Top 20 Lakes around Nice

The Mercantour National Park, a few hours' drive from Nice, is home to several stunning high-altitude lakes. Lac de Trécolpas is a must-see, known for its enchanting setting. Other notable high-altitude lakes include Lake La Fous, the dramatic Lac Nègre with its rugged landscape, and the tranquil Lakes of Vens, situated in an old glacial cirque.

Yes, for a wider range of water sports, you can venture to larger reservoirs a bit further afield. Lac de Sainte-Croix, the third-largest lake in France, offers stunning emerald waters perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Another excellent option is Lac de Serre-Ponçon, often called a 'sea in the mountains,' where you can enjoy boat hire, wakeboarding, and water skiing. Lac de Saint-Cassien is also popular for swimming and various water activities like pedal boating and canoeing.

The lakes in the Mercantour National Park, such as Lac de Trécolpas and the Lakes of Millefonts, offer fantastic hiking experiences ranging from moderate to challenging. Many trails lead to these high-altitude lakes, providing breathtaking mountain scenery. For instance, you can reach Lac de Trécolpas via the GR52 trail from Boréon. For more general hiking options in the region, you can explore various waterfall hikes around Nice.

Swimming is permitted in some lakes, particularly in mid-summer when the icy waters become more inviting. Lac de Trécolpas is one such spot where swimming is allowed. However, it's important to note that in protected areas like Lac d'Allos, swimming and water sports are forbidden to preserve the natural environment. Larger reservoirs like Lac de Sainte-Croix and Lac de Saint-Cassien also offer excellent swimming conditions with equipped beaches.

While many mountain lakes involve hiking, which can be enjoyed by active families, the larger reservoirs offer more direct family-friendly amenities. Lac de Sainte-Croix and Lac de Saint-Cassien both feature equipped and supervised beaches, ideal for families with children. These lakes provide opportunities for pedal boating, swimming, and picnicking in a beautiful natural setting.

The best time to visit the high-altitude mountain lakes, especially those in Mercantour National Park, is typically from late spring to early autumn (June to September). During this period, the snow has melted, trails are accessible, and the weather is generally pleasant for hiking and outdoor activities. June is particularly beautiful around Lac Nègre due to blooming rhododendrons. The larger reservoirs like Lac de Sainte-Croix are popular throughout the summer for water sports.

The pristine mountain environment around lakes like the Lakes of Vens is rich in diverse fauna. Visitors often have the opportunity to observe mountain sheep, chamois, and various bird species, including eagles. The Mercantour National Park, where many of these lakes are located, is a protected area known for its biodiversity.

Yes, for those exploring the Mercantour National Park, there are mountain refuges available. The Merveilles Refuge and Refuge de Vens offer basic facilities and a place to stay overnight, often requiring advance booking. These refuges provide a typical mountain setting and are excellent bases for multi-day hikes. Camping may also be permitted in designated areas or with prior permission.

Most of the high-altitude lakes in the Mercantour National Park require a drive followed by a hike, as public transport options directly to the trailheads can be limited. Access often involves reaching a car park, such as the upper car park of Boréon for Lac de Trécolpas. The larger reservoirs like Lac de Sainte-Croix and Lac de Saint-Cassien are generally more accessible by car and have dedicated parking facilities.

The Variclès Lakes are a group of three beautiful lakes situated above 2300 meters. They are clearly visible on the path leading up to the Col du Lausfer and are part of the 'Giro dei Laghi' route. These lakes offer a stunning high-mountain landscape, perfect for a break during a challenging hike.

Lac Nègre stands out with its dramatic, mineral atmosphere. Its dark waters are surrounded by striking granite rocks, creating an impressive rocky landscape. The ascent to this lake through the wild valley of Salèse offers a rugged mountain environment for those seeking breathtaking views and unique geological formations.

Beyond hiking, the region around Nice offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous MTB trails around Nice, with options ranging from easy to difficult, such as the Tour du Raton in Mercantour National Park. There are also running trails, including coastal routes like the Promenade des Anglais, and more challenging mountain runs.