Top 20 Lakes around La Plagne-Tarentaise
Best lakes around La Plagne-Tarentaise offer diverse experiences within the French Alps. This region, encompassing the Vanoise National Park and surrounding valleys, features a variety of aquatic landscapes. Visitors can find high-altitude lakes nestled among snow-capped peaks, dam-created reservoirs, and accessible leisure park lakes. The area's geography provides opportunities for both challenging mountain hikes and family-friendly activities.
Best lakes around La Plagne-Tarentaise
- The most popular lakes is Presset Refuge, a hut located on the edge of Lac de Presset at the foot of the Pierra Menta. This location offers a place to take a break or spend the night, with a newly built hut and a beautiful panoramic terrace.
- Another must-see spot is View of Lake Garattaleu, a natural monument. At 2,517 meters above sea level, its verdigris colors reflect the surrounding greenery within the Vanoise mountains.
- Visitors also love Roselend Dam, a man-made monument. This impressive dam creates a reservoir, offering views and a route for cycling.
- La Plagne-Tarentaise is known for high-altitude lakes, dam-created reservoirs, and accessible leisure lakes. These include Lac de la Plagne, Grattaleu Lake, Lac de Roselend, and Macot Lake, providing a variety of environments to explore.
- The lakes around La Plagne-Tarentaise are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 50 upvotes and 17 photos shared.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Presset Refuge
Highlight • Mountain Hut
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Roselend Dam
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Cormet de Roselend
Highlight • Mountain Pass
Translated by Google •
Tip by
View of Lake Garattaleu
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Col du Méraillet
Highlight • Mountain Pass
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around La Plagne-Tarentaise.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around La Plagne-Tarentaise
Europe Trail (GR 5) – Hike from Landry to Thonon-les-Bains
Five days of alpine fastpacking - Ultra Tour du Beaufortain
Hike from Savoie to Vanoise – Hexatrek in France’s Northern Alps
Hiking around La Plagne-Tarentaise
Running Trails around La Plagne-Tarentaise
MTB Trails around La Plagne-Tarentaise
Cycling around La Plagne-Tarentaise
Road Cycling Routes around La Plagne-Tarentaise
Gravel biking around La Plagne-Tarentaise
Mountain Hikes around La Plagne-Tarentaise
Other adventures around La Plagne-Tarentaise
Tips from the Community
The Roselend Dam is located in the commune of Beaufort-sur-Doron, in the Beaufortain region of Savoie, between the Col du Pré and the Cormet de Roselend, near the Arêches-Beaufort ski resort. The surrounding mountains reach an altitude of around 2,800 meters. It is part of the Roselend La Bâthie hydroelectric complex, which includes the Roselend Dam and two satellite dams: La Gittaz and Saint-Guérin. This complex is managed by EDF's Alpes Production Unit. The Roselend La Bâthie hydroelectric complex produces the equivalent of the domestic energy consumption of 450,000 residents, thus avoiding the emission of 890,000 tons of CO2 per year. The Roselend Dam is a double-curved arch dam with buttresses. Height = 150 meters Crest length = 804 meters Water reservoir [of the hydroelectric complex] = 187 million m3 The Roselend - La Bâthie development is supplied by the Roselend dam itself, as well as by two satellite dams, La Gittaz and Saint-Guérin. The total storage capacity of these three reservoirs, connected by a system of galleries, is 213 million m3. The water collected at Roselend crosses the massif through a 12.5 km long gallery to flow at an altitude of 1,400 m into the Isère Valley, in the Tarentaise region. It is then transported to the underground plant at La Bâthie via a 2,500 m long penstock, with a drop of 1,200 m. The power plant is equipped with six Pelton-type generating units with a total capacity of 550 MW. Since 2013, EDF has been replacing the main components of each generating unit (turbine, generator, transformer, and energy evacuation cables) to achieve a total capacity of 600 MW by the end of 2018. https://youtu.be/G0Ss9v6wxQQ
1
0
One of the most visited sites in the Alps, on foot or by bike.
0
0
Grattaleu Lake is located just below a hill, behind the refuge. Overlooked by the Aiguille des Aimes and the Pointe du Chardonnet, the lake invites you to take a break before turning around to return to Tignes. Grattaleu Lake is one of the 130 high-altitude lakes in the Vanoise massif. Frozen in ice for nearly six months a year, only a few invertebrates live there.
