The 15 most beautiful lakes in the French Alps
Field Guide — photographer's selection. Since 2017, I have been exploring the French Alps with my camera, and mountain lakes are among my favorite subjects. A high-altitude lake is an exceptional natural foreground, a mirror that doubles the beauty of the landscape, and sometimes absolute solitude that makes each outing unique. In this article, I invite you to discover my 15 favorite lakes — from high-altitude glacial lakes to large valley lakes, including some particularly photogenic reservoir lakes.
Discover my panoramic photographs of the Alps printed on aluminum Dibond to enhance your interior with an authentic mountain landscape.
Summary table of the 15 lakes
| # | Lake | Massif | Type | Altitude | Difficulty | Best season | Photo ⭐ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lac Blanc | Mont-Blanc | Natural high-altitude | 2,352 m | Intermediate | Autumn | ★★★★★ |
| 2 | Lac de Cheserys | Mont-Blanc | Natural high-altitude | 2,170 m | Intermediate | Summer / Autumn | ★★★★★ |
| 3 | Lac d'Anterne | Fiz / Mont-Blanc | Natural high-altitude | 2,257 m | Intermediate | Summer / Autumn | ★★★★★ |
| 4 | Lac du Crozet | Belledonne | Natural high-altitude | 2,025 m | Intermediate | Autumn / Winter | ★★★★★ |
| 5 | Lac d'Allos | Mercantour | Natural high-altitude | 2,228 m | Easy | Summer / Autumn | ★★★★★ |
| 6 | Lac de Trécolpas | Mercantour | Natural high-altitude | 2,150 m | Intermediate | Summer | ★★★★ |
| 7 | Lac d'Annecy | Prealps | Valley lake | 447 m | Very easy | All year | ★★★★★ |
| 8 | Lac du Bourget | Savoie | Valley lake | 231 m | Very easy | Autumn / Winter | ★★★★ |
| 9 | Lac Vert | Mont-Blanc / Passy | Accessible natural | 1,010 m | Easy | Winter / Autumn | ★★★★ |
| 10 | Lac de Roselend | Beaufortain | Reservoir | 1,557 m | Easy | Summer / Autumn | ★★★★ |
| 11 | Lac de la Muzelle | Écrins | Natural high-altitude | 2,105 m | Difficult | Summer | ★★★★★ |
| 12 | Lac Lauvitel | Écrins | Natural | 1,530 m | Intermediate | Autumn | ★★★★ |
| 13 | Lac du Lauzon | Dévoluy | Natural high-altitude | 2,008 m | Intermediate | Summer | ★★★★ |
| 14 | Lac de Montriond | Chablais | Accessible natural | 1,050 m | Very easy | Autumn | ★★★★ |
| 15 | Lac de Tignes | Vanoise | Resort lake / reservoir | 2,100 m | Easy | Winter / Summer | ★★★★ |
Quick Navigation
→ Mont-Blanc Lakes
→ Belledonne and Écrins Lakes
→ Mercantour Lakes
→ Large Valley Lakes
→ Accessible Lakes and Reservoir Lakes
→ Photography Tips
→ FAQ
The Lakes of the Mont-Blanc Massif
It's in this massif that I've captured my favorite lake images. The combination of granite needles, glaciers, and these high-altitude lakes creates photographic compositions of exceptional richness.
1. Lac Blanc (2,352 m) — My favorite
Lac Blanc is undoubtedly the most photographed mountain lake in the French Alps — and for good reason. Nestled in a rocky cirque facing Mont Blanc, it offers a perfect reflection of the massif on calm days. I return there every autumn for the golden larches and the low-angle light of the sunrise. It's here that I've taken some of my most powerful images.
📍 GPS: 45.9742, 6.8889 — View on Google Maps
🚶 Time: 1h30 from l'Index (Flégère cable car + Index)
🚗 Parking: Flégère car park, Les Praz-de-Chamonix
🥾 Elevation gain: +350 m from l'Index
📷 Photo level: Intermediate — exceptional sunrise, bivouac recommended
📸 This outing inspired an AAM photograph
The reflection of Mont-Blanc in Lac Blanc remains one of Chamonix's most iconic scenes. It's the type of image that works very well in large format, especially in a bright living room or a contemporary chalet.
→ View my photos: Lac Blanc and Mont-Blanc | Mont-Blanc reflected in Lac Blanc
2. Lac de Cheserys (2,170 m)
Less known than Lac Blanc but just as spectacular, Lac de Cheserys offers a reflection of Mont Blanc in a more intimate setting. I often go there at the beginning of the season, when snow still frames the banks and there are few visitors. The evening light on the needles is particularly beautiful from this spot.
