The lake's tourist industry developed rapidly after the dam was impounded, though not as a result of local initiatives. Social tourism emerged, with holiday resorts, companies and large local authorities offering "sea to mountains" holidays to as many people as possible.
The model worked until the end of the 90s, when it began to run into difficulties: the tightening of regulatory requirements for centers and the relative disaffection with community vacations led to its decline.
The local authority has encouraged the professionalization of boating on the lake. This gave rise to the concept of "Serre-Ponçon, a nautical destination", with the idea of not abandoning social activity, but rather ensuring that private activity could make a relative contribution to the lake's sustainable tourism offering.
This political positioning goes hand in hand with a shared ambition to structure the tourist activity on the shores of the lake, diversifying it while meeting high quality and environmental standards.
To this end, the S.M.A.De.Se.P. has decided to draw on a planning tool agreed with institutional partners and representatives of civil society. This is the Plan d'Aménagement Durable du lac (sustainable lake development plan), which was launched in 2012 with the aim of co-constructing a sustainable project to adapt to the effects of global warming.
Sailing
There are 4 sailing schools with the "Ecole Française de Voile" label French Sailing School "on Lac de Serre-Ponçon. This label guarantees top-level services. The EFVs are committed to respecting the quality charter, which sets out five quality criteria: a personalized welcome, qualified and certified supervision, an assessment of your level, suitable equipment in good condition, and an appropriate safety system.
Some fifteen water sports centers all over the lake also offer safe, high-quality services to help you learn or improve your catamaran, windsurf, sailboat or dinghy skills..
For more information, visit the French Sailing Federation website
Kite surfing
Kitesurfing is authorized on the entire lake, with the exception of: the Embrun lake, 200m on either side of the Savines-le-lac bridge, in the shoreline strip, in anchorage areas, in sectors reserved for water-skiing, in crossing channels, in the VNM zone, in the Baie des Moulettes and the Baie Saint Michel.
One area has been identified as the most suitable in terms of practice and safety: the Eaux Douces beach in the commune of Crots. A kite-surfing school will enable you to improve your skills in complete safety.
Professionals are on hand to give you instruction and advice.
Kayaking, stand-up paddling and rowing
Lac de Serre-Ponçon offers a wide range of kayak, rowing and paddle routes. These are best explored in the morning or evening, when the wind and waves are light. Sea kayaking on Lac de Serre-Ponçon allows you to discover natural areas in silence and contemplate the many mountain peaks that border the lake.
Several service providers rent kayaks and canoes around the lake, and some organize "sunset" or "day or half-day" outings.
You can take a light craft over a pontoon bridge between Embrun and Lac de Serre-Ponçon.
Boats other than beach craft, which are propelled by paddles in the case of canoes and kayaks, and by oars in the case of other boats, must be registered with the Maritime Affairs Department, and are exempt from wearing external identification marks. The registration card issued at the time of registration must be carried on board. All unregistered kayaks, canoes and rowing boats are beach craft. A beach craft may not leave the shoreline and does not need any compulsory safety equipment.
Recreational fishing
With its vast surface area, clear waters, stretched shape and many broken bottoms, Lac de Serre-Ponçon is a reservoir with enormous fishing potential. The lake is home to a rich and varied fish fauna. You will have the opportunity to encounter Salmonidae, Esocidae, Percidae, Cyprinidae, Trout, Pike, Perch, Carp, Bluegill, Roach, Arctic Grayling... Almost all French species can be found here, and can be fished from the shore or by boat.
Line fishing for all species and techniques is authorized from January 1 to December 31.
Whether you're an amateur, a seasoned angler, a child or an adult, enjoy a great adventure on the lake. Visit theFédération de pêche 05 website athttps://peche-hautes-alpes.com/destination-peche-en-lacs/
Motorboating Water-skiing, wake-boarding, towed buoys, jetskiing, promenade boats, rentals, repairs....
Lac de Serre-Ponçon offers a 2800-hectare playground for water-skiing, wakeboarding, wake surfing and towed buoys.
With the exception of the Baie Saint Michel, the entire surface area is suitable for these activities. However, certain areas are privileged: Baie de Chanteloube, Baie des Eaux Douces, for the exclusive use of members of water-ski associations and clubs.
Water-skiers prefer to enjoy the water in the morning, when the lake surface is clear, as opposed to the afternoon, when it's less suitable (with its many waves). A number of water-skiing and wake-boarding schools offer introductory and advanced courses.
Motorized watercraft are prohibited on Lac de Serre-Ponçon, except in the dedicated area between Rousset, La Bréole and Le Sauze du Lac, from 10am to 6pm.
You can rent a boat with or without a license on the entire Lac de Serre-Ponçon. You'll be free to explore the lake and its wild creeks.
And if you want to see the lake and its mountains from a different angle, there's nothing like a cruise on the lake! From Savines le lac, Chorges, Rousset or La Bréole, set sail with friends or family... kids love it!
Air sports
With a view of the lake...
Lac de Serre-Ponçon offers an extraordinary panorama for paragliding enthusiasts. From Mont Guillaume, Pierre Arnoux or Saint Vincent-les-forts, paragliding is a popular activity.
Thrills are also guaranteed aboard hydro-pendular ultralights and microlights, which depart from the lake and its shores.
From two-seater baptisms to SIV (Simulation d'Incidents de Vol) courses, the paragliding school at Savines-le-lac takes you into the air in complete safety.
In Crots, you can discover the land and lake of Serre-Ponçon from above on a microlight flight, with a choice of departure and landing on the land or on the water.