What to do in Lake Serre Ponçon

Lake Serre Ponçon is an artificial lake between Hautes-Alpes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence near the magnificent French Alps; it’s a perfect example of man and nature coming to an agreement.

The Barrage de Serre-Ponçon, a 125 m earth dam, was finished in 1955 across the Durance River and after flooding the valley, the Serre-Ponçon Lake was created. Today the lake is the biggest artificial lake in Europe and is surrounded by 12 cities that serve as parting points to a huge amount of water, air, and land adventure activities. Its sapphire-colored waters surround the most emblematic landmark of the region: the Chapelle Saint-Michel, a testimony of the region’s past, which once stood on a hill.

The lake is enclaved in the southern part of the magnificent Ecrins National Park, which resembles a fortress with its 150 summits! There, water sports enthusiast feel like home. The currents of the Durance and Ubaye River, which feed Serre-Ponçon, are excellent for practicing rafting. The flow of crystal clear water right after thaw creates exhilarating rapids that you can either ride on a raft or kayak.

It’s easy to associate strong winds with lakes and mountains; Serre-Ponçon is no exception. The winds help kitesurfers rise over the sapphire waters. In the lake beach of Eaux, kitesurfers can experience the best spot in terms of safety and winds or beginners can be taught by one of the experts from the kitesurfing schools. Other aquatic activities include SUP, water ski and sea kayak. Paddling on the immense blue waters of the lake is an excellent stress cleanse and a perfect way to feel one with nature.

Also on the calm waters of Serre-Ponçon, an interesting form of ULM (ultralight aviation) is practiced. Attached to the boat, the ULM thrusts over the lake and takes off in order to explore the region from the air. Imagine the rush of feeling like a Wright brother surrounded by the French Alps and flying over a blue mantel. When you are in the air, you might get to catch other paragliders enjoying the incomparable sights of the woods.

Ecrins National Park gives the best scenery for hiking excursions among the woods. Feeling the soft breeze coming from the lake, the fresh smell of the trees and the gentle sun on your skin will surely make your time in Serre-Ponçon an everlasting memory. Discover little villages on your way up the mountains and hike through flower-covered pastures during the summer.

If you want to experience more rushing activities, mountain biking is an excellent option. The complex geography has created excellent adrenaline drenched trails for you to discover at full speed. If the pedaling is not your thing, you can always ride a 4x4 or quad!

During winter, the region gets covered with a beautiful white coat, yet Serre-Ponçon’s sports offer does not end; snow and ice sports become available. The woods change into the perfect spot for snowshoeing in Valle de la Blanche or Valle de l’Ubaye. Also, waterfalls freeze and become the perfect playground for ice-climbers from around the world to polish their skills and conquer the mountain.

You can come in summer or winter, but you will confirm what thousands of adventure enthusiasts suggest: the beauty of the Serre-Ponçon Lake is so overwhelming is hard to explain with words…the perfect advice is: experience it!