Can you introduce yourself?
Born in Dijon, I grew up in a small village near Avignon. After graduating from high school, I spent 6 months in London, before settling in Embrun to study for a BTS in Tourism. There, I fell in love with the Hautes-Alpes region, and more particularly with Lac de Serre-Ponçon for its setting and water sports activities, so I decided to move there at the end of my degree.
Could you briefly describe the various water sports activities offered at your base?
The Club Nautique Alpin offers sailing courses at its Embrun base for locals aged 4 and over, in May, June and September, as well as for schools. In July and August, sailing courses are offered to holidaymakers. From May to September, you can learn to windsurf, catamaran and dinghy in the heart of the Hautes-Alpes. At its base in Savines-le-Lac, the club organizes discovery sailboat and racing trimaran outings in July and August.
You offer water sports activities for disabled people. Can you tell us about them?
When I arrived at CNA, we were offering sailing lessons for people with disabilities. This activity was limited by the number of boats we had available, and required a great deal of effort to set up, including transferring the person into the boat using a jib. It also required a certain degree of autonomy on the part of the participants, making it difficult to accommodate mentally handicapped people. In 2019, we therefore invested in an unsinkable sailboat, the Echo 90. Thanks to this boat, which is open at the stern, people with reduced mobility can embark directly in their wheelchairs. The other strong point of this collective sailboat is its ability to accommodate up to 10 people, disabled and able-bodied, so that we can all share a moment together, without any barriers due to motor or mental disability.
Why did you choose to obtain the Tourisme et Handicap label? Can you tell us what prompted you to take this step?
In 2004, the Club Nautique Alpin embarked on the process of obtaining the Tourism & Handicap label. Tourisme & Handicap under the impetus of its president at the time, whose son was disabled. Since then, successive presidents and directors have continued to invest in this area, both in terms of activities and accommodation. Every year, we welcome individuals wishing to take advantage of adapted vacations and specialized institutes wishing to practice an activity outside their center, whether for a day or several days.
-
Does Serre-Ponçon offer ideal conditions for sailing?
Lac de Serre Ponçon benefits from a thermal breeze: the temperature amplitudes between day and night that set in with the arrival of fine weather guarantee a constant wind every afternoon of the season. Reinforced by the surrounding mountains, this thermal breeze oscillates between 15 and 25 knots, providing ideal sailing conditions.
-
Your advice for an unforgettable vacation in Serre-Ponçon?
As a native of Serre-Ponçon, I'm convinced of the immense potential of our destination. With 300 days of sunshine a year, Serre-Ponçon offers a wide choice of activities under the sun. You'll find all the mountain activities you need: hiking, mountain biking, climbing, kayaking, paragliding... but also sailing and other water sports. All this in a magnificent setting, with the mountains at your feet, so there's something for all tastes and ages.
Vél'eau Serre-Ponçon bike rental on the water
New and unique: cycling on the water from exceptional itineraries. 2 activities: -The velofoil is the world's first water bike on foils - unique sensations guaranteed! -The velopaddle is a very stable way to go for family outings.
BNPA (Base de Nautisme et de Plein Air)
Located on the banks of the Baie Saint Michel and facing its emblematic chapel, the BNPA enjoys an exceptional setting with its immediate access to the Serre Ponçon lake. During summer 24, experience the Olympic Games live with your feet in the water!
