Lac des Hôpitaux

Lac des Hôpitaux is a modest body of water in the commune of La Burbanche, in the Ain department of France, within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The plural French name, Lacs des Hôpitaux, hints at its real shape: two adjoining basins that together cover roughly 17 hectares. It is the kind of place travelers usually hear about from locals rather than from tourism brochures, and that low-key character is a big part of its appeal.

Where is the lake located?

The lake sits in the heart of Bugey, the hilly, historically distinct area in the eastern part of Ain, between the villages of Tenay and La Burbanche, about ten kilometers from Saint-Rambert-en-Bugey. The surrounding landscape is forested and rolling, typical of the foothills leading toward the Jura, and the lake occupies a basin tucked into the woods — close enough to nearby towns, yet quiet enough to feel remote.

Fishing at Lac des Hôpitaux

Fishing is the main reason people come here. The waters are managed by Aappma Albarine, a volunteer-run angling association responsible for stocking and maintaining the site. Depths reach into double digits in places, which suits predatory species — pike is considered the star catch. Alongside pike, anglers can find zander and perch, as well as carp and so-called white fish such as roach, tench, and bream. That mix of species draws both spin-fishing enthusiasts chasing predators and anglers who prefer a slower, more contemplative style of fishing.

The ecological value of the eastern shore

The eastern part of the lake has a different character from the rest of the water body: it is a wetland area tied to the marsh that forms the source of the Furan river. Because of the fauna and flora found there, this section has been recognized as ecologically significant. It functions as habitat for wetland-associated plants and species, quite distinct from the open, recreation-oriented water elsewhere on the lake. For anyone interested in nature, it is worth walking that stretch of shoreline just to see where still water gives way to marsh.

Beyond the water: what else to do nearby

Bugey is known for its dense network of walking trails winding through forest and hillside, so the lake works well as a base for longer hikes rather than a single-stop destination. The wooded surroundings also make it a pleasant spot for a simple picnic or a short lakeside walk, away from the busier tourist hubs elsewhere in Ain.

Frequently asked questions

Can you fish at Lac des Hôpitaux? Yes — fishing is the lake's primary use. The site is managed by the local angling association Aappma Albarine, and pike is the most sought-after species.

How big is the lake? The whole site covers about 17 hectares, made up of two connected basins — which is why the French name uses the plural "Lacs."

Are there walking trails around the lake? Yes. The Bugey region has an extensive network of hiking trails through forest and hills, and the lake itself is surrounded by woodland well suited to a quiet walk.

Does the lake have any ecological significance? Its eastern section, linked to the marsh that forms the source of the Furan river, has been recognized for its notable fauna and flora.

How do you get to Lac des Hôpitaux? The lake lies in the commune of La Burbanche, between Tenay and La Burbanche, roughly ten kilometers from Saint-Rambert-en-Bugey in the eastern part of the Ain department.