France is brimming with exceptional aquatic treasures that rival those of the coast. From turquoise waters nestled in the heart of the Alps to vast, unspoiled expanses surrounded by nature, each lake has its own unique atmosphere. Whether you enjoy the cool mountain air, mountain scenery, relaxing on a sandy beach, or the thrills of a family water activity, France’s lakes promise a complete change of scenery.
In addition to the traditional giants of Haute-Savoie, such as Lake Annecy and Lake Bourget, France hides equally spectacular gems in its other departments, particularly where high altitudes give way to lush green valleys or the scenic beauty of Provence. At Ciela Village, we offer a selection of upscale campsites located right next to these aquatic paradises. A stay like this is sure to create unforgettable memories to share.
Check out our guide to the most beautiful lakes in France to plan your next unforgettable trip.
1. The Alpes-de-Haute-Provence: Lake Sainte-Croix and the Gems of the Verdon
When you think of the most beautiful panoramic views in France, the Verdon immediately comes to mind. Lake Sainte-Croix is a marvel that captivates adults and children alike with its surreal turquoise color. This jewel of Provence boasts magnificent landscapes, offering an idyllic setting to unwind.
A paradise of turquoise waters in Haute-Provence
Although this lake is an artificial body of water created by a dam in the 1970s, it blends seamlessly into the landscape of the Southern Alps. Located at an elevation of about 477 meters, it covers an area of approximately 22 km². It’s the perfect place to rent a pedal boat, a canoe, or an electric boat to explore the famous gorges. The crystal-clear water and mild climate invite you to enjoy memorable swims at any of the developed beaches around the lake.
Your Ciela Village Accommodation: Campsite La Farigoulette (5-star)
To fully enjoy this marvel, the 5-star La Farigoulette campsite, located in Saint-Laurent-du-Verdon, is your ideal base. The campsite offers direct access to its own lake, Lake Montpezat, and even has its own private water sports center!
- Distance to Lake Sainte-Croix: About 13 km (a 20- to 25-minute drive).
- On-site activities: From the campsite’s water sports center, you can set out directly by canoe to explore the magnificent Baudinard Gorges. The campsite also offers a tree-top adventure course and electric bike rentals so you can explore the region at your own pace.
Other hidden gems by the water to explore in the department:
- Lake Esparron: More untamed and mysterious, this lake is surrounded by steep cliffs and hidden coves. It’s a fantastic spot for stand-up paddleboarding and canoeing, far from the hustle and bustle.
- Lake Quinson: Located at the entrance to the Lower Verdon Gorges, this peaceful and unspoiled body of water is ideal for those seeking tranquility. Less crowded, it features a charming water sports center where you can rent canoes or stand-up paddleboards to explore the impressive rock faces and visit the famous Bonne Baume Cave.
2. The Aveyron: Lake Villefranche-de-Panat, Lake Pareloup, and the Secrets of Lévézou
The Aveyron is a wild region where the natural beauty of the landscapes is breathtaking, making it the perfect place to alternate between water activities and mountain hikes. In the heart of the Lévézou Plateau, the Great Lakes region is an unexpected aquatic paradise in the center of France.
Villefranche-de-Panat and Pareloup: The Two Giants of Aveyron
Lake Villefranche-de-Panat lies at an elevation of nearly 700 meters and covers 192 hectares. Its gentle shores are perfect for families with children. A wide boardwalk allows you to walk or bike all the way around the lake on a flat 10-kilometer trail.
Right next door, Lake Pareloup is the fifth-largest artificial lake in France (1,290 hectares) and the largest in the Aveyron department. It’s a paradise for water sports and fishing for giant predatory fish. Its many coves are home to hidden beaches and unspoiled natural areas.
Your Ciela Village accommodations in Aveyron
- Les Cantarelles Campsite (3 stars): Located on the waterfront in Alrance, it offers direct access to the beach on Lake Villefranche-de-Panat.
- Le Caussanel Campsite (4-star): Located in Canet-de-Salars, this superb 4-star campsite is situated right on the shores of Lake Pareloup. In addition to the natural swimming area, it features a magnificent water park with a heated pool and water slides.
