Would you consider buying a property near a lake in France? With water sports, beaches and more, you could while away your summers and winters enjoying everything that France’s lakes have to offer. There are many to choose from throughout the country, but we’ve chosen just four that stand out.
Lake Annecy
Nicknamed the ‘Venice of the Alps’, Annecy in France is a brilliant place for families and is in easy reach of world-class ski resorts. During the summer months, there are several ‘lake beaches’ to enjoy around Lake Annecy and you’ll also get the chance to go sailing, rowing and canoeing.
Annecy has good transport links. Several fast TGV trains connect Paris and Annecy directly each day, taking about 3 hours 45 minutes. The city is just 35km from Geneva, although the car is king if you wish to travel to Switzerland.
Lake Annecy
Chamonix
There are plenty of lakes to enjoy in and around Chamonix, some with spectacular scenery. Lac Blanc, for example, has fantastic views over to Mont Blanc and is surrounded by snow for much of the year. If you’re a fan of hiking, you can hike to Lac Blanc and enjoy the spectacular views on the way.
For those who are looking to swim and relax, Lac de Passy or Lac des Ilettes are ideal. Both offer a variety of outdoor sports, barbecue facilities and are only 20 minutes from Chamonix.
Lake Montriond
Whether you enjoy swimming, hiking, fishing, canoeing and more, Lake Montriond has something for everyone. During the winter months, you can even practice your Nordic skiing here on man-made paths through the lake.
Lake Montriond is located in the Haute Savoie department of the Rhone Alpes region. Montriond itself is a pretty hamlet, just a 5-minute drive from the traditional Alpine ski village of Morzine. Morzine is just 80km from Geneva international airport.
Lake Montriond
Lake Saint Pardoux
A popular lake in the Limousin region, Lake Saint Pardoux is a brilliant place for watersports and lakeside beaches. Set in the Haute-Vienne department, which is one of the cheapest places in France to buy property, it is just a short drive to Limoges, the largest town on the river Vienne. It has a beautiful ancient centre where you can wander along the little cobbled streets and enjoy plenty of charming restaurants and cafes.
Lac de Saint-Pardoux is well situated, only a few kilometres from the A20/E9 autoroute that heads from Paris to the Dordogne and southwest France.
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Why not split the cost and double the fun of owning a holiday home in France by buying with family or friends? Read our guide to Buying Abroad with Family.
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