Lac de Petichet

Lac de Petichet sits at roughly 930 metres above sea level on the Matheysine plateau in the Isère department of France. The lake lies just 400 metres south of the Grand lac de Laffrey and belongs to a small chain of glacial lakes that gave this part of the region its nickname, the "land of lakes." Covering about 80 hectares and reaching a maximum depth of 17 metres, Petichet ranks among the larger lakes of Matheysine, even if it stays firmly in the shadow of its better-known neighbour, Laffrey.

Where exactly is the lake?

Petichet lies within the commune of Saint-Théoffrey. Some local references and databases also list the nearby place name Les Théneaux, a small settlement within the same commune, close to the shoreline. For visitors, though, the practical reference points are Saint-Théoffrey itself and the Grand lac de Laffrey, which sits only a few hundred metres to the north.

What can visitors do at Lac de Petichet?

An unsupervised beach runs along the lake, free to access along with nearby parking. The shoreline is made up of broad pebble and gravel beaches, and the water stays notably calm because all boating and other nautical activities are banned. That single rule sets Petichet apart from Laffrey, where motorised water sports are allowed, and gives Petichet a quieter, more low-key feel. On site there is a bar-restaurant, a children's play area, and picnic spots. Fishing is possible but is private and requires the appropriate permit.

What rules apply on site?

Besides the ban on boats and water sports, the lake also prohibits open fires and barbecues, inflatable mattresses, and paddleboards, and dogs are not allowed on the supervised section of the beach. These restrictions keep the water clean and the atmosphere calm, which is why Petichet tends to draw families and people looking for quiet rather than watersports enthusiasts.

When is the best time to visit?

The seasonal facilities — the bar, the play area, general upkeep of the beach — operate mainly from mid-June to mid-September, when the lakes of Matheysine are warm enough for swimming. Outside that window the lake and its surroundings remain open for walks and fishing, just without the summer amenities running.

What else is worth knowing about the area?

Matheysine is a plateau in Isère dotted with several glacial lakes, including Petichet, Laffrey, Lac Mort, and Lac de Pierre-Châtel. Laffrey itself has a notable place in French history: nearby is where, in March 1815, Napoleon famously confronted royalist troops during his return from exile on Elba. Petichet, despite sitting right next to this historic spot, has kept a much simpler role as a local swimming and picnic destination.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim at Lac de Petichet? Yes. The beach is open to everyone and free to use, though unsupervised — swimming is at your own risk.

Are boats or kayaks allowed? No. All nautical activities are banned on the lake, which is one of the main differences from neighbouring Laffrey.

Is there anywhere to eat nearby? Yes, a bar-restaurant operates at the beach during the season, and there are picnic spots as well.

Is the lake easy to reach from Saint-Théoffrey? Yes. Petichet lies within the commune of Saint-Théoffrey, with direct access from the village.

How big is the lake? It covers about 80 hectares, reaches a depth of up to 17 metres, and sits at around 930 metres of altitude.