The etymology of the name Aiguebelette means " beautiful small waters ". It must be said that the colorful and surprising waters of this alpine lake are a real eye catcher.
This private lake ( it belongs to the Rivérieulx de Chambost de Lépin family and to Électricité de France ) is managed by the Community of Communes of Lake Aiguebelette.
Lake Aiguebelette measures 5.45 square kilometers. It is 30 meters deep on average. The lake ranks seventh in the French natural lakes ranking. It is a low-altitude lake, with waters reaching 373 meters.
A lake with preserved nature
Lake Aiguebelette is famous for the emerald green color of its waters. It is the presence of more than 93 species of phytoplankton that give, under the effect of photosynthesis, this amazing color to the 166 million cubic meters of water it contains.
Philippe Millet is the manager of Vertes Sensations, a service provider located on the lake. He proposes, in particular, the rental of electric boats, kayaks, bicycles or paddles. As a member of the advisory committee of the nature reserve, he talks to us about this lake and his desire to maintain the balance between ecology and tourist pressure.
The lake has 14 kilometers of shoreline that can be walked or cycled along. Most of them are accessible to people with reduced mobility.
A lake of soft practices
" Aiguebelette is a lake of gentle practices, just like the lake itself. All the service providers agree that its relatively modest surface area requires that everyone make an effort not to take over the lake "explains Philippe. " However, it is not a lake where you get bored. You can swim across it in the morning, go for a picnic on one of the seven beaches at noon and, in the evening, come back by paddle "continues the provider.
This lake of " campaign "Located in the pre-Alps, it has the geological particularity of ending the Jura massif. It is protected, in its north-east, by the pass of the thorn. The lake is only slightly affected by the wind. "The limestone massif of the Col de l'épine descends into the depths of the lake. It is an interesting thermal bridge which, heated by the sun, comes to transport heat to the water of the water body" explains Philippe. The result is bathing water that reaches 28 degrees in summer.
It is this swimming comfort that characterizes Lake Aiguebelette and consequently attracts a large number of visitors and tourists in summer.
Boaters are welcome, in limited numbers
Motorboating is permitted on Lake Aiguebelette, but only with electric motors. Indeed, the site is classified as Natura 2000 and the main fear of all stakeholders is that pollution will harm this ecosystem.
The speed limit for the entire water area is 9 kilometers per hour. " Because practitioners are found absolutely everywhere "explains Philippe. If the official bathing areas are clearly marked and supervised (access to the beaches is not free in summer), " it is frequent to cross swimmers in the middle of the lake "adds the manager.
Sailing is possible. There are no less than four communal ports, managed by the Community of Communes of Lake Aiguebelette ( CCLA ) and camping harbours are available to boaters. Three launching ramps complete the reception of the boaters.
Philippe, who is used to these alpine waters, nevertheless warns those who like strong sensations: " Don't come to Aiguebelette to break speed records in a sailboat. There is very little wind and it is an extremely technical lake, precisely because of this weakness of the wind. "
The sliding enthusiasts ( paddle, kayak, paddleeuros ) are at the rendezvous of this peaceful body of water.
It is forbidden to anchor or park anywhere other than in the marinas on the lake.
In total, 243 berths are available around the lake, divided into four poles:
- 76 places in Nances
- 134 locations in Aiguebelette-le-Lac
- 10 are available in Saint-Alban-de-Montbel
- 23 jobs at Pomarin in Lépin-le-Lac
" Don't expect a full service marina "adds Philippe. Here too, the objective is tranquility and the equipment made available to users is reduced to the bare essentials.
Please note: it is forbidden to keep any battery on board your boat between two navigations. Whether they are propulsion or service batteries, they must be unloaded.
Another limitation is that it is necessary to request an authorization from the community of communes to be able to navigate with a boat capable of carrying more than eight people on Lake Aiguebelette.
The use of the pontoons, the slipways and the navigation are subject to the payment of a navigation fee to the CCLA. The fee depends on the type of boat. As an indication, the user of a motor boat will pay a navigation fee of 9 euros à the day . This right of navigation can be paid on the spot in the premises of the establishment managing the lake or on line, on the site of this establishment.
In summer, the surveillance of the lake is carried out by the gendarmerie and by the guards of the natural park. Out of season, the latter are the only ones to manage the surveillance of the lake. The agents are sworn to issue police fines if necessary. They are also in charge of the reception of the users as well as the maintenance of the nautical elements on the lake.
The monitoring authorities use electric boats (e-lavaret model), designed by Naviwatt and built by the shipyard Bord à bord.
Local tips and tricks
Lake Aiguebelette is the ideal place for slow tourism lovers. This fashionable term describes a contemplative approach to tourism, which is more ecological and in tune with nature.
" Taking your time is certainly the ultimate goal on the lake "explains Philippe. His recommendation also applies to the way of arriving on the lake. " Once off the highway " explains the guide " you have to start looking at the water of the lake that appears and consider enjoying your day, on the water or on one of the beaches ."
" The first thing to do is to go to the lake house to pick up the navigation sticker, to avoid queuing in case of heavy traffic "recommends Philippe.
" Launching is not complicated. The slips are well designed and their use is part of the right of navigation. Do not stay too long on the slipway, other users need it "he adds before concluding " above all, turn off the ignition of your car while you are putting the boat in the water ."
" Lake Aiguebelette is not a lake for sailing boats "insists Philippe. He reminds us that the counterpart of the protection of the lake is also a weak wind not very favorable to sailing.
" Lake Aiguebelette is an important rowing spot, it has twice hosted the world championships "explains our guide. All the more reason to row on the turquoise waters of Aiguebelette.
Despite the presence of several interesting pits ( 71 meters, 49 meters and 29 meters ), diving is forbidden on most of the lake. Only a small area, in the East of the lake, is authorized for accompanied diving.
The guide's advice
" There are two lakes in one " explains the lover of the site. " The northern part is what I call the wild coast. Very mineral, the mountain falls into the lake. It looks like the Italian coast. It is impressive and very rough. "
This area will be used for land-based activities. " The view on the lake is breathtaking and the climate is particularly mild and pleasant "concludes the manager.
" To the south of the water body, reed beds, wetlands and islands. "We're in the middle of a boating and water sports territory.
" There is nothing on the islands except a small chapel on the big island " explains the guide who hesitates to talk about a place to picnic or rest. " These islands are actually more beautiful to look at than to land on "he explains.
" The place called "la combe" is accessible only by water. We arrive on a rocky plateau on which we feel totally isolated from the rest of the world "according to Philippe. He adds, " From this place, you have a perspective on the whole lake and the surrounding mountains, it is a relaxing and peaceful place. "
" To get back in shape, three great restaurants line the lake, all of which you should try "concludes the guide who dares not recommend any of them.