📍 GPS: 45.9700, 6.8800 — View on Google Maps
🚶 Time: 1h from l'Index
🚗 Parking: Flégère car park, Les Praz-de-Chamonix
🥾 Elevation gain: +200 m from l'Index
📷 Photo level: Intermediate — less crowded than Lac Blanc, evening light
→ View my photo: Reflection of Mont-Blanc in Lac de Cheserys
3. Lac d'Anterne (2,257 m)
Lac d'Anterne, in the Fiz massif, is one of my most secret spots. Framed by the Rochers des Fiz on one side and open to Mont Blanc on the other, it offers unique compositions found nowhere else in the massif. The hike from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval is long but magnificent.
📍 GPS: 46.0167, 6.7833 — View on Google Maps
🚶 Time: 3h from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval or 2h from Col d'Anterne
🚗 Parking: Salvagny car park, Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval
🥾 Elevation gain: +900 m from Sixt
📷 Photo level: Advanced — unique compositions with the Rochers des Fiz, starry night possible
📸 This outing inspired an AAM photograph
Anterne offers a wilder atmosphere than the classic Chamonix lakes. The Rochers des Fiz give a very strong graphic power to the image.
→ View my photos: Lac d'Anterne and Rochers des Fiz | Lac d'Anterne, Passy
Natural Lakes of Belledonne and the Écrins
4. Lac du Crozet (2,025 m)
Lac du Crozet, in the Belledonne massif, is one of my favorite lakes for reflection photography. The peaks of Belledonne reflect in its turquoise waters with striking clarity on calm days. I've been there several times in autumn and winter — both seasons offer radically different atmospheres.
📍 GPS: 45.2167, 6.0833 — View on Google Maps
🚶 Time: 2h from Col de Vence
🚗 Parking: Col de Vence parking, Saint-Georges-de-Commiers
🥾 Elevation gain: +600 m
📷 Photo level: Intermediate — exceptional reflections, autumn and winter recommended
📸 This outing inspired an AAM photograph
Le Crozet is one of the best alpine lakes for working with reflections and mineral atmospheres, with a true high mountain feel.
→ See my photos: Lac du Crozet, Belledonne | Lac du Crozet Reflection
5. Lac de la Muzelle (2,105 m) — Écrins
Lac de la Muzelle, in the Écrins National Park, is one of the wildest lakes I know in the French Alps. Framed by dizzying cliffs, it gives off an almost unreal atmosphere. The hike is demanding, but the reward is worth the effort.
📍 GPS: 44.9833, 6.1167 — View on Google Maps
🚶 Time: 3h from Venosc
🚗 Parking: Venosc parking (access via Les Deux Alpes)
🥾 Elevation gain: +1,000 m
📷 Photo level: Advanced — wild and mineral landscape, morning light
6. Lac Lauvitel (1,530 m) — Écrins
Lac Lauvitel is the largest natural lake in the Écrins National Park. Surrounded by larch and pine forests, it offers a softer atmosphere than high-altitude lakes — ideal for photography in autumn when the colors explode.
📍 GPS: 44.9667, 6.1500 — View on Google Maps
🚶 Time: 1h30 from Bourg-d'Arud
🚗 Parking: Bourg-d'Arud parking, Venosc
🥾 Elevation gain: +450 m
📷 Photo level: Intermediate — exceptional autumn, larch forests
The natural lakes of Mercantour
7. Lac d'Allos (2,228 m) — The largest natural high-altitude lake in Western Europe
Lac d'Allos is an extraordinary lake: it is the largest natural high-altitude lake in Western Europe. I discovered it during a trip to the Mercantour and was struck by the purity of its waters and the grandeur of the landscape. Access is relatively easy, making it an accessible spot for everyone.
📍 GPS: 44.2333, 6.7167 — View on Google Maps
🚶 Time: 45 min from Lac d'Allos parking
🚗 Parking: Lac d'Allos parking (D226 road, Allos)
🥾 Elevation gain: +200 m
📷 Photo level: All levels — sunrise, reflections, alpine fauna (marmots)
📸 This outing inspired an AAM photograph
Allos brings a more southern palette: turquoise water, alpine pastures, larches and clear Mercantour light. A very luminous image for a softer mountain decoration.
→ See my photo: Lac d'Allos, Mercantour
8. Lac de Trécolpas (2,150 m)
Lac de Trécolpas, in the Vésubie valley, is one of the hidden gems of the Mercantour. Less frequented than Lac d'Allos, it offers a wilder atmosphere and magnificent reflections on the surrounding peaks. I photographed it at the end of the day with an absolutely spectacular golden light.
