Holiday rentals in Savines-le-Lac

Three iconic sites to discover in Savines-le-Lac

Savines-le-Lac occupies a unique position at the heart of a landscape shaped by modern history and the Alpine terrain. The three major sites that define the area embody both the scale of 20th-century water engineering projects and the memory of the lands that were submerged. They serve as key points of reference for understanding what you are visiting and the atmosphere you are experiencing during your stay.

1. Lake Serre-Ponçon

The sheer vastness of Lake Serre-Ponçon strikes you at first glance. This reservoir, one of the largest in Western Europe, covers several dozen square kilometres and is framed by Alpine ridges that plunge into its waters. From the shores, where the village of Savines-le-Lac is scattered, the panorama takes in both the tranquillity of this turquoise expanse of water and the hills of the Champsaur in the background. The views vary depending on your vantage point: steep cliffs on one side, meadows and forests on the other. It is the central feature around which all local life revolves, whether it be water-based, contemplative or sporting.

2. Serre-Ponçon Dam

Built over a period of six years (1955 to 1961), the Serre-Ponçon Dam remains one of the major achievements of French civil engineering. This massive and impressive earth dam holds back billions of cubic metres of water and regulates the flow of the River Durance. Its construction profoundly transformed the area: it submerged the former village of Savines and forced its inhabitants to relocate further upstream, creating the new settlement through which you are now travelling. The dam thus embodies a visible historical break, a monument on the scale of the landscape that bears witness to the industrial ambition of an era.

3. Saint-Michel Chapel in the former Durance valley

Amidst the remains of the submerged past stands the Saint-Michel Chapel, a white silhouette visible from the present-day banks, a reminder of a valley that has now vanished beneath the waters. This small rural church, once the heart of religious life for the inhabitants before the dam was built, stands as an unwitting memorial. It embodies the memory of the submerged sites and allows visitors to connect with a history that the water has preserved rather than erased. Its accessibility from the riverbanks makes it a place for reflection on the region’s transformation.

Together, these three sites tell the story of a transformed landscape: the water that now sustains holidaymakers, the engineering that made it possible, and the heritage that endures despite everything. Exploring them will deepen your understanding of your surroundings during your stay.

The ideal time of year to book a holiday let in Savines-le-Lac

Each season transforms the character of Savines-le-Lac and its surroundings. Lake Serre-Ponçon, which dominates the landscape, changes colour, activities take on a new flavour, and the resort’s atmosphere shifts with the passing months. Renting a holiday home offers the flexibility to choose the climate and atmosphere that suit your preferences.

Spring arrives gently in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. Temperatures rise gradually, the days grow longer, and the vegetation turns green again after winter. The lake is perfect for your first boat trips or walks along its shores. This is the time of year when nature lovers rediscover the joy of walking in the surrounding countryside, without having to endure the intense heat of summer. Holiday rentals are less crowded than during the summer season, offering a welcome sense of tranquillity.

Summer brings Savines-le-Lac to life. The sun reigns supreme, temperatures rise, and the lake becomes the beating heart of the destination. Families flock here to enjoy swimming, stand-up paddleboarding or sailing. Outdoor cafés spring up, and tourist activity reaches its peak. It’s the high season: booking a holiday let requires planning well in advance, but this is also when life on the lake is in full swing.

Autumn paints the landscapes in warm hues. Temperatures drop gently, the lake water remains accessible, and the crowds of holidaymakers thin out. It is a period of undeniable charm for those seeking relaxation without the crowds. Walks become more pleasant, water sports are still possible, and the air becomes crystal clear. A holiday let in autumn offers the very best of Savines-le-Lac to visitors seeking tranquillity.

Winter transforms the region into a peaceful scene. The cold sets in, rain becomes more frequent, and the lake grows still. It is a season for nature lovers seeking tranquillity, ideal for couples or small groups wishing to escape mass tourism. Holiday rentals offer intimate stays, winter walks and access to unspoilt landscapes.

Whatever the season, renting a holiday home in Savines-le-Lac remains the ideal way to tailor your stay to your own pace. Each season reveals a different facet of this little corner of the Southern Alps.

3 activities you simply must try during your holiday in Savines-le-Lac

Savines-le-Lac offers the perfect setting for an active holiday in the mountains. Lake Serre-Ponçon, one of Europe’s largest man-made lakes, invites you to enjoy a variety of experiences throughout your stay. Here are three unmissable activities that combine sport, nature and spectacular scenery.

