Highlight • Lake
Cycling
5.0
(45)
Lac de Divonne is a picturesque artificial lake nestled in the commune of Divonne-les-Bains, in France's Ain department. Situated at an elevation of 466 metres, this tranquil body of water lies at the foot of the majestic Jura mountains, close to the Franco-Swiss border and within easy reach of the larger Lake Geneva. Created in the 1960s, the lake is fed by subterranean springs, contributing to its remarkably clear waters and making it a significant natural feature in the region.
…Tips
November 10, 2021
Cycling
Nearby routes
Best routes near Lac de Divonne
4.6
(5)
180
riders
69.9km
04:46
1,170m
1,170m
3.7
(3)
139
riders
41.8km
03:09
1,010m
1,010m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(19)
120
riders
24.6km
01:27
140m
140m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 470 m
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Wednesday 11 March
13°C
4°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h
Most visited during
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
The well-maintained path encircling Lac de Divonne is approximately 3 to 3.5 kilometers long. It's considered an easy walk, suitable for all ages and abilities, including families and those with strollers. Most visitors complete the loop in about 45 minutes to an hour at a leisurely pace, making it perfect for a relaxing stroll or a brisk jog.
Absolutely! Lac de Divonne is very family-friendly. Besides the easy circular path for walking and cycling, there's a sandy beach called DVBeach with an inflatable aquatic course. The area also features picnic spots, petanque courts, and nearby attractions like the Forestland adventure park and a minigolf leisure park, ensuring plenty of entertainment for children.
The lake's nautical base offers a variety of water sports. You can enjoy windsurfing, canoeing, water-skiing, rowing, and sailing. The calm, clear waters fed by subterranean springs provide an excellent environment for these activities.
Yes, Lac de Divonne is generally dog-friendly, and the pedestrian path around the lake is popular for dog-walking. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially given the potential for crowds, and to clean up after them. Specific rules regarding dogs on the beach or in swimming areas may apply, so look for local signage.
While both are beautiful lakes near the Franco-Swiss border, Lac de Divonne offers a more intimate, tranquil, and focused experience compared to the vastness of Lake Geneva. Lac de Divonne is smaller, artificial, and primarily geared towards easy recreational activities like walking, cycling, and specific water sports in a family-friendly setting. Lake Geneva, being much larger, offers a broader range of urban attractions, larger-scale boating, and more extensive transport options, often with a busier, more cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Parking is available around Lac de Divonne. However, visitor tips indicate that the shores can get quite crowded, especially on weekends and public holidays. To secure a convenient spot, it's highly recommended to arrive early, particularly during peak season or sunny days.
Lac de Divonne itself is an artificial lake, but its setting at the foot of the Jura mountains provides picturesque mountain views. The clear waters, fed by subterranean springs, are a notable feature. The entire circular path offers continuous scenic viewpoints of the lake and its mountainous backdrop, making it a pleasant experience for nature lovers and photographers.
Divonne-les-Bains, the town surrounding the lake, is known for its amenities, including a variety of restaurants and cafes. You can find options ranging from casual lakeside eateries to more formal dining. The town also hosts a renowned Sunday market, offering local produce that many visitors enjoy at lakeside cafes.
While the lake is popular year-round for walking and cycling, specific seasonal activities often revolve around the warmer months, with the public swimming pool, DVBeach, and water sports being prominent. In winter, the area still offers beautiful scenery for walks, though water activities are generally suspended. Divonne-les-Bains itself hosts various events throughout the year, so checking local tourism calendars is advisable for specific seasonal happenings.
Divonne-les-Bains is a resort town, so there's a range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. You can find hotels, including those associated with the town's spa and casino, as well as guesthouses and holiday rentals. Its proximity to Lake Geneva and the Jura mountains also means there are many choices in the wider region.