Discover the top 11 best things to do in Serre-Ponçon and experience the beauty of the French Alps. From hiking and mountain biking to kayaking and sailing, our guide has everything you need to plan your perfect adventure. Start exploring now!
Here is an exceptional setting located between sea and mountains. Discover the most emblematic and unforgettable outdoor activities to do in Serre-Ponçon!
Located in the heart of the Southern Alps, Lake Serre-Ponçon is a destination not to be missed for lovers of leisure and water sports. Wild coves, landscaped beaches, its mountain environment with its 80 kilometers of shores is an incredible natural environment.
Did you know that it is the richness of minerals and sediments of the lake that give it its particular colors? The largest artificial lake in France and the second largest earthen dam in Western Europe, with its 2,800 hectares the lake leave you with a large number of possibilities.
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Also, the exceptional rate of sunshine in the region will allow you to make the most of the outdoor activities to do in Serre-Ponçon. Discover our selection of the best adventures to live on the lake!
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Best Things to do in Serre-Ponçon in Summer
1. Rafting
Lake Serre-Ponçon is fed by powerful torrential rivers such as the Durance and the Ubaye. Therefore, it is not surprising that one of the favorite activities of holidaymakers on the lake is rafting. This inflatable boat allows you to experience thrills.
Very friendly, you embark between four to twelve people with you. The descent is sporty, but above all very fun. It is an outdoor activity to do in Serre-Ponçon and to practice in a group or family.
2. Hydrospeed
This is an amazing activity that provides some adrenaline rushes! Hydrospeed also called whitewater swimming is a sliding sports activity to practice in the middle of nature and in the river. You will be equipped with fins, a reinforced suit and a float to split the rapids of the river.
As much to tell you that you will take full force of the current and live the speed on the body. Moreover, it is often required to provide a certificate proving that you can swim 25 meters and immerse yourself to practice.
3. Hot air balloon flight
Fly at more than 780 meters above the lake of Serre-Ponçon. At this altitude, you will have in vision the Southern Alps with the Massif des Écrins, the plain of Po, Mont Blanc, but also the Chapel of Saint-Michel and the magnificent dam of Serre-Ponçon.
You will be able to participate in all stages, starting with the preparation of the hot air balloon. An activity to practice at least once in your life in an extraordinary natural setting.
4. Canoe-raft
The canoe-raft is an ideal mix between rafting and kayaking. This hybrid boat is perfect for two or three people usually. Try this activity via a descent of the Durance and fill up on sensations.
5. Kayaking
Who says river necessarily says kayak. Experience to practice from April on the lake, it is difficult to imagine a better setting to practice. Whitewater enthusiasts will be delighted with the many rapids of the lake classified up to category III. The navigation is therefore rather sporty, with more than 60 rapids and 52 kilometers of course.
6. Stand Up Paddle
If the river Ubaye that feeds the lake is rather energetic and creates the famous rapids so famous of the lake, the other river, the Durance is much calmer. In this way, water lovers, without too much thrill, will also be able to enjoy the freshness of the lake water thanks to this outdoor activity to do in Serre-Ponçon.
Paddle is practiced standing or kneeling depending on your facilities. You will slide on the water without abruptness, and enjoy the environment around you.
7. Electric MOUNTAIN BIKE
This is the big cycling trend of the moment. Are you afraid of not being up to the task during a bike ride? Forget this fear and test the electric mountain bike. Thanks to the electric assistance, the circuits become accessible to everyone whether you are an enduro enthusiast or not.
Thus, travel the lake of Serre-Ponçon between mountain and lake, with exceptional landscapes.
8. Paragliding baptism
What if you flew over the lake directly, thanks to one of the best outdoor activities to do in Serre-Ponçon? This is in any case what a paragliding flight offers. You choose the flight time according to your convenience. It can be 20 minutes, 30 minutes or 1 hour. You will be about 1,400 meters above sea level to fill up on thrills.
Note that this activity is also available in winter. In this season, you will be entitled to a completely different face of the lake.
Best Things to do in Serre-Ponçon in Winter
9. Snowshoes
Lake Serre-Ponçon is at the heart of a vast territory located between the Ecrins massif and the Parpaillon mountain. To discover this incredible nature, covered with its white coat, go on a snowshoe hike.
Some routes will give you the chance to have a 360° panorama of the lake. These snowshoe hikes are an essential outdoor activity to do in Serre-Ponçon, individually, with the family or even in a group. You can do it half a day, a day or even privatized.
10. Off-piste skiing and snowboarding
Who has never dreamed of taking the powder first? No one has passed before you and you will be able to descend the off-piste mountains all around the lake of Serre-Ponçon. This outdoor activity around Serre-Ponçon is for all lovers of nature and ski touring with a level on medium slope.
Here, no ski lifts. You will pass through the forest off the slopes by taking side roads or wild routes. You will be helped with your adapted hiking equipment.
11. Ice cascad
Feel like in Game of Thrones and climb the ice wall. Climb with ice axes and crampons with a certified guide on the wall. Several ice waterfalls are suitable for beginners in the vicinity of Lake Serre-Ponçon.
There are no prerequisites or level to have. You will start the day with an introduction to the basics to take charge of the equipment for ice. Everything will be explained to you according to the specificities of the waterfall to climb.
So, what outdoor activity in Serre-Ponçon will you fall for?
Conclusion
This stunning location in the French Alps has something to offer for both experienced outdoor enthusiasts and those simply seeking a relaxing escape from nature. With its breathtaking mountain vistas and pristine lake waters, Serre-Ponçon is the perfect destination for activities like hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, sailing, and much more. So why wait? Pack your bags, bring your gear, and get ready for an unforgettable experience amidst the natural beauty of Serre-Ponçon! I hope you find the article “The 11 Best things to do in Serre-Ponçon” helpful.