Other hidden gems by the water to explore in the department:
- Pont-de-Salars Lake: More secluded, this long, narrow lake is surrounded by trees. Its Rousselleries beach is a shaded haven of peace, ideal for a picnic.
- Lac de la Gourde: A completely unspoiled lake where swimming and boating are prohibited, but which features a bird-watching observatory for admiring wild birds.
3. The Hérault: The Thau Lagoon, Lake Salagou, and the Languedoc hinterland
The Hérault immediately brings to mind the Mediterranean Sea, but the department is also home to spectacular lakes that are unique in Europe.
Between a coastal lagoon and Martian red soil
Covering 7,500 hectares, the Étang de Thau is the largest body of water in the Occitanie region. Separated from the sea by a narrow sandbar, this vast body of water is a magical place where oysters are farmed. Its calm, warm waters make it an ideal spot for beginners to try sailing or stand-up paddleboarding.
A little over 40 km inland, Lake Salagou offers a striking contrast. This artificial lake is surrounded by red-rock hills known as “ruffes.” The contrast between the red earth, the deep blue water, and the green vegetation creates a visual spectacle unique in France, reminiscent of an arid mountain landscape. It’s an unmissable spot that you absolutely must add to your itinerary during your stay at the campsite, whether for a refreshing hike or a magical picnic at sunset!
Your Ciela Village Accommodation: Campsite Beau Rivage (4-star)
Located in Mèze, the 4-star Beau Rivage campsite is the perfect central base. It’s situated on the shores of the lagoon, just 800 meters from Mèze’s main beach (less than a 10-minute leisurely walk). The campsite also offers a wide range of services and activities for the whole family.
Other hidden gems by the water to explore in the department:
- Lac des Olivettes (Vailhan): Nestled in the Hérault region, near Pézenas, this charming man-made lake is a true haven of peace surrounded by garrigue and pine forests. It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely hike away from the crowds along the coast, with shaded picnic areas and a pleasant trail that circles the lake.
- Lake Cécéles: A small, secluded private lake nestled at the foot of Pic Saint-Loup. Its waters take on magnificent turquoise hues in the spring. It takes about 30 minutes to walk around it.
4. The Drôme: The Blue Lake of Châtillon-en-Diois and the Vercors
Let’s leave the coast behind and head deeper into the foothills of the Vercors Mountains, in the Drôme region, where the mountain scenery meets the gentle charm of Provence.
An oasis of freshness at the foot of the Vercors cliffs
Nestled in a stunning green setting, the campsite’s lake features crystal-clear water that flows directly from the surrounding peaks. Located at a high altitude that ensures cool nights, it’s the perfect place to recharge in a peaceful, natural setting. The surrounding landscape perfectly blends local vineyards with the imposing cliffs of the Vercors. While children love playing here, adults will especially appreciate the absolute serenity of the setting, which is perfect for relaxation.
Your Ciela Village Accommodation: Le Lac Bleu Campsite (4-star)
The 4-star Le Lac Bleu campsite, located in Châtillon-en-Diois—which, by the way, holds the “Most Beautiful Villages of France” designation—literally surrounds this stunning lake. The campsite’s water slides lead straight into the lake! You’ll also find a heated indoor pool, a canoe and kayak center, and the starting point for some fantastic hiking trails.
Other hidden gems by the water to explore in the department:
- Lac du Pas des Ondes (Cornillon-sur-l’Oule): Located in Drôme Provençale, this magical site actually consists of two lakes: one is reserved for swimming, with water naturally filtered by plants, while the other is a paradise for anglers.
- Le Claps (Luc-en-Diois): A spectacular natural site formed by a massive rockslide in the Middle Ages, which created pools of clear, cool water where visitors can swim among the boulders.
5. Haute-Marne: Lake Liez and the Great Lakes of Langres
Let’s now head to northeastern France, to the magnificent Grand-Est region. The Haute-Marne department is home to four large reservoir lakes, the most famous and lively of which is undoubtedly Lake Liez.
The Sea in the Countryside in the Langres Region
This large, 290-hectare man-made lake is a true paradise for outdoor activities. Designated a “green resort,” it offers exceptional amenities for the whole family, where every adult and child can find something to enjoy. Its 460-meter-long dam is perfect for a stroll at sunset. The developed beach offers supervised swimming, while a 16-km hiking trail allows you to go all the way around the lake on foot or by bike.