1. Explore Lake Serre-Ponçon by sailing boat, kayak or stand-up paddleboard

You can explore the lake in a fun way, depending on your preferences and ability. Sailing allows you to explore the distant shores as you glide across the water, whilst kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding offer an intimate experience of the mountainous landscape surrounding the lake. The calm waters in the morning are perfect for beginners, and thrill-seekers will find plenty to enjoy on windier days. Both children and adults enjoy these accessible activities, which require little preparation.

Address: Savines-le-Lac Water Sports Centre, 05160 Savines-le-Lac.

2. Hiking along the scenic trails around the lake

The paths that follow the lake’s contours offer ever-changing views of the water and the neighbouring ridges. Each section reveals different landscapes: spruce forests, alpine meadows and rocky cliffs. The trails are suitable for all levels, from short walks to day-long hikes. In the morning or late afternoon, when the low-angled light casts a magical glow over the landscape, these walks become moments of pure delight.

Address: 05160 Savines-le-Lac.

3. Swimming and beach sports on the lake’s equipped beaches

The beaches at Savines-le-Lac are equipped to welcome families and swimmers. The lake’s cool, clear water is perfect for swimming as soon as summer arrives. As well as relaxing by the water’s edge, you’ll find a variety of beach activities: beach volleyball, water games for children, or simply lazing about on the sand. These areas offer easy and safe access to the lake.

Address: Savines-le-Lac beaches, 05160 Savines-le-Lac.

Our travellers’ favourite amenities when booking a holiday rental in Savines-le-Lac

When staying in Savines-le-Lac, the comfort of the accommodation is just as important as its proximity to the lake. Travellers look for well-equipped holiday homes so they can make the most of their free time, whether that means relaxing after a day of water sports or preparing meals with the family. Good facilities transform a simple accommodation into a real home away from home, where everyone can find their own rhythm.

• Fully equipped kitchen: cooking in the accommodation saves money and allows you to share convivial meals after sunny days by the lake.
• Air conditioning: essential in the Mediterranean summer, it ensures restful nights even in the heat.
• Terrace or balcony: a private outdoor space offers a superb view of the lake and is the perfect spot for an evening drink.
• Washing machine: essential for stays of a week or more, especially with children or after water-based activities.
• Direct access to the beach or lake: in Savines-le-Lac, being able to walk down to the water’s edge in just a few steps is a major advantage for families.
• Private parking: guaranteed parking takes the stress out of finding a space, particularly in high season.
• Wi-Fi: essential for staying connected, sharing photos and videos, or checking the weather forecast before heading out.
• Heating: useful in the shoulder seasons, it extends the possibilities for a stay beyond the summer.
• Garden furniture: sun loungers, a table and chairs allow you to enjoy sunny days in complete relaxation.

Choosing the right holiday rental based on its facilities ensures a stay that suits the size of your group, your budget and the type of holiday you have in mind. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with family or with friends, the right facilities make all the difference between a mere stopover and a truly relaxing break.

What is the average price of a holiday let in Savines-le-Lac?

Prices for holiday lets in Savines-le-Lac vary depending on the size and standard of the accommodation. For a small studio or a one-bedroom flat, you can generally expect to pay between 400 and 700 euros a week in the low season, and between 600 and 1,000 euros during the peak summer season. A family-sized three- or four-room property tends to cost between 700 and 1,200 euros out of season, rising to between 1,000 and 1,600 euros during peak tourist periods. Larger holiday homes or high-end properties with premium facilities often exceed 1,500 euros a week and can reach 2,500 euros or more in July and August.

Several factors influence these price ranges. Location plays a key role: a property on the lakeside or with a view of the water commands higher rates than one situated further away. The length of stay also affects the cost: discounted weekly or monthly rates offer better value than renting by the night. The standard of the property, the year it was last renovated and the presence of facilities such as a private swimming pool or an enclosed garden also cause prices to vary significantly.

In summer, when the area around the lake is at its busiest, rates reach their peak. Spring and autumn offer more favourable rates. To get the most out of your search, compare several offers, read reviews from previous guests and book well in advance, especially if you’re planning a stay during the school holidays.