Le Bourget-Du-Lac: Culture and Nature by the Lake

Le Bourget-Du-Lac offers different ways to plan your trip: historic buildings, a protected wetland on the southern shore of Lac du Bourget, and activities on and around the lake. Depending on whether you want to focus on culture, nature or waterside activities, you’ll find a range of themes and options to choose from.

Culture and Architectural History

The Prieuré was built around 1030 for Cluniac monks. Its cloister features Gothic vaults. The Prieuré is classified as a historic monument, is part of the network of Cluniac sites and belongs to the Council of Europe’s major cultural route.

In September 2006, the Prieuré gardens were awarded the “Jardin Remarquable” distinction. They are considered particularly significant for their history and botany, are free to visit and are open year-round. Check local visiting conditions before your visit.

The Église Saint-Laurent is also part of the area’s architectural history. Its polychrome stone rood screen is attributed to the Burgundian school; the church was classified as a historic monument in 1900.

The Château Thomas II was built on land acquired by Thomas II of Savoy in 1248. Until the 15th century, it served as a country residence for the Counts of Savoy on the shore of Lac du Bourget; later, it became a romantic ruin. The Château Thomas II is considered a unique building in the region. It is also an important reference point for understanding medieval civil and military architecture.

Since 2012, the towers of the Château Thomas II have housed a museum installation about the lake’s fauna and flora and the protection of natural areas. As the exhibitions may change, check the latest information before your visit.

Protected Shoreline and Nature

The protected southern shore of Lac du Bourget is a varied wetland habitat. Aquatic reed beds, woodlands, wet meadows, pools and a pond provide habitats that attract numerous species. The area is conserved to protect its fauna and flora and for the benefit of residents and visitors.

A programme to reintroduce the European pond turtle, a protected freshwater turtle, is also underway in this protected area. The Observatoire des Aigrettes can be reached via a discovery trail around the château grounds and is open to the public as part of the “Sorties Nature” programme.

Hiking and Activities on the Lake

Seven major hiking trails start in Le Bourget-Du-Lac. Activities on Lac du Bourget range from swimming, sailing and rowing to wakeboarding, boat trips, pedal boating and fishing.

The Club Nautique Chambéry–Le Bourget-du-Lac offers rowing for everyone from beginners to experienced competitors. Its programme includes courses for children and adults, recreational rowing and outings. Chambéry Le Bourget Canoë Kayak offers canoeing and kayaking on the lake and river, including guided outings and trips on both calm and moving water; canoes are also available to rent.

The Yacht Club du Bourget-du-Lac offers water sports, courses and private lessons for children, teenagers and adults. Catamarans, dinghies, windsurf boards, stand-up paddleboards and kayaks are available to rent; there are also Handivoile activities for everyone.

The Plage municipale has a water-play area supplied with lake water, a large pier with a diving board leading to the swimming area, and a beach volleyball court. It can be reached from Chambéry and Aix-les-Bains by road and cycle path; nearby, there is a bus stop on line 1 as well as stops for the Synchro or Chrono A lines.

When planning your trip, the main difference is the type of experience: the Prieuré, the church and the Château Thomas II offer architectural and cultural history; hiking trails and protected shorelines provide a focus on nature. Clubs and activities on the lake add opportunities for watersports. This lets you choose which themes to prioritize without combining hiking, nature activities and watersports into a single offering.

Discover more destinations: Viviers-Du-Lac, Montricher-Albanne, Lépin-Le-Lac, Les Déserts, La Tania, Bellentre, Seez, Saint-Franc.

See the broader travel guide: Savoie.