📍 GPS: 44.1000, 7.3167 — View on Google Maps
🚶 Time: 2h from Saint-Martin-Vésubie
🚗 Parking: Madone de Fenestre parking, Saint-Martin-Vésubie
🥾 Elevation gain: +600 m
📷 Photo level: Intermediate — end of day, reflections on the peaks
→ See my photo: Lac de Trécolpas, Mercantour
The great valley lakes
9. Lac d'Annecy (447 m) — turquoise water and Pre-Alps light
Lac d'Annecy is often considered one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in Europe — and I understand why. Its turquoise waters framed by the Pre-Alps mountains offer photographic compositions of infinite richness. I have photographed it at all hours and all seasons — sunrise from the heights of Annecy remains one of my favorite images.
📍 GPS: 45.8667, 6.1667 — View on Google Maps
🚶 Time: Accessible from Annecy city center
🚗 Parking: Numerous car parks around the lake
🥾 Elevation gain: 0 m (lakeside) — numerous viewpoints at height
📷 Photo level: All levels — sunrise, sunset, morning mist
📸 This outing inspired an AAM photograph
Annecy works very well as decoration for its soothing side: mirror-like water, gentle relief, pearly light. It's a more minimalist image than the grand high-mountain landscapes.
→ See my photos: Lac d'Annecy, Haute-Savoie | Lac d'Annecy at sunset | Lac d'Annecy at sunset
10. Lac du Bourget (231 m) — The largest natural lake in France
Lac du Bourget, near Aix-les-Bains, is the largest natural lake in France. I photographed it from the heights of Dent du Chat — the plunging view of this immense lake framed by the mountains of Savoie is striking, especially in the morning mist.
📍 GPS: 45.7333, 5.8667 — View on Google Maps
🚶 Time: Accessible from Aix-les-Bains
🚗 Parking: Numerous car parks around the lake
🥾 Elevation gain: 0 m (lakeside) — viewpoints at height from Dent du Chat
📷 Photo level: All levels — spectacular morning mist, sunset
📸 This outing inspired an AAM photograph
Le Bourget brings a more panoramic and contemplative dimension, with deep blues and a very graphic reading from above.
→ See my photo: Lac du Bourget, Aix-les-Bains
Accessible lakes and photogenic reservoir lakes
11. Lac Vert (1,010 m) — Passy
Lac Vert in Passy is one of those spots I love for its accessibility and discreet beauty. Its characteristic green color, due to algae and surrounding vegetation, makes it a very particular photographic subject — especially under the snow in winter, when the contrast is striking.
📍 GPS: 45.9333, 6.6833 — View on Google Maps
🚶 Time: 30 min from the car park
🚗 Parking: Lac Vert car park, Passy (paid in season)
🥾 Elevation gain: +100 m
📷 Photo level: All levels — exceptional winter under snow, unique green color
📸 This outing inspired an AAM photograph
Lac Vert is less spectacular in altitude, but extremely decorative: emerald reflections, forest, calm atmosphere, and accessible all year round.
→ See my photos: Lac Vert, Passy | Lac Vert under the snow
12. Lac de Roselend (1,557 m) — Beaufortain
Lac de Roselend, in the Beaufortain, is a reservoir lake that has taken on a remarkable aesthetic dimension over time. I photographed it at sunrise with the Beaufortain peaks reflecting — an image I particularly like for its serenity.
📍 GPS: 45.7167, 6.6833 — View on Google Maps
🚶 Time: Accessible by car, lakeside on foot
🚗 Parking: Roselend Dam parking, Beaufort
🥾 Elevation gain: 0 m (lakeside)
📷 Photo level: All levels — sunrise, reflections, morning mist
13. Lac de Montriond (1,050 m) — Chablais
Lac de Montriond, in the Chablais, is a glacial lake of tranquil beauty. Surrounded by forests and cliffs, it offers magnificent reflections and a soothing atmosphere. I particularly appreciate it in autumn, when the colors of the forests are reflected in its calm waters.
📍 GPS: 46.2167, 6.7167 — View on Google Maps
🚶 Time: Accessible by car, lake tour on foot (1h)
🚗 Parking: Lac de Montriond parking, Montriond
🥾 Elevation gain: Minimal (flat lake tour)
📷 Photo level: All levels — autumn, reflections, Dranse waterfall nearby
Lakes of Vanoise and Dévoluy
14. Lac de Tignes (2,100 m) — Vanoise
Lac de Tignes is a developed mountain lake that offers spectacular views of the Grande Motte and the Vanoise peaks. I photographed it in winter from the heights — the frozen lake with snow-capped peaks in the background is an image of absolute purity.
📍 GPS: 45.4667, 6.9000 — View on Google Maps
🚶 Time: Accessible by car from Tignes
🚗 Parking: Tignes car parks depending on the season
🥾 Elevation gain: 0 m (lakeside) — high viewpoints accessible by cable car
📷 Photo level: All levels — exceptional winter, Grande Motte in the background
15. Lac du Lauzon (2,008 m) — Dévoluy
Lac du Lauzon, in the Dévoluy massif, is my secret spot in the Southern Alps. Little known, little frequented, it offers views of the characteristic limestone cliffs of the Dévoluy — a very different landscape from the granite lakes of Mont Blanc or the Écrins, but of remarkable wild beauty.
