Swimming, the boat to Hautecombe Abbey, Chanaz and the Savières canal, cycling along the shore: the lake is about 15 minutes from the duplex.
Updated 28 October 2026
Lake Bourget is the largest natural lake lying entirely within France: about 18 km long, with Mont du Chat along its western side and the Revard cliffs to the east. It is also the lake of Lamartine’s poem “Le Lac”. Aix-les-Bains spreads along the eastern shore, Le Bourget-du-Lac sits at the southern tip, and the Savières canal links the lake to the Rhône in the north.
The duplex is in La Motte-Servolex, about 15 minutes from the beach at Le Bourget-du-Lac and about 20 minutes from Aix-les-Bains. You spend the day at the lake and come back to peace and quiet in the evening, with a salt-water pool and a view of the Bauges.
Swimming and boat trips are mainly a fine-weather affair, from late spring to early autumn. For a first visit, one day is enough to take in the essentials: our suggested itinerary is further down this page.
The closest to the duplex, in a bay at the foot of Mont du Chat.
The lake’s main town, with beaches along the lakefront, a waterside promenade and its harbour.
The Cistercian abbey at the water’s edge, burial place of the House of Savoy, where many members of the dynasty lie.
A waterside village with a lock, houses along the canal and an old walnut-oil mill.
Cycle paths follow much of the eastern shore, and we rent out e-bikes on site.
Smaller and closed to fuel-powered boats, it is a good spot for swimming and a quiet row.
Start early, while the water is flat and the beaches are quiet, at Le Bourget-du-Lac or along the Aix-les-Bains lakefront. The water is still cool in June and warms up noticeably in July and August. Rather cycle? The cycle paths link the south end of the lake to Aix-les-Bains.
The best way to arrive is by boat from the Grand Port in Aix-les-Bains: as you cross, the façade of the abbey, established here in the 12th century, slowly comes into view. Boats run in season, so check the times before you go. You can also drive there. Remember that the abbey is still a place of worship.
Next, head for Chanaz at the north end of the lake; by car, the narrow road along the western shore takes you there from the abbey. The Savières canal has an unusual habit: when the Rhône is in heavy flood, the current reverses and the river pours into the lake. The village takes an easy hour on foot and, in season, you can hire small electric boats, no licence needed, and head down the canal.
The road to the Col du Mont du Chat climbs in tight hairpins above Le Bourget-du-Lac. Near the pass, short paths lead to viewpoints over the whole lake, with Aix-les-Bains and the Revard opposite. The road is narrow and steep, and may be closed in winter.
The Dent du Chat itself takes more effort. From the pass, the path follows the ridge, then crosses rocky sections fitted with cables and ladders, with a real sense of exposure. Leave it to confident hikers, never attempt it in the wet, and keep proper walking shoes in the car. For more walks, see our page on hiking in the Bauges.
For something gentler, the Chambotte viewpoint above the eastern shore looks straight down on the northern part of the lake, and you can drive right up to it.
A lake cruise and e-bikes to ride along the shore, starting from our door.
See the offers3nights
Three nights for two, a day on e-bikes along the lake and the boat crossing to Hautecombe Abbey.
€460for 2 peopleApril to October
The water is clear and the loungers are out: the salt-water pool has reopened for the season, every day from 10am to 8pm.
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We hire out e-bikes at €15 a day. Book them with your stay to be sure to get one.
During the summer season, from 10am to 8pm. It is a 5 × 11 m salt-water pool without a lifeguard, so children must be supervised by an adult.
Yes, there is an 11 kW charger in the car park, at €20 per charge. Parking is free.
Book the duplex for 4, about 15 minutes from the beach at Le Bourget-du-Lac.
