guide
With its turquoise waters framed by alpine peaks, Lac de Serre-Ponçon is one of the most beautiful lakes in France and one of the largest man-made reservoirs in Europe. It was created in the early 1960s with the construction of a dam on the Durance river and has become, in a few decades, the leading water sports destination in the Hautes-Alpes.
Beaches, activities, the history of the sunken villages, viewpoints and lakeside campsites: here is our guide to making the most of Lac de Serre-Ponçon.
| Information | At a glance |
|---|---|
| Where? | Hautes-Alpes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, between Gap and Embrun |
| Size | About 2,800 hectares and 1.2 billion cubic metres of water |
| Origin | Dam on the Durance river, filled between 1959 and 1961 |
| Landmark | The Saint-Michel chapel, on its islet in the Baie Saint-Michel |
| Activities | Swimming, sailing, paddleboarding, canoeing, water skiing, hiking |
| Best time to visit | June to September, with the warmest water in July and August |
The Serre-Ponçon dam was built at the end of the 1950s to regulate the Durance, generate electricity and irrigate Provence. Filling began at the end of 1959 and was completed in 1961. With about 2,800 hectares and 1.2 billion cubic metres of water, Serre-Ponçon is one of the largest man-made reservoirs in Western Europe.
The lake is shaped like a large “V”, with one arm towards Embrun to the north and another towards the Ubaye valley to the east. Its indented shores form many bays and coves, and the roads overlooking it offer spectacular views.
The creation of the lake flooded several villages in the valley, including Savines and Ubaye. The residents of Savines were rehoused in a village rebuilt higher up, Savines-le-Lac, with a modern church overlooking the lake. During years of severe drought or when the dam is drained, remains sometimes reappear on the shores.
In Rousset, the Muséoscope du lac tells the story of the dam’s construction and the vanished villages. To discover other lakes hiding a village, see our selection of submerged villages of France.
In the Baie Saint-Michel, a small Romanesque chapel stands on a rocky islet. Depending on the water level, it seems to float on the lake or is connected to the shore. It is the most photographed view of Serre-Ponçon, to admire from the viewpoints along the Route de Chorges or up close, by paddleboard or canoe.
The lake has many developed beaches, around Savines-le-Lac, Chorges and the Baie Saint-Michel, at Prunières or on the lake area of Embrun. Several are lifeguarded in July and August. The water, glacier-cold in spring, reaches pleasant temperatures in the heart of summer. As in any mountain lake, the depth increases quickly: stay within the marked areas.
The lake shores have many campsites, often right on the water. In Chorges, around the Baie Saint-Michel, the Camping de la Baie de la Chapelle has a direct view of the famous chapel. In Prunières, the Camping Le Nautic is ideal for watersports, and on the Ubaye side, the Camping La Palatrière, in Le Sauze-du-Lac, is a quieter base.
You will find all the addresses on our page about campsites on the shores of Lac de Serre-Ponçon.
Serre-Ponçon has all the makings of a small summer paradise: turquoise water, mountains all around, activities for everyone and exceptional sunshine for the Alps. Come in June or September for peace and quiet, in July and August for the warmest water, and book your lakeside pitch early.
Campsites marked “Partner” are Aimer Camper members and are shown first. All results match your search.
