5km long, 1km wide and 392 ha in surface area, it is the 5th largest natural glacial lake in France. Did you know that, in addition to giving the lake its beautiful turquoise color, the lake chalk that covers its bottom is good for the skin?Shaped during the Ice Age, its banks were home to one of the Isère's 1st human communities in 2700 BC (the Neolithic village of Les Baigneurs). Later, knights from the An Mil period settled on the Colletière site. The remains unearthed during numerous archaeological digs are now on display in the new Musée archéologique du lac de Paladru ( MALP ) in Paladru.
The site is also remarkable for its 7 protected natural areas, including the Grands Roseaux to the north of the lake, an ideal nesting ground for birds (mallards, swans, coots and great crested grebes) and spawning grounds for fish (carp, tench, etc.); these reed beds remain inaccessible.
To discover the flora and fauna, take the greenway to join the marsh path, which has 4 discovery stations.
At a depth of 36 m, its temperature rises to 25° in summer. It is fed by two tributaries, the ruisseau de Courbon and the ruisseau du Pin. At its southern end, the overflow is evacuated via an outfall that forms the La Fure spring. Water is released via surface sluice gates, combined with a weir when the lake's "zero" level is exceeded, and via a deep-water draw-off device (siphon at -30 m), which discharges into the Fure 5 m downstream of the sluice gates.
The lake is accessible via 4 municipal beaches: 3 are fee-paying (plages du Pin, Paladru and Montferrat) and 1 is free (plage de Chararvines).
SWIMMING is permitted ONLY on these supervised beaches. Animals are not allowed on the beaches.
2 recreation areas, Le Bois d'Amour in Charavines and La Verronière in Montferrat, are freely accessible for picnics by the lake.
Please note: barbecues are prohibited in all Tour du Lac areas.
The "Blue" lake is not only unique in its color, it's also a private lake that promotes tranquility and family activities. It is also open to fishing and boating.
For more information on boating, fishing, swimming and other water sports, visit www.lacpaladru.com/reglement or ask one of our Tourist Office advisors...
Whether you're a keen hiker, mountain biker or cyclist, you'll be able to tour the lake and discover all its facets. There's something for everyone, depending on the route you take! And if you'd like to see all the marked trails, the hiking map is available for €5, while the mountain bike map is available free of charge from our reception desks.
