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At the foot of the majestic Alpes and bordered by the turquoise waters of Lake Serre-Ponçon, Savines-le-Lac is a seaside gem nestled in the heart of the Southern Alps. This French village combines the pure mountain air with the gentle Provençal climate, almost Mediterranean, worthy of the Côte d’Azur (French Riviera). With a relaxed atmosphere during the day and serene starry nights, Savines-le-Lac offers an intimate setting where discreet luxury and nature meet. Imagine yourself on a fine sandy beach, cocktail in hand, facing crystal-clear waters reflecting the summits – here, everything invites relaxation and refinement.
Let's start by discovering the top private beaches of Savines-le-Lac.
Nestled in a secret cove of the Foreston Bay, La Paillote du Lac is the emblematic beach club of Savines-le-Lac. This exclusive retreat, accessible by car or private boat shuttle, offers an intimate setting with your feet in the water. Sunbeds and umbrellas are arranged on a small paradisiacal beach, inviting total relaxation between dips in the azure blue water. The Paillote’s restaurant offers bistronomic cuisine with local accents – grilled fish, gourmet salads, and signature cocktails – to savor by the lake. At the end of the day, the atmosphere becomes magical: admire a blazing sunset over the mountains before extending the evening with themed musical evenings organized under the stars. Relaxed luxury, a friendly atmosphere, and top-notch service make La Paillote du Lac a must for those seeking a Côte d’Azur experience in the heart of the Alps.
Ideally located on Savin’Plage (Voilerie Beach) just steps from the village center, this beach restaurant lives up to its name. Settle comfortably on a deckchair or a plush private beach mattress and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Savines bridge and surrounding peaks. La Chaise Longue captivates with its bohemian-chic ambiance and attentive service, perfect for a gourmet break with your feet in the sand. On the menu, creative cuisine blending regional products and exotic flavors – think fresh fish tartare, crunchy vegetable wok, or refined homemade desserts – all accompanied by a nicely chilled rosé. In the late afternoon, the establishment becomes the favored spot to admire the sunset while dining on the terrace. Praised by regulars for its excellent value for money, La Chaise Longue is undoubtedly the cheapest private beach in Savines-le-Lac for those wishing to combine culinary pleasure, beach relaxation, and exceptional panorama.
So, ready to book your sunbed on one of Savines-le-Lac’s private beaches? It’s simple: choose your favorite private beach on MySunbed and make your reservation in just a few clicks!
The surroundings of Savines-le-Lac are also full of exceptional private beaches: within minutes by car, you can reach two exceptional beach clubs nearby:
15 km from Savines, Embrun has its own developed water area connected to the main lake, forming a popular leisure base. You’ll find two supervised sandy beaches, a green park, and many activities. Between sunbed rentals, children’s play areas, pétanque courts, and nautical rentals (pedalos, paddleboards, canoes), everything is planned for a day full of entertainment. On the food side, several “feet in the water” restaurants and bars line the beach – an opportunity to enjoy an ice cream or a cocktail on a terrace. In summer, the atmosphere is lively and friendly, perfect for those who love combining swimming and festivities.
Towards Gap, about 20 minutes from Savines-le-Lac, Baie Saint-Michel houses an unusual beach dominated by the famous Saint-Michel chapel emerging from turquoise waters. Plage des Pommiers, with its golden sand and rocks, offers a postcard setting between azure blue water and mountains. Less frequented than the previous sites, it charms with its wild beauty and breathtaking view of the chapel’s small island. After a refreshing swim in the lake, you can visit the chapel by taking the path accessible when the water level is low – a unique experience. Calm and exotic, Plage des Pommiers is the perfect spot for a timeless relaxation moment just steps from Savines.
Savines-le-Lac is not limited to its beaches: multiple activities, leisure, and discoveries await you there.
A paradise for gliding enthusiasts, Lake Serre-Ponçon is a vast aquatic playground. In Savines-le-Lac, try water skiing or wakeboarding with the local water sports school, or indulge in a family tubing session for a dose of laughter and adrenaline. On windy days, the Savines bay sees windsurfers and kite surfers dancing – a colorful spectacle and an experience to live if you love thrills. For a quieter exploration of wild coves, opt for a paddle or kayak ride on these calm, crystal-clear waters. Whatever the activity chosen, you’ll enjoy an exceptional panorama and a summer atmosphere worthy of a seaside resort.
Behind Savines-le-Lac stands the majestic Grand Morgon peak (2,324 m), the lake’s iconic guardian. Climbing this summit, accessible via a trail from Baie Saint-Michel or Boscodon Forest, is a must for nature lovers. After a few hours of walking through flowered pastures and cool undergrowth, you’ll reach the Morgon cirque and then its summit. The reward? A breathtaking 360° panorama of Lake Serre-Ponçon, the Écrins, and the Parpaillon massif. At sunset, the lake’s waters shimmer below – an unforgettable spectacle. Bring good shoes, water, and why not a picnic to savor at the top for a complete alpine experience.
