Lac d'Aiguebelette

Lac d'Aiguebelette
File:Lac aiguebelette bathym.JPG
Location	Savoie
Coordinates
Primary inflows	Leysse de Novalaise
Primary outflows	Tiers
Catchment area	70 km²
Basin countries	France
Surface area	5.45 km²
Max. depth	71 m
Water volume	166,000,000 m3 (135,000 acre·ft)
Surface elevation	390.5 m
Frozen	1909, 1929, 1941, 1942, 1956
Islands	2
Settlements	Aiguebelette, Lépin-le-Lac, Saint-Alban-de-Montbel, Novalaise, Nances

Lac d'Aiguebelette is a natural lake in the commune of Aiguebelette-le-Lac, within the department of Savoie, France.

Description

With a surface area of 5.45 km² and a depth of 71 meters it is one of the largest natural lakes of France. It is noted for its blue-green colour and the seven hot water springs. The communities of Novalaise, Lépin-le-Lac, Saint-Alban-de-Montbel and Aiguebelette-le-Lac border west side of the lake, whilst the Chaîne de l'Épine ridge lies to the east with its high point at Mont Grêle (1,425 metres (4,675 ft)).

At the southern end there are two islands, Le Petit Ile and Le Grand Ile which has a chapel.

Recreation

The Chaîne de l'Épine ridge is crossed by hiking trails, and paragliders launch from there during the summer.

Motorboats are not allowed on the lake to preserve the silence and wildlife along the lake. There are noted views of the lake from the church at St. Alban de Montbel and the mountain ridges.

Rowing

The lake hosted the 1997 World Rowing Championships, and has been selected as the venue for the 2015 competition.

External links

• Lac Aiguebelette website