Lac de Saint-Point Lamartine

Lac de Saint-Point Lamartine is a small lake in the village of Saint-Point, in the Saône-et-Loire department of Burgundy, only a short drive from the medieval town of Cluny. It is a low-key spot for swimming and walking, known above all for its calm, motor-free waters and its historic neighbour: the château that once belonged to the poet Alphonse de Lamartine.

Where is the lake and how do you get there?

The lake sits in the rolling Maconnais countryside, roughly ten minutes by car from Cluny, home to the ruins of one of medieval Europe's largest abbeys. The surrounding landscape is rural — meadows, woodland and small hamlets — well away from major roads.

What can you do at the lake?

Motorboats are banned and the lake has no waves or currents, so the water stays as still as a swimming pool while remaining fully natural. That makes it a popular choice for families and for anyone looking for quiet time away from crowded coastal resorts. Marked trails circle the shoreline for walking or cycling, and typical activities include swimming, fishing and pedalo rides. Picnic spots are set up around the banks, and a campsite (Camping du Lac) together with a handful of guesthouses and gîtes operate nearby for anyone wanting to stay longer.

Why visit the Château de Lamartine nearby?

A few minutes from the lake stands the Château de Saint-Point, also known as the Château de Lamartine. Its oldest sections date to the 12th and 14th centuries, and the building is both a listed historic monument (Monument Historique) and a "Maison des Illustres". The estate passed to Pierre de Lamartine, a former cavalry captain, in 1802. In 1820 his son, the poet and statesman Alphonse de Lamartine, received it as a wedding gift on marrying the English aristocrat Mary Ann Birch. The young couple restored the château in a neo-Gothic style inspired by English architecture, adding a quatrefoil gallery, a Gothic porch and an English-style garden. Between 1852 and 1855, Lamartine extended the building further with a keep, another gallery and battlements. The château has been open to visitors since 1869, the year of the poet's death, and once welcomed guests including Victor Hugo, Franz Liszt, Frédéric Chopin and George Sand.

Who is this destination for?

Lac de Saint-Point Lamartine works well as a day trip from Cluny or as a base for a longer stay, thanks to the nearby campsite and guest accommodation. It suits travellers who want a quiet lakeside break combined with a look at one of the Maconnais region's best-known literary landmarks.

Frequently asked questions

Can you use motorboats on Lac de Saint-Point Lamartine? No — motorised boats are not allowed, which keeps the water calm and wave-free.

How far is the lake from Cluny? About a ten-minute drive.

Is there anywhere to stay near the lake? Yes, a campsite (Camping du Lac) and several guesthouses and gîtes operate in the area.

Is it worth combining the lake with a visit to the Château de Lamartine? Yes — the Château de Saint-Point, the former home of poet Alphonse de Lamartine, sits right next to the lake and has been open to the public since 1869.