Lac de Serre-Ponçon is France’s largest man-made lake and is also accessible from Savines-le-Lac. The town combines activities on the water with a distinctive history of reconstruction: after the dam was built, Savines-le-Lac was rebuilt entirely on the left bank of the lake. When planning your visit, it is therefore worth considering both the opportunities on the lake and the architecture that defines the town today.
Water sports and lake excursions
At the Savines-le-Lac Capitainerie, you can go sailing, rent a boat with or without a licence, try stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, pedal boating, towed inflatable rides and electric surfing. The options differ depending on whether you want to rent a boat, choose a guided activity or try another water sport. Individual activities and providers may change, so check the current offerings before planning your visit.
The Capitainerie du lac de Serre-Ponçon also has a reception area with a permanent exhibition and digital resources for discovering the lake. Serre Ponçon Tour excursion boats depart from Plage de la capitainerie, at Rue du Stade in Savines-le-Lac. As departure and booking arrangements may change, it is worth checking the latest information before your visit.
Sailing: excursions, lessons or equipment rental
Club Nautique Alpin operates a base in Savines-le-Lac and offers skipper-led excursions. You can choose between a shared sailing boat for ten people and a sport sailboat for four people. The two options differ in both boat type and group size. Bookings and operating times are seasonal, so check the dates in advance.
Base nautique La Voilerie/Ecole de voile offers seasonal sailing and windsurfing lessons for all levels, from age six. Catamarans and windsurfing equipment are also available to rent. If you are looking for a lesson or equipment rental rather than a skipper-led excursion, this is the alternative to consider; check the current seasonal dates here too.
Swimming at the beaches
Plage des Combettes is a five-minute walk from the town centre. Supervised swimming is available there in July and August. If you are planning your visit around this, check the current supervision dates in advance. The beach also has a leisure jetty with a slide and diving board. The facilities may be maintained seasonally, so it is worth checking their condition before your visit.
Savin’Plage is considered the only sandy beach on Lac de Serre-Ponçon; its surface is made up of pink pebbles. If this beach feature is important to your plans, check the beach conditions again before your visit.
Hiking and nature in the Forêt de Morgon
The Forêt de Morgon can be explored on foot, by mountain bike or on horseback. There is also a botanical nature trail. You can choose between different ways to explore: go for a hike, cycle, ride a horse or discover the plants along the trail. Trail conditions may vary.
Reconstruction and heritage
CIAP XXe in Savines-le-Lac is the first French CIAP devoted to this heritage theme. Its permanent exhibition focuses on joyful modernism in the mountains. The CIAP also includes an outdoor visitor route between the village and the Le XXe cultural centre. The exhibition and route offer different ways to explore the architectural heritage of the rebuilt town.
The Church of Saint-Florent was rebuilt in 1961, along with the village, to plans by architect Achille de Panaskhet. Today it is an important stop for pilgrims travelling to Rome and Compostela. On 23 June 2011, the Regional Commission for Heritage and Sites supported awarding the village of Savines-le-Lac the “Patrimoine du XXème siècle” label.
Seasonal events and workshops
In July and August, Savines-le-Lac hosts the “Mercredis de feu” fireworks over the lake. The specific event dates may change, so check the schedule before travelling. Another cultural activity is the pottery workshops run by Arteralya: they are for children and adults, take place seasonally and require registration. Check the available dates and register when planning your visit.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Apollinaire, Saint-Pierre-D'argençon, Sainte-Colombe, Ribeyret, Saint-Jean-Saint-Nicolas, Cervières, Serres, Chorges.
See the broader travel guide: Hautes-Alpes.
