The Lac du Bourget is the largest natural lake in France at 18 km long. Located in Savoie, it is bordered by the town of Aix-les-Bains, the Massif de l’Épine, the Mont du Chat, the Mont Revard and the Massif des Bauges.
History and geography
This large lake is located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in Savoie. It was formed at the end of the last Würm ice age, about 19,000 years ago. It is the largest lake of glacial origin in France, because Lake Geneva is Franco-Swiss. The name “Bourget” appeared in the 13th century. It comes from a commune bordering its shores, Le Bourget-du-Lac. With a surface area of 44.5 km², this body of water is 18 km long and 1.6 to 3.5 km wide. Its average depth is 65 m and its maximum depth is 145 m.
In terms of arts and literature, Lac du Bourget is linked to the presence of the poet Alphonse de Lamartine, who lived there in 1816. He wrote famous poems including “Le Lac”, dedicated to the woman he loved, Julie Charles. Its watershed is occupied by the town ofAix-les-Bains and further south, about 15 km away, by the town of Chambéry, the historic capital of the Duchy of Savoy.
The banks of the lake
For centuries, the Lac du Bourget has attracted tourists who come to relax and enjoy the pleasant temperate climate. The spa town of Aix-les-Bains is renowned for the quality of its spa facilities. There are many viewpoints from which to enjoy the panorama of the lake.
A romantic lake
A variety of water sports activities
Historical visits
Hikes and walks
Wellness and thermal baths
During your holiday in this region, you can choose a stay focused on fitness. The spa town of Aix-les-Bains has renowned establishments for rheumatic and ENT conditions.
The most beautiful views of the lake
- The Dent du Chat: starting from the Col du Chat, your hike is mostly in the forest. The difference in altitude is important and the last part of the circuit is vertiginous. But the view over the lake is worth it.
- The Grande Mollière lookout: located in Tresserve on the first heights, the site is easily accessible and equipped with transparent signs to indicate the names of the various summits.
- Mont Revard: culminating at 1,500 m, it used to be accessible by a cogwheel train, then by cable car. Nowadays, you just have to take the road.
- The Grumeau lookout at Ontex: offers a magnificent view of Hautecombe Abbey, the Bauges massif and the Chambotte.
- The belvedere of the Chambotte: located above Chindreux, it offers a sumptuous view of the Chambéry cluse, Aix-les-Bains, the villages of the Chautagne and the Savière canal.
Top rated hotels
Depending on your budget, we have selected five hotels near Lac du Bourget that offer excellent value for money. They have very good reviews from guests.
Golden Tulip Aix les Bains – Hotel & Spa
From €110 per night.
Hotel & Spa Marina d’Adelphia
Rates start at € 80 per night.
Mercure Aix-les-Bains Domaine de Marlioz Hotel & Spa
Prices start at € 107 per night.
Best Western Aquakub
From € 85 per night.
La Maison des Pêcheurs
From €101 per night.
Le Bourget beaches
- Bourget-du-Lac Beach: a perfect structure for families. You will find shallow water, a sandy beach, a floating pontoon, a beach volleyball court and games for children.
- La Plage de Conjux: this beach faces the rising sun. It is made up of gravel and beautiful lawns, and it is possible to rent canoes and pedal boats.
- La Plage de Châtillon: south-facing with free parking. The beach is free and boats can be hired.
- Mémard beach: you can eat on site at the Grand Port. It is limited in size and free to use. The car park is also free.
- La Plage de Brison-Saint-Innocent: the beach can be recognised by its overhang on the lake. Its large lawn and trees provide protection during the hot summer months.
- The beach of Aix-les-Bains: it is the large sandy beach of the city. It is not free and offers many activities such as trampolines and floating games. It can also be accessed from the swimming pool.
- The Rowing beach: on the edge of the beach of Aix-les-Bains, this lake area is free and made up of sand. It is very sunny in the afternoon. You can eat and hire boats in summer.
- The Lido beach: very popular with Chambériens, this sandy beach with some stones in the water faces the setting sun. It is free of charge, except for the part that runs alongside the “Le Lido” restaurant.
- The Mottets beach: this is the closest to Chambéry. Facing north and shaded, it is not free in summer. Swimmers can use the pontoon. The beach is supervised.
- The beach of the Camping de l’Île aux Cygnes: it is made of small gravel. It faces north, is shaded and allows you to admire the lake in its length.
Cultural and festive events around the lake
- The Musilac Festival: this is the largest contemporary music festival in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It takes place every year at the beginning of July, on the esplanade of the Lac du Bourget, in Aix-les-Bains. Musilac has welcomed big stars such as Stromae, The Cure, Indochine and Placebo.
- Le Phare: this is Chambéry’s main concert hall. It offers concerts, comedy shows and basketball and handball tournaments.
- The Romantic Nights Festival: is held every year during the last week of September at the Aix-les-Bains Cultural and Congress Centre. It allows you to explore the classical music repertoire of 19th and 20th century composers.
- The Théâtre du Casino d’Aix-les-Bains: this theatre is an architectural gem. It offers plays, comedy and concerts of classical music and French variety throughout the year.
- La Brèche Festival: this event used to take place on the heights of the lake every year during the first half of May. Now it is organised between Chambéry and Albertville. It is dedicated to chamber music and the discovery of young artists and musicians.