Sailors navigating a transportable sailboat have a major advantage: they can sail to all corners of France, and very easily, by choosing to explore sailing on lakes. I offer you a list of the 10 largest lakes in France for river navigation, sailing, or canoeing-kayaking.
France, with its varied landscapes and numerous bodies of water, offers sailing, small sailboat, and kayak enthusiasts a multitude of opportunities. Among the popular destinations, the large lakes stand out for their exceptional settings and suitable infrastructure. Here is a presentation of the ten largest lakes in France, each offering unique advantages for boaters, and some undoubtedly among the most beautiful lakes in France.
Lake Geneva (Lac Léman)
- Geographical location: Located on the Franco-Swiss border, this lake extends over 581.3 km², with about 234 km² in France (Haute-Savoie).
- Area: 581.3 km² (the largest natural lake in Western Europe).
- Ports and nautical bases:
- Port of Évian-les-Bains: Equipped for sailboats, with a launching slip.
- Port of Yvoire: Undoubtedly the most beautiful port.
- Port of Thonon-les-Bains: Water sports base and suitable launching area.
- Port of Sciez: Ideal for sailboats and small boats.
Lake Hourtin-Carcans
- Geographical location: In Gironde, Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
- Area: 56.67 km² (the largest natural freshwater lake entirely in France).
- Ports and nautical bases:
- Port of Hourtin: Launching slip, sailboat and small boat rentals.
- Nautical base of Carcans-Maubuisson: Ideal for sailboats and kayaks, with easy launching.
Lake Cazaux and Sanguinet
- Geographical location: Straddling Gironde and Landes.
- Area: 55.6 km².
- Ports and nautical bases:
- Port of Sanguinet: Launching slip and mooring areas.
- Nautical base of Cazaux: Varied activities, from sailing to kayaking.
Lake Bourget
- Geographical location: In Savoie, at the foot of the Alps.
- Area: 44.5 km² (the largest natural glacial lake in France).
- Ports and nautical bases:
- Port of Aix-les-Bains: One of the largest inland ports, equipped with slips and services for sailboats.
- Port of Bourdeau: Picturesque small port, ideal for boaters.
Lake Serre-Ponçon
- Geographical location: In the Southern Alps, between Hautes-Alpes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.
- Area: 28 km² (the largest artificial lake in France).
- Ports and nautical bases:
- Port of Savines-le-Lac: Complete infrastructure for sailboats and boats.
- Nautical base of Saint-Michel: Suitable launching and varied activities.
Lake Annecy
- Geographical location: In Haute-Savoie.
- Area: 27.5 km².
- Ports and nautical bases:
- Port of Annecy-le-Vieux: Launching slip and boat rentals.
- Port of Talloires: Charming setting for small boats and sailboats.
Lake Sainte-Croix
- Geographical location: Between Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Var.
- Area: 22 km².
- Ports and nautical bases:
- Nautical base of Les Salles-sur-Verdon: Launching for sailboats and kayaks.
- Base of Bauduen: Varied water activities and accessible slips.
Lake Grand-Lieu
- Geographical location: In Loire-Atlantique, near Nantes.
- Area: Up to 62.92 km² in winter (varies by season).
- Ports and nautical bases: Regulated navigation, but some access points are provided for small boats.
Lake Vouglans
- Geographical location: In Jura.
- Area: 16.9 km².
- Ports and nautical bases:
- Port of La Mercantine: Launching and infrastructure for sailboats.
- Base of Bellecin: Water activities suitable for families.
Lake Der-Chantecoq
- Geographical location: In Champagne-Ardenne, Grand Est.
- Area: 48 km² (the largest artificial lake in France).
- Ports and nautical bases:
- Port of Giffaumont: Launching slip and services for boaters.
- Nautical base of Sainte-Marie-du-Lac: Ideal for sailboats and kayaks.
These large lakes in France are true paradises for navigation enthusiasts, whether they are sailboat boaters or kayak enthusiasts. With well-equipped ports and accessible slips, they offer ideal conditions for exploring unique landscapes while enjoying the pleasures of boating.