Snorkeling in the French Alps Lakes

Freshwater snorkeling in the French Alps: explore a mysterious -and fascinating- aquatic world

The French Alps are home to hundreds or even thousands of lakes, but only a dozen large lakes located at low altitudes are really suitable for snorkeling. Lake Annecy, renowned as one of the most beautiful and purest lakes in Europe, is arguably the best place in France to discover freshwater snorkeling. Fed by mountain springs, its water is clear and offers good visibility.

There are many places around the lake that can be snorkeled, from beaches to rocky shores. The sites of the Pontons Suspendus in Annecy-le-Vieux, La Madeleine in Talloires, the Château de Duingt, as well as the drop-offs of the Roc de Chère (which can be accessed from the bay of Talloires or the southern end of the promenade in Menthon-Saint-Bernard) are some of the most famous spots.

On these last two spots, diving and any other aquatic activity are however prohibited during the arctic char breeding season, from October 15 to March 30 each year.

Located 35km south-west of Annecy, Lake Bourget is the largest natural lake of glacial origin in France. Its clear water and unspoiled shores make it a great location for snorkeling. The most accessible spots are located between Aix-les-Bains and Viviers-du-Lac. We especially recommend Cap des Séselets and Plage du Lido, where snorkelers can discover reed beds and aquatic plant meadows.

Much of the western shore of Lac du Bourget, bordered by cliffs, can only be reached by boat. The neighboring Lac d’Aiguebelette, very close to Lac du Bourget, is another option if you are staying in the region, but the water visibility is often poor.

The French shore of Lake Geneva, which borders Europe’s largest lake for nearly 54km, is also suitable for snorkeling. Smaller and less crowded, Lake Paladru, in Isère, is one of the best-preserved in France.

Nicknamed “the blue lake”, it has several protected natural areas and archaeological remains. However, its private management and strict regulations limit swimming and diving to specific areas.

The French Alps are also home to hundreds of mountain lakes, nestled in cirques or deep valleys. Difficult to access (often several hours of hiking), their very cold water (including in summer), and little information available on their interest in terms of aquatic life, however, make them spots reserved for a handful of insiders.

The freshwater snorkeling activity is starting to develop and you will find at Lake Annecy, Lake Bourget, and Lake Paladru a few snorkeling tours to help you discover the local aquatic life. It can be a good option to be sure you’re exploring the best spots around.

Freshwater snorkeling allows for discovering unique aquatic life, which will undoubtedly surprise you if you are used to snorkeling at sea. The beds covered with rocks, mud, or aquatic plants enable snorkelers to spot common perch, common roach, tench, freshwater blenny, and black bullhead.

With a little luck, you might also encounter a northern pike or zander, two famous freshwater predators. In total, most French lakes are home to around 30 species of fish. Several species of crayfish (some exotic, like the signal crayfish) also live in these lakes and are rather easy to see (especially at Lake Annecy).

When to go snorkeling the lakes of the French Alps?

Surrounded by mountains, Lake Annecy, Geneva, and Bourget have an Alpine climate. Summer months, with their sunny and warm climate (temperatures frequently exceed 86°F/30°C during the day in the region), is the best season for snorkeling.

The average water temperature in Annecy is 71.6/22°C at the surface in July-August, and 75.2°F/24°C in Lake Bourget (which is at a lower altitude). May, June, and September are also great months for snorkeling in the Alps, but a wetsuit can be helpful to protect against cooler water.

Underwater visibility (which can reach 20m on the surface in Annecy) is best in spring and early summer and deteriorates when the water temperature increases and after heavy rains.