Lac d'Arboréiaz

Lac d'Arboréiaz is a small lake in the Ain department of eastern France, straddling the boundary between the communes of Saint-Germain-les-Paroisses and Colomieu. Cradled in a hollow shaped by glacial erosion and ringed by reed beds and wet meadows, it has a quietly untamed feel that sets it apart from the region's more developed leisure lakes.

Where is the lake and how big is it?

Sitting at roughly 340 metres above sea level in the Bugey — the hill country wedged between the Jura range and the Rhône valley — Lac d'Arboréiaz covers about 7 hectares and reaches an average depth of 12 metres, unusually deep for its modest surface area. Its outflow feeds the Agnin stream, itself a tributary of the Gland river, tying the lake into the broader Bugey watershed.

What can visitors do here?

Fishing

The lake is managed by the local municipality primarily as a fishery. Day passes and annual permits are both available, and angling remains the main organised activity on the water — Arboréiaz draws local residents and regional anglers rather than crowds of holidaymakers.

Walking

A network of footpaths links Arboréiaz to the nearby Lac d'Armaille via the Corne-Bœuf ridge. The loop connecting the two lakes is a well-known option for visitors after a few unhurried hours outdoors, taking in wetland and woodland views typical of the Bugey countryside.

Quiet observation

Because the shoreline is largely marsh and reed, the lake also appeals to birdwatchers and anyone after stillness rather than activity. There are no beaches or swimming facilities, and the atmosphere leans contemplative rather than sporty.

Does the lake have any cultural significance?

Yes. Lac d'Arboréiaz served as a filming location for "Les Enfants du marais" ("Children of the Marshland"), Jean Becker's 1999 French film starring Jacques Gamblin, Jacques Villeret, Michel Serrault and André Dussollier. The lake's marshy, timeless setting suited the film's story of rural interwar France.

How do you get there?

The lake sits right on the boundary between Saint-Germain-les-Paroisses and Colomieu, within easy reach of the larger towns of the Bugey. There is little tourist infrastructure — no large car parks or restaurants — something many visitors see as part of the appeal rather than a shortcoming.

FAQ

Can you swim in Lac d'Arboréiaz? No developed swimming area exists. The lake is managed chiefly for fishing, and its marshy, reed-lined banks aren't suited to bathing.

Do you need a permit to fish? Yes. Fishing is regulated by the municipality, with both daily and annual permits issued locally.

How large is the lake? It covers about 7 hectares with an average depth of around 12 metres.

Are there hiking trails nearby? Yes, a trail connects Lac d'Arboréiaz to the neighbouring Lac d'Armaille by way of the Corne-Bœuf ridge.

Why is the lake known beyond the local area? It featured as a filming location in Jean Becker's 1999 film "Les Enfants du marais," which starred well-known French actors.