Le Bourget-Du-Lac brings together a range of attractions: medieval architecture, sacred art, a protected lakeside habitat and activities on Lac du Bourget. You can explore the area according to your interests, perhaps by visiting the Priory, learning about the history of Château Thomas II, or making time for nature and water sports. Seven major hiking trails also start in Le Bourget-Du-Lac.
The Priory, the Church and the History of the Château
The Priory was built around 1030 for Cluniac monks. Its cloister has Gothic vaults. The Priory is classified as a historic monument, belongs to the network of Cluniac sites and is part of the Council of Europe's major cultural route. This building therefore combines distinctive architectural features with its significance within the Cluniac heritage. The gardens have their own distinction, too: in September 2006, they were awarded the “Jardin Remarquable” label and are considered particularly significant for their history and botany. They are free to enter and open year-round; check local conditions before your visit.
The Église Saint-Laurent houses a polychrome stone rood screen attributed to the Burgundian school. The church was classified as a historic monument in 1900. Château Thomas II adds a different chapter of history to these religious buildings: until the 15th century, it served as a country residence for the Counts of Savoy on the shores of Lac du Bourget, and later became a romantic ruin. It was built on land acquired by Thomas II of Savoy in 1248. The building is unique in the region as a whole and an important reference point for understanding medieval civil and military architecture.
Since 2012, the towers of Château Thomas II have housed a museum display about the lake's fauna and flora and the protection of natural areas. Exhibition arrangements may change, so it is advisable to check the latest information before visiting.
Wetlands on the Southern Shore
The protected southern shore of Lac du Bourget is a diverse wetland habitat, preserved to protect its fauna and flora and for the benefit of local residents and visitors. The marsh habitats include aquatic reed beds, woodland, wet meadows, pools and a pond. This combination provides a habitat for numerous species. A programme to reintroduce the European pond turtle, a protected freshwater turtle, is also underway in the protected area.
Another natural attraction is the Observatoire des Aigrettes. You can reach it via a discovery trail along the château grounds; it is open to the public as part of the “Sorties Nature” programme. This gives you the option of visiting both a protected habitat and a site whose public access is specifically linked to nature outings.
Hiking and Activities on the Lake
Seven major hiking trails start in Le Bourget-Du-Lac. On the lake, possible activities range from swimming, sailing and rowing to wakeboarding, boat trips, pedal boating and fishing. These activities vary in nature: alongside exercise on the water, there are also trips and activities that let you explore the lake.
The Club Nautique Chambéry–Le Bourget-du-Lac offers rowing for everyone from beginners to experienced competitors. Its activities include courses for children and adults, recreational rowing and outings. For canoeing and kayaking, Chambéry Le Bourget Canoë Kayak offers trips on the lake and river, guided outings, and tours on both calm and moving water; canoes can also be rented there. As the operator's offerings may change, check what is currently available before making plans.
The Yacht Club du Bourget-du-Lac offers water sports, courses and one-to-one lessons for children, teenagers and adults. Catamarans, dinghies, windsurf boards, stand-up paddleboards and kayaks are available to rent. There are also Handivoile activities for everyone. The range of activities offered by the club gives you practical points of reference when choosing between rowing, paddling and other forms of water sports.
Plage Municipale and Access
Plage Municipale has a water play area supplied with lake water, a large jetty with a diving board leading to the swimming area, and a beach volleyball court. The beach can be reached from Chambéry and Aix-les-Bains by road and cycle path. It is also near a stop on bus route 1 and on the Synchro or Chrono A routes. If travelling by bus, you can check the timetable for route 1 and the Synchro or Chrono A routes in advance.
Discover more destinations: Motz, Saint-Pierre-De-Genebroz, Lanslebourg-Mont-Cenis, Voglans, Saint-Martin-Sur-La-Chambre, Plancherine, Les Avanchers Valmorel, Champagny-En-Vanoise.
View the broader travel guide: Savoie.