0
0
Excellent welcome, with meal, coffee and dessert. Magnificent view of the peaks to the south: Pierra Menta, Roc de la Charbonnière, Pointe de Cerdosse, Mont Rosset.
1
0
The Cormet de Roselend is a spectacular hill located in Savoie, France. The hill is located at an altitude of 1,968 meters and connects the municipalities of Beaufort and Bourg-Saint-Maurice. On the Beaufort side it is possible to admire a splendid lake created following the construction of a dam.
1
0
A point on the "Route des Grand Alps"
0
0
With a stop at the Chalet de Roselend. on this tour: Beaufort, Cormet de Roselend, Bourg St Maurice 2023_06_24 tab https://www.komoot.de/tour/1182531490
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes can I find around La Plagne-Tarentaise?
The region offers a diverse range of lakes, from stunning high-altitude lakes nestled within the Vanoise National Park, such as Lac de la Plagne and Grattaleu Lake, to dam-created reservoirs like Lac de Roselend, and more accessible, activity-rich leisure park lakes like Versants d'Aime Leisure Park (Macot Lake).
Which lakes offer the most spectacular mountain views?
For breathtaking mountain vistas, consider visiting Lac de la Plagne, which reflects snow-capped peaks, or Grattaleu Lake, known for its verdigris colors amidst the grand Vanoise mountains. The area around Cormet de Roselend and its lake also provides splendid views of surrounding peaks like Pierra Menta and Mont Rosset.
Are there any high-altitude lakes worth visiting in the region?
Yes, the region is renowned for its high-altitude lakes. Lac de la Plagne, located within the Vanoise National Park, is a stunning example. Another gem is Grattaleu Lake, situated at 2,517 meters above sea level, offering a tranquil spot with impressive views.
What outdoor activities are available around the lakes of La Plagne-Tarentaise?
You can enjoy a wide range of activities. High-altitude lakes like Lac de la Plagne are perfect for hiking and fishing. Leisure lakes such as Versants d'Aime Leisure Park (Macot Lake) offer kayaking, paddle boats, aqua boule, cycling, and playgrounds. The region also provides numerous routes for cycling, mountain hiking, and general hiking.
Are there family-friendly lakes around La Plagne-Tarentaise?
Absolutely. The Versants d'Aime Leisure Park (Macot Lake) is an ideal family destination, featuring a sandy beach, supervised swimming in summer, a children's playground, picnic areas, and various water sports. It's conveniently located next to a green trail popular with cyclists and skaters.
Can I go swimming in any of the lakes?
Yes, you can. The Versants d'Aime Leisure Park (Macot Lake) offers free supervised swimming during the summer season, making it a safe and enjoyable option for families.
What is the best time to visit the lakes in La Plagne-Tarentaise?
The best time to visit largely depends on the experience you seek. Summer (June to September) is ideal for hiking, water activities, and enjoying the lush green landscapes. High-altitude lakes like Grattaleu Lake are typically frozen for about six months of the year, so summer offers the best access and views of their verdigris colors.
Are there any facilities or amenities near the high-altitude lakes?
Near Lac de la Plagne, you can find the Refuge d'Entre-le-Lac, which offers dining and overnight stays. The Presset Refuge, located on the edge of Lac de Presset, also provides a place to take a break or spend the night, with a newly built hut and a panoramic terrace.
Where can I find easy walking loops around a lake?
Lac Vert in Plagne Centre offers designated walking loops, such as the "Boucle du Lac Vert," providing a pleasant and accessible experience for enjoying the natural surroundings.
Can I fish in any of the lakes?
Yes, visitors to Lac de la Plagne can enjoy rainbow trout fishing, offering a serene outdoor activity amidst the stunning mountain scenery.
What is the Roselend Dam and its significance?
The Roselend Dam is an impressive man-made monument that creates the magnificent Lac de Roselend. It's located on the Beaufort side of the Cormet de Roselend pass and is a popular spot for scenic drives, offering splendid views and a route for cycling.
Are there any lakes suitable for cycling or skating?
The Versants d'Aime Leisure Park (Macot Lake) is conveniently located next to a "green" trail that is popular with cyclists and skaters, running from Aime to Bourg Saint Maurice. The area around the Roselend Dam also offers a route for cycling.
Most popular routes around La Plagne-Tarentaise
Most popular attractions around La Plagne-Tarentaise
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found your perfect lake around La Plagne-Tarentaise? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
