2_4_DiscoverBenelux_13_Januar_2014_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 17/12/2014 15:22 Page 31

Discover Benelux |  Special Theme |  Summer Destinations

A place of many wonders Located in the Rhone-Alpes region, in the south-east of France, the camping site Au Pré du Lac has become a destination of choice for vacationers coming from the Benelux and looking for a piece of nature. TEXT: HARUN OSMANOVIC  |  PHOTOS: AU PRé DU LAC

Nearing three natural lakes, it is on the shores of the largest of them that you will be  able  to  grab  a  spot  right  under  the sun on a lawn that makes for a unique grass beach. Standing at the entrance of the camping, right before you is the lake Laffrey, still, ages-old and that seems to run as far as the eye can see, all the way to the foothills of Alpe du Grand Serre. In the water, everyone finds joy. You will be able  to  enjoy  the  quietness  of  a  fishing party or swim in the crystal clear water of the  lake  which  reaches  depths  of  forty metres allowing for wonderful scuba diving  expeditions.  The  camping  rents  out canoes for a ride on the lake but for more serious sailors, sailboats are available at the Cholonge, the nearby sailing club. For hikers and bike riders, the scenery of the area is breathtaking. From the flanks of the Alpe du Grand Serre the panoramic view  will  amaze  you  with  its  pictorial French paysage. “Besides the beauty of

the region, we have a lot of guests who are interested in its history,” says Pascal Couderc, owner of the camping. Indeed near the camping are the remnants of the mining past of the region but more importantly the camping is on the road that Napoleon took on his way out from captivity. “Starting March 2015, which marks the 200 year anniversary of Napoleon’s journey, events  will  be  held  throughout  the  road, especially  in  Laffrey  which  saw  Napoleon encounter the army of the King, a crucial event in French history.” The Camping Au Pré du Lac is an all-inone  location:  Via  ferrata  alpine  routes, climbing, 300 kilometres of marked hiking paths, roads and sceneries to delight bikers and horse riders, sailing, diving… the list never ends. So make sure to mark it on your  next  holiday  trip  and  discover  the majesty of the Matheysine region. www.aupredulac.eu

Issue 13 |  January 2015 |  31