Just 8 km from Savines, nestled in the heart of the Boscodon State Forest, is a pearl of regional heritage: the Notre-Dame de Boscodon Abbey. Founded in the 12th century, this beautifully restored Romanesque abbey offers a timeless escape. Crossing its portal, you’re struck by the site’s serenity: centuries-old stones bathed in light, a peaceful cloister, a medicinal garden… Guided tours are offered to learn more about the monks’ history and the monument’s reconstruction. Whether you’re an architecture lover, a history enthusiast, or simply seeking tranquility, a stop at Boscodon adds a cultural and spiritual touch to your seaside stay.
What could be more magical than sailing on the waters of Lake Serre-Ponçon at dusk? In Savines-le-Lac, you can embark on a romantic cruise at the end of the day. Board La Carline, the lake’s emblematic sightseeing boat, for a guided tour between coves and islets. At the golden hour, the boat pauses offshore: the sun sets behind the peaks, setting the sky ablaze and tinting the lake with gold-pink reflections – a moment suspended in time. With a drink in hand, comfortably seated on deck, you enjoy the spectacle with loved ones or friends. This gentle nautical escape, away from the hustle and bustle, will leave you with lasting memories of Savines-le-Lac.
For even more outing ideas in Savines-le-Lac, check out these sites:
Several iconic sites of Savines-le-Lac deserve a visit to better understand the place's history and identity.
It’s impossible to miss this monumental bridge spanning Lake Serre-Ponçon and connecting the two shores of Savines-le-Lac. Over 800 meters long, it offers an exceptional view of the village and the turquoise waters below. Built in the 1960s during the lake’s creation, the Savines bridge is an engineering feat for its time. Day or night (when it is illuminated), it is an integral part of the landscape and is a must-see photo spot for any visitor.
Built in 1961 to replace the old church submerged under the lake’s waters, the Saint-Florent Church boasts bold modern architecture. Its triangular bell tower evokes the prow of a ship cutting through the waves, symbolically facing the lake. Listed as “20th Century Heritage,” this church surprises with its contemporary stained glass windows in bright hues that bathe the interior in colorful light. Whether you’re an architecture lover or just curious, push the door of this unique church: you’ll discover a major element of Savines-le-Lac’s renewal after the dam’s construction.
If Savines-le-Lac exists today, it’s thanks to this titanic structure located at the lake’s southern end. Inaugurated in 1961, the Serre-Ponçon dam is one of Europe’s largest dams, holding back the Durance to form the lake. Standing 123 meters high and over 600 meters long, this earthen dam impresses with its size. An observation deck near its crest allows you to admire the panoramic view and measure the lake’s scale created upstream. Right next door, the Muséoscope du Lac emotionally retraces the dam’s construction history and the lake’s birth, including the sacrifice of submerged villages (including the old Savines). A visit that is both informative and moving, to grasp Serre-Ponçon’s soul.
Two free and well-developed municipal beaches also await visitors in Savines-le-Lac.
Created in 2013 below the village center, Savin’Plage is the main beach of Savines-le-Lac. Awarded the Blue Flag for its water quality, it alternates between a zone of small light pebbles and a shaded lawn perfect for laying your towel. Swimming is supervised in summer, which will delight families with young children. On-site, a snack bar offers refreshments and ice creams, and an inflatable water park floats offshore for the children’s delight. Also nearby are the sailing school and the nautical club, to learn windsurfing or rent a paddleboard. Busy in high season, Savin’Plage offers a pleasant and practical setting, with a view of the famous bridge and direct access to village shops.
Located at the entrance of Savines-le-Lac (Gap side) and also awarded the Blue Flag, Plage des Combettes is a green haven of peace. Highly appreciated by locals, it stretches at the village’s foot, along the water area, and has a vast green lawn where large trees provide welcome shade in summer. Picnic tables invite outdoor dining facing the lake. Swimming is also supervised in July-August; the youngest will have fun diving from the long pontoon equipped with a water slide. Quieter than Savin’Plage, Plage des Combettes charms with its family atmosphere and superb view of the surrounding mountains. A small beach snack bar is present to satisfy small appetites during the day.
Savines-le-Lac is easily accessible, and you can move around easily thanks to various means of transport.
Driving is the simplest way to reach Savines-le-Lac. National Road 94, connecting Gap to Briançon, passes through the village by taking the large bridge over the lake. From the south, it takes about 30 minutes from Gap (where the A51 motorway from Aix-en-Provence/Marseille ends). From the north, it takes about 45 minutes from Briançon. The route is scenic, following the lake and offering superb views, but can be busy in midsummer – plan some extra time to arrive on time for your private beach reservation.
The nearest SNCF station is in Embrun, 15 km from Savines. It is served by regular TER trains from Gap and Briançon, as well as a direct night train from Paris (Paris–Briançon line) in high season. From Embrun station, regional **ZOU** buses connect to Savines-le-Lac in about twenty minutes. There are also bus connections from Gap if you arrive by TGV from the south. Once there, the village is easy to explore on foot. In July-August, local shuttles are sometimes set up to connect the main beaches, campsites, and attractions in the area.
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