Top 16 Lakes around Saint-Vincent-Les-Forts
Best lakes around Saint-Vincent-Les-Forts are primarily centered around the expansive Lac de Serre-Ponçon, a significant artificial lake in the Southern Alps. This region is characterized by its mountainous terrain and the Durance river, which feeds the lake. The area offers a blend of natural beauty and engineering, making it a destination for outdoor activities. The landscape provides varied opportunities for exploration, from lakeside paths to viewpoints overlooking the water.
Best lakes around Saint-Vincent-Les-Forts
- The most popular lakes is Lakeside Trail at Lake Serre-Ponçon, a trail that offers walking tours with small ascents and descents along the shore. This trail is also dog-friendly, providing access to beaches from the path.
- Another must-see spot is Chanteloube Viaduct, a partially submerged man-made monument. This viaduct, built for a railway line that was never completed, offers a unique spectacle with its arches reflected in the lake's waters.
- Visitors also love Serre-Ponçon Dam, a man-made monument that represents one of the largest artificial lakes in France. The dam's construction marked the beginning of significant economic and tourism growth for the region.
- Saint-Vincent-Les-Forts is known for its large artificial lakes and the surrounding trails. The area provides a variety of experiences, from exploring engineering marvels to enjoying natural lakeside environments.
- The lakes around Saint-Vincent-Les-Forts are appreciated by the komoot community, with highlights receiving over 100 upvotes and featuring 20 photos.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Serre-Ponçon Dam
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Savines Bridge on Lake Serre-Ponçon
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Chanteloube Viaduct
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Lakeside Trail at Lake Serre-Ponçon
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Lake Serre-Ponçon
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One of its most beautiful panoramas is on the small road that connects the village of Prunières to the lake.
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Tips from the Community
The Chanteloube viaduct, located on the Serre-Ponçon lake, is an unusual place. Built for a railway line that was never completed, this partially submerged viaduct offers a fascinating spectacle, with its arches reflected in the turquoise waters of the lake.
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Very nice to pass over this bridge but pay attention to the traffic.
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A lake with crazy colors.
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The Chanteloube viaduct, located in the town of Chorges, emerges like a silent vestige of a bygone era. Started in the early 1900s, it was initially intended to connect Chorges to Barcelonnette by rail. The project was finally abandoned in the 1930s. Each year, in the spring, as the lake swells from melting snow and seasonal rains, the viaduct disappears beneath the waters. However, in winter, when the lake level drops, the viaduct emerges from its aquatic lethargy, revealing its majestic arches and solid pillars.
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The desire to establish a dam to tame the tumultuous waters of the Durance dates back to the 19th century. The creation of the lake marked the beginning of significant economic and tourism growth for the region. The site has quickly become an essential tourism destination in the Southern Alps. This work therefore makes Serre-Ponçon one of the largest artificial lakes in France and one of the largest earthen dams in Europe.
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arch bridge built over Lake Serre-Ponçon in Hautes-Alpes, France. It connects the shores of the lake and offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Its construction was completed in 1961, and it has become an iconic symbol of the region, both for its functionality and its architectural beauty.
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Constructed over six years and completed in 1961, the barrage flooded two villages - Savines and Ubaye. Climbing up past the barrage, you can see just how it as built to almost blend into its surroundings.
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You can cycle all the way around it or partly if you cut off via the bridge. Cold water VAT
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best activities for families around the lakes near Saint-Vincent-Les-Forts?
The region offers several family-friendly attractions. The Serre-Ponçon Dam is a significant man-made monument that can be interesting for all ages, showcasing impressive engineering. Additionally, the Chanteloube Viaduct, with its partially submerged arches, provides a unique and fascinating sight for families.
Are there dog-friendly walking trails around the lakes?
Yes, the Lakeside Trail at Lake Serre-Ponçon is explicitly dog-friendly. It offers pleasant walking tours with small ascents and descents along the shore, and dogs are allowed on the trail and some beaches, with exceptions for certain areas at the start of the hike.
What are some easy or beginner-friendly hikes near Lac de Serre-Ponçon?
For an easy and scenic walk, the Lakeside Trail at Lake Serre-Ponçon is a great option. It features small ascents and descents along the shore, making it accessible for most visitors. You can access it from parking areas like Apfelbaumstrand (Plage du Pommier) or Baie Saint Michel campsite.
When is the best time to visit the lakes around Saint-Vincent-Les-Forts?
The summer months are particularly popular, as Lake Serre-Ponçon is described as a pleasant vacation spot during this season. The region's mountainous terrain and the lake's waters offer a refreshing escape. However, the unique spectacle of the Chanteloube Viaduct, with its arches reflected in the water, can be enjoyed throughout the year, though its submersion level varies with the lake's water levels.
Can I swim in the lakes near Saint-Vincent-Les-Forts?
Yes, swimming is a popular activity, especially in Lake Serre-Ponçon. The lake has distinct colors and offers various spots for enjoyment. Some sections of the Lakeside Trail also provide direct beach access.
Where can I find parking for visiting the lakes?
For the Lakeside Trail at Lake Serre-Ponçon, parking is available at Apfelbaumstrand (also known as Plage du Pommier) and near the Baie Saint Michel campsite. These spots provide convenient access to the trails and lake shore.
What unique historical or man-made features can I explore around the lakes?
The area is notable for its impressive engineering. You can visit the Serre-Ponçon Dam, one of the largest artificial lakes in France and a major earthen dam in Europe, completed in 1961. Another unique sight is the Chanteloube Viaduct, a partially submerged monument built for a railway line that was never finished, offering a fascinating spectacle.
What outdoor activities, besides hiking, can I do near the lakes?
The region around Saint-Vincent-Les-Forts offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy gravel biking with routes like the "Bridge Over the Ubaye – Barcelonnette loop" or "Saint-Apollinaire Viewpoint – Lake Serre-Ponçon loop" found in the Gravel biking around Saint-Vincent-Les-Forts guide. Mountain biking is also popular, with trails such as the "View of Lac de Serre-Ponçon loop" detailed in the MTB Trails around Saint-Vincent-Les-Forts guide. For runners, there are routes like the "Path With Lake View – Lac de Serre-Ponçon loop" available in the Running Trails around Saint-Vincent-Les-Forts guide.
Are there any viewpoints offering panoramic views of Lac de Serre-Ponçon?
Yes, several spots provide excellent views. The Serre-Ponçon Dam has an observation deck that is slightly elevated, offering a great perspective. The Savines Bridge on Lake Serre-Ponçon also offers views as you cross, though it can be busy. Additionally, the small road connecting the village of Prunières to the lake is known for one of the most beautiful panoramas of Lake Serre-Ponçon.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the lakes around Saint-Vincent-Les-Forts?
Visitors appreciate the blend of natural beauty and impressive engineering. The distinct colors of Lake Serre-Ponçon and the unique spectacle of the partially submerged Chanteloube Viaduct are frequently mentioned. The opportunity for pleasant walking tours along the shore, like the Lakeside Trail, and the overall appeal as a vacation spot are also highly valued.
Can I cycle around Lac de Serre-Ponçon?
Yes, you can cycle around Lake Serre-Ponçon, either entirely or partly by utilizing the Savines Bridge to cut across. Be aware that the bridge can be very busy with traffic, so caution is advised. There are also various gravel biking routes in the wider area, as detailed in the Gravel biking around Saint-Vincent-Les-Forts guide.
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