Charavines and Lac de Paladru offer different ways to enjoy a stay: beaches and water sports, trails through the landscape and insights into the history of the lakeshore. This lets you choose between days by the water and excursions on foot or by bike.
Lake, beach and lakeside trails
Lac de Paladru is a natural lake of glacial origin. It is 5 km long, 1 km wide and covers 392 ha; it is described as France's fifth-largest natural lake. At Charavines Plage, lawns, sand and small pebbles are part of the setting, along with shallow water and a playground. Access to the beach is free. Check the current beach rules and fees before setting out.
Charavines Plage can be reached by public bus on line GH, via the Office de tourisme or Parking Martin Cluzel stops. Check the timetable before planning your journey. If you want to explore on foot, Le Bois d'Amour can be reached from Charavines via the Voie verte. There are viewing platforms overlooking the lake and picnic tables; facilities may change.
The Voie verte du lac de Paladru is 14 km long, with a southern starting point in Charavines and a northern one in Paladru. These two starting points and the stated length provide a concrete guide when choosing an outing. This route is distinct from other trails with their own itineraries: not every hike passes through the same places or has the same length.
Water activities
On the shores of Lac de Paladru, Yacht Club Grenoble Charavines offers sailing, kayaking and other activities. The SPAC sailing school is also open to everyone. Minors participate under the responsibility of an adult. The sailing centre is located at 150 Route de vers Ars, 38850 Charavines.
The YCGC's “Pagaie Patrimoine” activity offers another perspective, with outings by paddleboard or kayak. A waterproof map explains historical anecdotes at each stop. Fishing and boating are also possible on the lake; both are subject to the applicable boating regulations.
Landscape, culture and nature
The Grands Roseaux reed bed on the northern shore of Lac de Paladru is a habitat for nesting birds and spawning fish. The area is not accessible. Nearby, the Musée archéologique du Lac de Paladru offers an exploration of history aboard a museum boat and an encounter with the lakeshore's former inhabitants.
The experiences also vary from one trail to another. The easy Route N°63: Le Grand Platon starts at the tourist office, passes below the Tour de Clermont to the Croix des Cochettes, then follows the Voie verte to Bois d'Amour. The Les Etangs du Thivoley hiking route also starts at the tourist office. Between the hamlets of Fayard and Janin, it passes chestnut trees several centuries old on the way to the Thivoley ponds.
The Les Etangs du Thivoley route has a detour to Ferme Gaec Fure et Tour, where goat's cheese is available to taste and buy directly from the farm. Check before visiting whether tastings and sales are available. This connects a section of the route with a specific culinary stop without equating it with the trails by the lake.
Bike rides with different focuses
The Grand tour Ă remonter le temps bike ride starts at the Office de Tourisme de Charavines. It passes through three former glacial valleys and today's rural landscapes, shaped by thousands of years of history. The signposted Le tour du lac de Paladru loop for e-bikes also starts in Charavines. Check the signage and trail conditions locally. Alongside the 14 km Voie verte, there are therefore other routes to choose from, each with its own description.
For planning, it helps not to confuse the trail information: Route N°63 is rated easy and lists its waypoints; the starting point and landscape features are described for Les Etangs du Thivoley. The e-bike ride is designated as a signposted loop. Check the conditions for each route before setting out on foot or by bike.
Discover more destinations: Bernin, Saint-Andéol, Izeaux, Seyssinet-Pariset, Saint-Martin-De-La-Cluze, Saint-Hilaire, Domarin, Tullins
For the overview of the wider region: Isere.
