When Paris gets stifling, certain getaways instantly make you want to pack your bags and escape the hustle and bustle. Lake Bourget is one of those places, with its blue waters, surrounding mountains, and easily accessible beaches.
Beautiful, vast, exotic, and much more accessible than you might think, Lake Bourget checks all the boxes for a perfect getaway. From Paris’s Gare de Lyon, you can reach Aix-les-Bains in just over three hours by direct train, making it a great option for a car-free weekend. Once there, you can walk to the lakeshore, rent a bike, relax on a terrace, or simply pick a beach to spend the afternoon.
A large Alpine lake full of little treasures
Nestled in the mountains, Lake Bourget is France’s largest natural glacial lake, and its landscape is worthy of a postcard. For swimming, several beaches let you enjoy the lake without too much hassle. The beach in Aix-les-Bains remains the most obvious choice, especially if you’re arriving by train. Further south, Bourget-du-Lac also offers a beautiful view, with a slightly more natural atmosphere.
But beyond swimming, you can hop on a cruise, pass by Hautecombe Abbey, paddleboard along the shores, or choose a quieter spot to watch the boats come in at the end of the day. To extend your outing, head to Aix-les-Bains: there you’ll find restaurants, hotels, ice cream shops, and even thermal baths to relax in.
Just a few hours by train away, Lake Bourget offers a real breath of fresh air, cool temperatures, and wide-open spaces. In short, it’s the perfect combination for anyone looking for a getaway off the beaten path.
📍Location: Lac du Bourget – Aix-les-Bains
