Water favourites
♡ Chapelle St-Michel
Prunières | Serre-Ponçon
It's Serre-Ponçon's most emblematic monument! Why such a chapel in the middle of the lake? When the Serre-Ponçon dam was built between 1959 and 1961, the chapel was scheduled for demolition, but since it was erected at an altitude slightly higher than the theoretical maximum elevation of the future lake, it was eventually saved. Today, the chapel stands alone on a small island a few dozen square metres above lake level. A reminder of a sunken past.
▷ How do I get to the Saint-Michel chapel?
The chapel can be approached on foot from winter to early spring, when the lake water level is low (check with your tourism advisor beforehand). During the summer, opt for a visit on the water a visit on the water with the promenade boats. The interior is not open to the public, and the chapel is surrounded by a protective wall.
The star of Serre-Ponçon: the most photographed!
♡ The Serre-Ponçon dam
Rousset | Serre-Ponçon
The largest water reservoir in France, it is the benchmark for multi-use water management. The "water tower" of Provence, with 200 million m3 dedicated to agriculture and drinking water supply. Energy producer: the Serre-Ponçon power station produces around 700 million kWh per year, equivalent to the consumption of the Hautes Alpes department. Who would have thought that the dam built in the middle of the 20th century would fulfil these two roles so brilliantly, creating a veritable inland sea: the Lac de Serre-Ponçon, the largest man-made lake in mainland France. The quality of the environment is remarkable, and the steep banks guarantee the wilderness that gives Serre-Ponçon its charm. From its highest peaks to its most beautiful beaches, you'll find here a fantastic setting that perfectly combines mountain leisure and water sports pleasures.
▷ To better understand its history :
Visit the Muséoscope du Lac or the EDF House of Water and Energy.
Did you know? There's a legend in Serre-Ponçon about Amédée: the man from the lake. This resident of the valley, unhappy at being expropriated when the Lac de Serre-Ponçon was impounded, is said to have been suspected of a number of unexplained accidents during the construction of the dam. Since then, this mystery has become the stuff of legend, with tourists claiming to have seen Amédée wandering around Lac de Serre-Ponçon every year since the 1980s.
♡ Chanteloube bridge
Chorges | Serre-Ponçon
One of the main engineering structures built during the project to build a railroad line from Gap to Barcelonnette (1910-1934). Construction of the line began in 1909, but was halted in 1935. The viaduct was never put into service. When the Serre-Ponçon dam was built, the bridge was exactly at the maximum water level: 780 meters. The bridge is therefore completely submerged in summer, but reappears whenever the lake level drops.
▷ Can we cross the Chanteloube bridge?
At low water, it emerges above Lac de Serre-Ponçon and can be crossed on foot or by bike.
The bridge plunging into the turquoise waters of Serre-Ponçon: a magical sight!
♡ High altitude lake
St-Apollinaire | Serre-Ponçon
Unspoiled lake on the heights of Serre-Ponçon with breathtaking views of the Pic du Morgon. Spot for nokill fly fishing. Ideal for picnicking (tables on site), swimming and lounging. This small glacial lake nestles at an altitude of 1452m, offering you the freshness of the larch trees that surround it. On site, a short family hike takes you past this magical lake, with its waters ranging in color from turquoise blue to emerald green, reflected in the surrounding rocks and forest: the Joubelle hut.
▷ How do I get there?
In the village of St-Apollinaire, follow the signs to Lac de St Apollinaire. At the end of the road, you'll find a parking area.
A parking lot further down the road is ideal for a short, bucolic stroll.
♡ Aquaviva
Embrun | Serre-Ponçon
Come and swim, have fun or relax at the Centre aquatique de Serre-Ponçon, located at the Embrun water park, with a wide range of facilities awaiting you: a 25m sports pool with 6 swimming lanes (depth from 1.40m to 1.80m), a fun pool including: a learning pool (depth from 1.10 to 1.35m), a bubble bench, Jacuzzi and counter-current river (0.90 to 1.10m deep), an outdoor solarium with sun loungers and a wooded park, an aquatic playground, a 3-lane pentagliss, and numerous activities: aquagym, aquabiking, aquaphobia classes...
Find all the practical information here
♡ The Liou riparian forest
Baratier | Serre-Ponçon
At the northern end of the lake, discover the Liou wetland with its pedestrian walkway and observation post on stilts. Populated by mangrove-like trees with aerial roots and a wide variety of migratory birds, wetlands are fragile ecosystems that must be preserved. Come and observe wildlife and aquatic life up close!
▷ How do I get there?
The start is in the Baratier shopping area, opposite the Intersport store, and the finish is at the beginning of the dike leading to Crots, but you can take the path in either direction.
▷ Discover the interactive Liou discovery trail!
At the start of the trail, at the parking lot, let your cell phone guide you (by connecting your phone to the DNS marker on the map, having first activated the DNS option in your mobile's settings).
The "balades.serre-poncon.com" page is dedicated to this area of the Liou and, in conjunction with the signposting on site, will inform you about the rich biodiversity that surrounds you: fauna and flora, birdsong. A fun, educational tool for a remarkable area!
A shady, refreshing walk of about 1km (30 minutes)
♡ Lac de Siguret
Saint-André d'Embrun | Serre-Ponçon
This natural lake of glacial origin boasts a rich flora and fauna, with 350 plant species, 110 insect species, 52 bird species and several rare and protected species. Picnic area, family hikesAnd why not try a family geocaching (treasure-hunting application) with an unmissable view of the whole valley.
▷ How to get there
From St André d'Embrun, go to the hamlet of Siguret. In the hamlet, turn right onto the route du lac. Near the lake, park on the left.
The Saint-Roch chapel (1056m) overlooking Lac de Siguret is well worth a visit. From its promontory you can admire an incredible view of the surrounding peaks.
♡ La vague du Rabioux
Châteauroux-les-Alpes | Serre-Ponçon
On the Durance river, this mythical whitewater sports site has become an internationally renowned freestyle mecca. Flagship event: every year in early June, a historic re-enactment of the Radeliers de la Durance. If you'd like to conquer our rivers in complete safety, let one of our white-water service providers who are passionate about what they do.
▷ Discover our white-water experienceto get a taste of the sensations that await you.
At Châteauroux-les-Alpes, follow signs for Base Eaux Vives du Rabioux / Camping / Vague du Rabioux. Cross the railroad line and descend to the site below on the banks of the Durance.
