Water-based activities in the Hautes-Alpes
Swimming
There are a number of swimming pools, lakes, bathing areas and activity centres in the Hautes-Alpes. Wherever your holiday is based, you will find a spot nearby for swimming and spending time with the family.
Leisure craft
Sail across the turquoise waters of the Serre-Ponçon Lake nestled against its backdrop of greenery. Journey from cove to cove and explore the small untouched beaches that can only be reached by boat. You can hire a boat with or without a licence or bring your own boat with you for your holidays in the Hautes-Alpes, as anything is possible.
Sailing for the disabled
The Club Nautique Alpin (sailing club of the Alps) has facilities to cater for people with physical disabilities. Adapted accommodation, pontoons and boats are provided. A specialist instructor provides specific teaching.
Fishing
The Hautes-Alpes is a veritable paradise for anglers. With 2000km of rivers, 48 mountain lakes, the 3000 hectares of the great Serre-Ponçon Lake, 10 night-fishing spots for carp and 4 fishing venues for people with disabilities, the Hautes-Alpes holds tremendous fishing potential for beginners and experts alike. You can do all styles of fishing here and the most skilled anglers can pit their wits against some fine specimens.
Tubing
Shake it up!… A devilishly fun thing to do on your own or with others, with the family or among friends. Extreme fun guaranteed, with 15-minute runs in complete safety. Children 6 years and over. Example price: from 15€
Wakeboarding
Wakeboarding is really taking off and is a fun activity that allows users to do tricks, making big turns, slides and jumps. If you are a fan of new board sports why not try wakeboarding, which is a blend of surfing and snowboarding. There are seven companies based around the Serre-Ponçon Lake offering water skiing lessons for beginners’ and more experienced enthusiasts.
Kayak tours and sea kayaking
Head out and explore the coves and cliffs that border the turquoise waters of the great Serre-Ponçon Lake on a two-hour paddle or longer half- and full-day tours. With your picnic in a watertight container and your sunglasses and suncream on your nose, take time to relax with the family or friends.
Kite surfing
A subtle blend of board sports, towing, flight, water and kiting, this kite for the new millennium is a unique high-adrenaline experience. Two kite surfing schools at the Serre-Ponçon Lake are open from June to September. Minimum age: 12 years, with parents’ permission.
Sailing
Catamarans, Optimists, Hobie 16s – all kinds of sailing are possible on the Serre-Ponçon Lake. Seven sailing schools affiliated to the French sailing federation are open from June to September and offer introductory outings, beginners’ courses and navigation lessons for more experienced sailors. There are also numerous activities on offer for children over the age of 5. So, ahoy there and up anchors landlubbers!