Your Ciela Village Accommodation: La Liez Campsite (5-star)
For a truly regal stay, the 5-star La Liez campsite, located on the hills above Peigney, majestically overlooks the lake and offers breathtaking views. The campsite provides a high-end experience that includes a heated outdoor pool with a water slide and an indoor pool.
Other hidden gems by the water to explore in the department:
- Lac de la Mouche in Saint-Ciergues: This 94-hectare lake is nestled in a lush green valley. Its massive “Vauban”-style dam, built of cut stone, gives it a unique historical charm. It’s the perfect spot for a peaceful, idyllic stroll.
- Lake Charmes: Very popular with carp anglers and windsurfers, it has a beautiful beach with fine sand that’s perfect for children.
6. The Gers: Lake Thoux-St-Cricq and the charm of the Southwest
The Gers is often known for its cuisine, its Gascon valleys, and its relaxed way of life. But did you know that it’s also home to a stunning body of water ideal for water activities? Lake Thoux-St-Cricq is the blue gem of the Gers, perfect for a getaway.
A refreshing, nature-filled getaway in the Gers
This 70-hectare lake is a must-visit oasis of coolness in southwestern France, located just 45 minutes from the greater Toulouse metropolitan area. Fully preserved and surrounded by lush natural scenery, this lake is ideal for families seeking peace and safety. Visitors can enjoy sailing, pedal boating, and canoeing, and swimming here is a real treat on hot summer days. It’s also a very popular spot for hiking and observing local wildlife.
Your Ciela Village Accommodation: Le Lac de Thoux Campsite (4-star)
The 4-star Le Lac de Thoux campsite is located right on the shore of this lake, offering an intimate and lush setting for your vacation just outside Toulouse. A superb heated water park with slides rounds out the lake’s recreational offerings. It’s the perfect blend of peaceful countryside and water fun for young and old alike.
Other hidden gems by the water to explore in the department:
- Lake Astarac (Bézues-Bajon): A vast body of water covering 180 hectares, nestled against the Pyrenees mountain range. It is a designated bird sanctuary, ideal for a peaceful, contemplative hike through the wilderness.
- Lake Gimone: Straddling the departments of Gers and Haute-Garonne, this large 280-hectare lake offers a wide range of recreational activities in the summer (inflatable water attractions, pedal boats, beach volleyball).
Why choose a Ciela Village campsite on the shores of France’s most beautiful lakes?
When you choose a Ciela Village campsite, you’ll enjoy a unique setting for your family vacation. At our star-rated campsites, enjoy direct access to a lake and its beach, perfect for a vacation right on the water. But the real advantage of our location is that it serves as the perfect starting point: in just a few minutes by car, you can change scenery and set out to explore the other spectacular lakes that dot the department. It’s your guarantee of an active vacation, without ever going in circles.
The perfect combination: Direct access to the lake, walks, and water activities
Why should you have to choose between the tranquility of waking up to a lake, adventure in the backcountry, and the comfort of a heated pool area? Our campsites take the dilemma out of it by offering you it all on a silver platter. You can spend your morning enjoying the campsite’s lake, set out in the afternoon to explore a nearby, more secluded lake, and end the day by returning to relax by our pools.
Each of our campsites offers a range of high-end accommodations, from fully equipped mobile homes with wooden decks to more unique canvas lodge tents—perfect for a total immersion in nature. Located just a stone’s throw from the lake, our mobile homes let you reach the beach in the blink of an eye at any time of day. The spacious, marked-off campsites also welcome your tents, trailers, and RVs, providing the best possible conditions for every family.
Stop spending hours searching for your next European vacation destination. Whether you’re drawn to the high altitudes and golden hues of the Southern Alps in Provence, the wild and authentic lifestyle of the Aveyron, the unique character of the Hérault, the lush charm of the Haute-Marne, or the serenity of the Gers, our recommendations will place you right in the heart of France’s most beautiful lakeside routes. Book your next lakeside vacation now and get ready to experience magical moments with your feet in the water!