LAKE DU BOURGET

Lac du Bourget, a natural wonder of the Alps, is the largest natural lake of glacial origin in France, stretching 18 km in length and up to 3.5 km wide in places, with a maximum depth of 145 meters. Surrounded by the imposing mountains of the Massif de l'Epine, Mont du Chat, Chambotte, Mont Revard and the Massif des Bauges, it offers spectacular scenery and exceptional hiking opportunities. Its preserved ecosystem is home to a variety of birds, and conservation efforts are underway to protect species such as the cistude tortoise, particularly in its large reedbed to the south. Water sports enthusiasts and tourists alike liven up its waters, with Aix-les-Bains one of the communes to have been awarded the France Station Nautique label for some twenty years. Sailing on Lac du Bourget, which is sometimes calm but subject to winds and currents, is a great way to enjoy sailing, rowing, canoeing, paddling, water-skiing, wakeboarding, diving or fishing, the latter offering some 30 species of fish, the most prized of which are lavaret and arctic char, which can be found in many local restaurants. Ideal for swimming, the lake also boasts 14 harbours and over 2,600 moorings for yachtsmen. Leisure facilities, beaches dotted around the lake, cycle paths, walking trails and cruises offer a diverse range of summer activities. Cycling and mountain biking enthusiasts can tour the entire lake thanks to numerous paths and passes, as well as 180 km of mountain bike trails on the Revard plateau, with a greenway linking Le Bourget-du-Lac to Chambéry. Dominated by the imposing Hautecombe Abbey and a number of castles, the lake also offers opportunities for cultural discoveries, including visits to these historic monuments and the Chautagne vineyards. For a better understanding of the lake's fish and environment, a visit to Aqualis is recommended, while some prefer to sample a freshly caught fry from the surrounding area. In the air, hang-gliding enthusiasts color the sky, as approaching planes fly over the lake before landing at Chambéry-Aix airport. Another activity offering a unique view over the expanse of the lake is a paragliding flight from the Col du Sapenay. Lac du Bourget embodies the perfect blend of unspoilt nature and cultural richness.