Novalaise: Nature, lake archaeology and trails at Lac d’Aiguebelette

Novalaise lies on Lac d’Aiguebelette and is one of the five municipalities on its shores. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Novalaise, you can think of the destination in terms of three distinct interests: a protected lakeside landscape, lake archaeology and scenic trails. These themes offer concrete starting points for choosing the focus of your trip.

Lake and landscape

Lac d’Aiguebelette is designated a Natura 2000 site and includes numerous protected areas. Novalaise is one of the five municipalities on the shores of Lac d’Aiguebelette. If nature is your main consideration when choosing a place, this is a clear starting point; cultural history and circular trails offer other highlights.

Novalaise-le-Lac is six minutes from the town centre, on the western shore of the lake.

Archaeology and museum

The Gojat archaeological site lies entirely within Lac d’Aiguebelette, off the shore of the municipality of Novalaise. It was designated a historic monument by decree on 10 March 2015. Its dating is a separate matter: Gojat dates to the Late Neolithic and is dated to the 28th to 27th centuries BC. The centuries refer to the period of the site, while 2015 is the date of its designation.

The Musée Lac et Nature in Novalaise explores geology, history, lake archaeology, and fauna and flora. It houses a 4,700-year-old pile from the foundations of a pile dwelling that is now completely submerged. The museum also displays a collection of more than 75 protected species. Its themes therefore range from the landscape and its history to the animal and plant life.

Scenic circular trails

Circular trail 10, “La chasse de l’oreillard,” starts in Novalaise and leads to the Pierre des Millières. Its highest point offers a 180-degree panorama. Circular trail 11, “Le trail du lynx,” also starts in Novalaise and leads to the Croix du Signal. From the rocky outcrop there, you can see the Bauges, Belledonne and Chartreuse massifs, as well as Lac d’Aiguebelette and Lac du Bourget.

The two trails can be distinguished by their viewpoints: the Pierre des Millières is known for its 180-degree panorama, while the Croix du Signal offers views of named massifs and lakes. This lets you compare the routes according to the kind of scenery that interests you. Before setting out, check the route details and trail conditions for circular trail 11.

Paragliding

Novalaise has a paragliding launch site called La Province in the Chaîne de l’Épine. If you are planning to take part, check the launch conditions and club access beforehand. In addition to nature, culture and hiking, paragliding is therefore another specific activity to consider when deciding on Novalaise.

Discover more destinations: Mouxy, Crest-Voland, Chignin, Villaroger, La Trinité, Presle, Cohennoz, La Thuile.

For the broader travel overview: Savoie.