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