail. This offers a more accessible way to experience a high-altitude lake.

Several refuges are located near the lakes, offering refreshments and accommodation. The Refuge des lacs Merlet, at 2,417 meters, and the Plan du Lac Hut, at almost 2,400 meters, are examples. These provide a welcome stop for hikers and offer an intimate, mountain atmosphere.

Beyond hiking, the region around Champagny-En-Vanoise offers various outdoor activities. You can explore road cycling routes, with options like the 'Brides-les-Bains – Bozel loop' from Champagny-en-Vanoise, or tackle challenging MTB trails such as 'Les Deux Sommets and Mont de la Guerre Loop'. For more details on routes, visit the Road Cycling Routes or MTB Trails guides for the area.

Yes, Lac de l'Étroit is known as a less crowded alternative to more popular spots like Lac de la Plagne. It can be reached by a short but steep climb, offering a more tranquil experience away from the main trails.

Lac de la Plagne is rewarding not just for its beautiful azure-blue waters and reflections of snow-capped peaks, but also for the journey itself. The hike to the lake, often following parts of the legendary GR5 route, offers varied landscapes, including waterfalls and rocky escarpments, and opportunities for wildlife spotting. A refuge at the end provides a welcome stop.

While specific public transport routes directly to all high-altitude lakes are limited, some areas might be accessible via local shuttle services or buses to trailheads. For example, Lac d'altitude des Blanchets can be reached by taking a gondola, which typically has public transport connections to its base station. It's advisable to check local transport schedules for the most up-to-date information.

Lake Chevril, formed by the highest French dam, features a beautiful statue by Italian artist Livio Benedetti called 'The Lady of the Lake'. This artistic element adds a unique cultural touch to the natural and engineering marvel of the dam, which also supplies two hydroelectric power stations.