Top 2 Lakes around Saint-Martin-Du-Frêne

Two of the most popular and well-regarded lakes in the area are Lake Nantua and Lac Genin. Lake Nantua is a stunning glacial lake known for its clear, often changing water hues and dramatic limestone cliffs, offering a wide range of water sports and a scenic pedestrian path. Lac Genin, often called the 'Little Canada of Haut-Bugey,' is a smaller mountain lake known for its wild character and year-round activities, including ice skating in winter.

Lake Nantua is excellent for water activities such as canoeing, paddleboarding, pedal boating, and sailing. There are supervised swimming areas like Plage de la Colonne and Plage Albert Griot. Beyond the water, you can enjoy hiking and cycling on the pedestrian path circling the lake or explore mountain trails overlooking it. The nearby town of Nantua also offers cultural exploration with its medieval buildings and the Saint-Michel-de-Nantua church.

Yes, both Lake Nantua and Lac Genin are considered very family-friendly. Lake Nantua has supervised swimming beaches and a flat path suitable for walks. Lac Genin offers a supervised beach, hiking paths, mountain bike circuits, fishing, and even tree climbing, making it ideal for families. Étang de Lalleyriat is also a beautiful spot with benches and public restrooms, perfect for a family break.

Around Lake Nantua, you'll find impressive glacial formations, dramatic limestone cliffs, and lush greenery that provide a stunning backdrop to the lake's clear waters. Lac Genin is nestled amidst deep green fir trees and meadows, with clear waters reflecting its wild surroundings. It's also recognized for its peat bogs, which are part of a Sensitive Natural Area (ENS).

Beyond water sports, the region offers excellent opportunities for hiking and cycling. You can find various routes, including traffic-free bike rides and gravel biking trails. For example, there are routes like the 'Lake Nantua – Lac de Nantua loop' and the 'Lake Genin – Lake Genin loop'. You can explore more options for cycling in the area by checking out the Traffic-free bike rides around Saint-Martin-Du-Frêne guide or the Gravel biking around Saint-Martin-Du-Frêne guide.

The lakes offer different experiences throughout the year. Summer is ideal for swimming and water sports at both Lake Nantua and Lac Genin. Lac Genin is particularly unique in winter; when temperatures drop, it freezes over, becoming a natural ice skating rink and attracting ice divers. Snowshoeing is also popular in the surrounding forests during snowy periods.

Near Lake Nantua, the town of Nantua itself boasts medieval buildings and architectural landmarks such as the Saint-Michel-de-Nantua church and the Château de Nantua. For a glimpse into industrial history, the View of Lake Sylans offers a perspective on the old ice houses located on its edge.

Visitors frequently praise Lake Nantua for its stunning beauty, often described as a 'sapphire blue lake set like a jewel.' Many enjoy the pleasant walks around the lake and consider it a favorite spot for bathing and water activities due to its clear, inviting waters.

Yes, Lac Genin offers dining and accommodation. The Auberge du Lac Genin provides a restaurant specializing in wood-fired dishes and also has hotel rooms for those who wish to extend their stay in this serene setting.

Yes, the pedestrian path that circles Lake Nantua offers panoramic views and is suitable for easy walks. Around Lac Genin, there are also numerous walking paths, including an interpretive trail called "The Strange Treasure of the Vouivre" which allows visitors to explore the lake and its unique peat bogs.

For an excellent perspective of Lake Sylans, head to the View of Lake Sylans highlight. From this spot, you can clearly see the lake, the historic ice houses along its shore, and enjoy expansive views extending to the mountains of the Ain.