Outdoor activities around Serre-Ponçon Lake and the Parc des Ecrins National Park, in the heart of the Hautes-Alpes

A place full of natural resources in the heart of the Southern Alps

Nestling in the heart of the Southern Alps, Lac de Serre-Ponçon is a veritable paradise for lovers of outdoor activities. With its turquoise waters and majestic peaks, this natural gem offers a multitude of experiences for adventurers looking for thrills and families looking to relax.

Water sports
With its 28km² surface area, Lac de Serre is an ideal playground for water-based activities. Whether you're looking for thrills or a peaceful outing in the heart of nature, Lac de Serre-Ponçon is an exceptional place to indulge in the pleasures of the water. Sailing, kayaking, paddling, kitesurfing, wakeboarding and water-skiing are all available in a majestic setting surrounded by the peaks of the Alps. For a more leisurely getaway, hire a boat, with or without a driving licence, and discover the lake from a different angle, skirting its wild creeks and secret beaches.

Hiking and mountain biking: Between Earth and Sky
The hiking trails around the lake offer breathtaking panoramas. Whether it's a family outing on the Pic de Morgon trail, a more athletic climb to Mont Guillaume or into the Ecrins National Park, each route offers spectacular views. Mountain bikers will also find something to suit them on the winding trails that wind between forests and mountain pastures, offering technical descents and more accessible sections for all levels, from the Réallon or Les Orres resorts.

Enjoy your holiday with a smile on your face and a smile in your heart! Take a breath of fresh air and recharge your batteries! You've come to the right place

An aquatic playground for everyone

Board Sports: Adrenalin and Speed

Kitesurf & Windsurf : Thanks to the regular thermal winds, the lake is a popular spot for riders. The beaches of the Baie de Saint-Michel and La Bréole are particularly well-suited to these disciplines, with schools offering safe introductory courses.
Waterskiing & Wakeboarding : Several water sports centres offer supervised sessions where you can try your hand at waterskiing, towed by a boat or a waterski lift. Thrills guaranteed

Je vogue sur le lac

Walks and discovering the lake

Paddle & Canoe-kayak: Ideal for a gentler approach to the lake, paddle and kayak can be used to explore the banks, the small islands and even the famous Chapelle Saint-Michel, the remains of a sunken village.
Electric and motor boats: For an outing with family or friends, hire a boat without a licence and you'll be free to cruise the calm waters of the lake.
Cruises and excursions: Boat trips are organised to discover the history of the dam and the lake's magnificent landscapes, with commentary by enthusiastic guides.
Fishing: With its fish-filled waters, the lake attracts anglers in search of pike, perch and trout. Specific areas have been set aside for this activity, with due respect for the environment.

Climbing and paragliding : Thrills guaranteed
For thrill-seekers, the surrounding cliffs are ideal for rock climbing, with routes suitable for beginners and experienced climbers alike. But the best way to admire Serre-Ponçon in all its splendour is by paragliding. From the heights, you can soar over the lake, carried by the rising currents, for an unforgettable aerial spectacle. Numerous spots such as Saint-Vincent les-Forts, the Aiguilles de Chabrières and Montclar welcome you for this soaring experience.

Nature and discovery
Nature lovers can also discover the local flora and fauna by exploring the Aiguilles de Chabrières biological reserve or by spotting chamois and marmots on an early-morning hike. For a family outing, the Maison de l'Eau et des Énergies at Savines-le-Lac offers a fun immersion in the history of the dam and renewable energies in the region.
Whether you're an extreme sports enthusiast, a contemplative hiker or simply a traveller looking to switch off, The Serre-Ponçon Lake is a must-see destination where nature and adventure meet in a picture-postcard setting.

Take to the air and soar over the lake

Looking for a thrill and a breathtaking spectacle?
Take to the skies above the lake in a paraglider, carried by the updrafts, for an unforgettable aerial spectacle.

Numerous spots such as Saint-Vincent les-Forts, the Aiguilles de Chabrières and Montclar welcome you for this exhilarating experience.
If you prefer a gentle ascent, a hot-air balloon flight from Chorges is the perfect alternative.

Taking to the skies

Trails for all the family at the gateway to the Ecrins

White water rafting on the Durance and Ubaye rivers: thrills and adventure on the river

The Durance: an accessible and dynamic river
The Durance, the longest tributary of the Rhône, is an emblematic river of the Southern Alps. Its sustained flow, particularly in summer thanks to the release of water from dams, means that whitewater sports can be enjoyed on a regular basis. Between Briançon and Embrun, it has rapids that are accessible to beginners and experts alike, with fun and technical sections. Its width and diversity make it an excellent learning ground, ideal for families and groups looking for adventure.

The Ubaye: a wild and challenging river
More technical and demanding, the Ubaye is a legendary river in the Alps for thrill-seekers. Its course, from Barcelonnette to Serre-Ponçon Lake, is dotted with rapids classified up to class V, requiring mastery and experience. Bordered by unspoilt mountain scenery, it offers an intense descent, with every bend offering its share of surprises and challenges.
Whether you're looking for discovery or adrenalin, the Durance and Ubaye rivers are whitewater gems, where nature and adventure meet to offer unforgettable moments.

I defy the wave