📍 GPS: 44.7167, 5.8333 — View on Google Maps
🚶 Time: 2h from Col du Festre
🚗 Parking: Col du Festre parking, La Cluse
🥾 Elevation gain: +500 m
📷 Photo level: Intermediate — secret spot, limestone cliffs, wild fauna
⭐ My personal Top 5
If you can only see five, here are my unhesitating recommendations:
- Lac Blanc (Mont Blanc) — the reflection of Mont Blanc, larch trees in autumn. My favorite image.
- Lac d'Allos (Mercantour) — the largest natural high-altitude lake in Western Europe, accessible to all.
- Lac du Crozet (Belledonne) — exceptionally clear reflections in a wild setting.
- Lac d'Annecy — for the magic of sunrises over turquoise waters.
- Lac d'Anterne (Fiz) — my secret spot, unique compositions with the Rochers des Fiz.
Photo tips for mountain lakes
Photographing a mountain lake is primarily a matter of patience and timing. Here's what I've learned after years of traversing the Alps:
- Arrive early: the wind generally picks up in the mid-morning. For reflections, I aim for the first 30 minutes after sunrise.
- Choose your foreground: rocks, alpine flowers, snow, grass — a strong foreground transforms a nice photo into a great photo.
- Use a polarizer: it reduces unwanted reflections on the water and reveals the colors beneath the surface.
- Prefer autumn: golden larches, first snowfalls, and warm light create exceptional photographic conditions.
- Bivouac on site: for high-altitude lakes, nothing beats spending a night there to catch the sunrise in the best conditions.
Which season to choose for photographing the Alpine lakes?
Each season completely transforms the Alpine lakes. For perfect reflections, I favor calm late summer and autumn mornings. For more graphic atmospheres, winter and the first snowfalls are often exceptional.
| Season | Atmosphere | Photo advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Residual snow, thaw, waterfalls | Strong contrasts, wild atmosphere | Some high-altitude lakes still frozen or inaccessible |
| Summer | Turquoise waters, alpine pastures, alpine flowers | Easy access, rich colors, pleasant bivouac | High attendance at well-known lakes |
| Autumn | Golden larches, warm light, first snows | My favorite season for reflections and colors | Shorter weather window, cold nights |
| Winter | Frozen lakes, snow, minimalism | Graphic images, silent atmosphere | Access sometimes technical, essential winter equipment |
✦ Discover my photographs of Alpine lakes on premium aluminum.
→ Landscapes of Mont Blanc and Chamonix
→ Photos of Mont Blanc, Haute-Savoie
→ Panoramic mountain gallery
Alpine lake photo prints to discover
To extend the experience after the hike, here is a selection of alpine lake photographs available as premium Dibond aluminum prints.
Lac Blanc — Chamonix
Lac d'Anterne — Fiz
Lac du Crozet — Belledonne
Lac d'Annecy — Haute-SavoieTo go further
- → The 20 most beautiful Mont Blanc panoramas
- → The most beautiful photo spots of Mont Blanc
- → My (almost) secret spots around Mont Blanc
FAQ — Frequently asked questions about French Alpine lakes
- What is the most beautiful lake in the French Alps?
- For me, it's Lac Blanc (2,352 m) in the Mont Blanc massif — the reflection of Mont Blanc in its waters, golden larches in autumn, and exceptional light at sunrise. Lake Annecy is often cited as the most beautiful lake in France for its accessibility and the purity of its turquoise waters.
- What is the largest natural lake in the French Alps?
- Lake Bourget (Savoie) is the largest natural lake in France with 44 km². At altitude, Lac d'Allos (2,228 m, Mercantour) is the largest natural high-altitude lake in Western Europe.
- What is the best season to photograph mountain lakes?
- Autumn (September-October) is my favorite season: golden larches, first snowfalls, warm and spectacular light. Spring also offers great opportunities with snowmelt and waterfalls.
- How to get beautiful reflections on a mountain lake?
- You need to arrive early in the morning before the wind picks up (before 9 am). A polarizing filter helps reduce unwanted reflections. I also use a tripod for long exposures which slightly smooth the water surface.
- Can you bivouac by mountain lakes in the Alps?
- Bivouacking is generally allowed in the French Alps, but with restrictions in national parks (Écrins, Mercantour, Vanoise). It is often limited to one night, more than an hour's walk from roads. Always check local regulations before you go.
Article written by Pierre Thiaville, mountain photographer and founder of Alu Art Mountains since 2017. All photographs are available as premium Dibond aluminum prints.
