Samoëns and Morillon benefit from beautiful lakes located on the edge of both villages, a short walk from many of the properties which feature on our website. Enjoy stunning views, restaurants, and the numerous activities surrounding the lakes, all of which are on your doorstep.
These two lakes, linked by a waterfall, are located on the edge of Samoëns just a few minutes walk from many of our Samoëns properties. With the stunning backdrop of the Criou hanging high over them, the lakes, and the area surrounding them offer a staggering array of activities including fishing, a golf driving range (into the lake!), horse riding, basketball court, table tennis tables tennis, and play park, not to mention a huge open grass area for games, sunbathing and picnics. A wide, smooth gravel track surrounds the lake, with many forest walking trails leading off should you feel adventurous!
A swimming area with lifeguard will be available from 6th July until 1st September 2024, 12pm until 6pm. Access in free.
This lake lives up to its name with crystal clear water having a deep blue tint due to it arriving in the lake through a series of underground rivers. The lake boasts a life guarded sandy beach during the summer (1st July to 31st August, 1pm to 7pm) while surrounding it is a whole range of activities including pump track, air bag, inflatable park, horse riding, beach volleyball, tennis, acrobranch and a younger children's park to name just a few. Located on the edge of the lake is an excellent bar and restaurant, while the lake also plays host to several fireworks shows and events. Lac Bleu is just a few minutes walk from some of our Morillon properties, while our Samoëns guests can get there via a scenic 4.5KM walk/bike following the river Giffre, or by car. See our video.
A little more effort and exploration is required to access the majority of these gorgeous alpine lakes located in the mountains surrounding Samoens. However, you just can't beat a relaxing picnic or swim in a secluded, tranquil lake. Check out our Walking section for details on walks to several of these lakes.
You will find this lake on many postcards around Samoens and for good reason! It sits in a picturesque position way up at almost 1700m on the Col de Joux Plane, and offers simply stunning views of the Samoens valley, the Grand Massif and Mont Blanc. There are also several excellent, and relatively easy, walks in the surrounding area. A restaurant is found opposite the lake, offering the same stunning views from it's terrace. You can access it via a scenic drive, bike ride (following the Tour de France climb!), or by one of several good walking paths.
Also known as the 'Dahu lake' due to its position next to the Dahu ski piste, skiers will be familiar with this one! This one can be accessed by taking the Grand Massif Express Gondola to Samoens 1600, followed by a relatively short walk up to the lake itself. Its location is spectacular, and be sure to walk up past the lake onto the ridge line for a stunning panorama.
This is another lake which can be accessed by the Grand Massif lift network and one which should again be familiar with skiers. The lake sits in a stunning bowl beneath towering cliffs and an impressive sharp ridge line, and remember to look out for eagles soaring overhead in this area! Access via the Grand Massif Express, and the Chariande Express, why not link it in with a circular walk towards Les Carroz and Morillon?
A beautiful alpine lake which is located in a truly spectacular and tranquil position surrounded by high mountains and ancient forests. Eagle-eyed skiers may have spotted the lake from the decent down into the Combe de Gers from Flaine! The walk to the lake follows a very good 4x4 track and is therefore accessible to anyone with a good level of fitness.
At 2063m above sea level this is one of the highest lakes in the area, and perched beneath towering cliffs, it is one of the most spectacular! A particularly scenic walk takes you to this remote and wild corner of the valley, home to many marmots. The Refuge Alfred Wills offers refreshments, or an overnight stop if required.
Positioned way above the famous Cirque de Fer à Cheval, this is another high one at 2001m, but it is definitely worth the effort. The lake sits in a natural bowl beneath the craggy ridge of the Dents Blanches, while the views back towards the glaciers and rocky pinnacles of the Pic de Tenneverge are simply staggering. Keep your eyes open for ibex and bouquetins which are a common and impressive sight in this area. The Refuge de la Vogealle, just below the lake, offers food and drinks.
A unique lake with an interesting story to tell, it's also the highest in the area at just under 2100m! The lake forms during the frigid winter months when the lake fills with water, before a layer of ice up to 15m thick forms on its surface. In the warmer temperatures of spring and early summer, the lake drains through a series of limestone crevasses and underground river channels. What's left behind is a creaking, cracking chaos of huge ice blocks - an impressive and unique sight.
If you manage to visit all the wonderful lakes listed above, do not worry! There are many more lakes within an hour drive of Samoens which are definitely worth a visit.
A drive of around 35mins will take you to this beautiful lake set below huge cliffs. The lake has an excellent gravel track following the shore line, while a couple of cafes/restaurants offer refreshments. There is also a man-made small pond next to the main lake dedicated for family swimming, with lifeguards in the summer and sandy areas for kids to play.
One of the largest lakes in Western Europe at 73km long, this one is a giant, and if you fly to Geneva airport you will probably fly directly over it as you land. In fact, it's so big it is generally accepted to be a contributing factor in the snowy micro-climate of the Grand Massif ski area! There are many towns and villages on it's shores but our favourites are Evian and Yvoire.
A firm favourite with the Alps Accommodation team, it is another big one at over 14km in length. Its location is spectacular, surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests, while it is also known as the cleanest lake in Europe. With many towns and villages lining it's shores, the gorgeous old town of Annecy is definitely worth a visit, as is the more laid back but equally beautiful Talloires. The lake is also a popular location for water sports.
Located between Samoens and Chamonix this lake offers a good range of activities and fantastic views of Mont Blanc. The lake has a large beach with swimming area (life guarded in July and August), with dedicated areas for fishing and yachting, while play parks, picnic and BBQ sites, huge open grassy areas, and a network of walking paths surround the lake.
These are a series of three lakes in a scenic location near Sallanches, found between Samoens and Chamonix. There is a dedicated lake for swimming, one for fishing and a third lake for windsurfing while surrounding the lake are ping pong tables, pinic/BBQ areas and fitness areas.
