Roselend Dam: Lake Beaufortain, 1 hour 20 minutes from the campsite
A turquoise lake at 1,557 metres and a 150-metre concrete wall: the Roselend Dam is well worth a day’s visit. In the evening, we return to the tranquillity of our 3-star campsite in Savoie, open from 20 April to 7 September 2027.
Via Albertville and Beaufort. Albertville is 30 minutes’ drive from the campsite.
A 6 × 15 m swimming pool with a shallow end for children. It is also surrounded by a sun terrace covering over 250 m².
Walks, fishing and picnics by the water’s edge. What’s more, the ground is completely flat.
From a studio for two to a three-bedroom lodge for six. You can also choose between Nature, Comfort or Privilege pitches.
A day at Roselend Dam from the campsite
It’s about a 1 hour 20 minute drive to the dam. Here’s how to make the most of your day.
First, a stop in Beaufort: the dairy co-operative demonstrates how Beaufort cheese is made in the morning. Then, a drive up to the lake via the Route des Grandes Alpes.
Then a picnic by the lake, in the designated area, or a meal at the Col du Méraillet, high above the water.
A walk to the Roselend Chapel, followed by a climb to the Cormet de Roselend, at 1,968 metres, to take in the view of the mountain pastures.
Finally, back to the peace and quiet of the campsite: one last dip in the pool, the snack bar, and the summer entertainment.
The Roselend Dam, a concrete colossus
Built between 1955 and 1962, the Roselend Dam is 150 metres high and 804 metres long. Its arch, reinforced by buttresses, holds back approximately 187 million cubic metres of water. EDF still operates it today: the water supplies the La Bâthie underground power station.
The sunken village of Roselend
In 1960, rising water levels flooded the hamlet of Roselend and part of its mountain pastures. Before the lake was created, a chapel was built on its shores. Today, it stands as a reminder of the village that is no longer there.
Is it possible to swim in Lake Roselend?
No: swimming and water sports are strictly prohibited here. However, fishing is permitted with a fishing licence. For supervised stand-up paddleboarding, head to the nearby Lake Saint-Guérin. Information and opening times are available on the Arêches-Beaufort Tourist Office website.
What to see around Lake Roselend
The site is open from around mid-May to mid-October, as the road closes in winter. On site, you’ll also find car parks, toilets and a picnic area.
Keen walkers can walk all the way round the lake – a loop of about fifteen kilometres that takes you across the dam and ends at the chapel. So make sure you set aside most of the day for this.
The Cormet de Roselend
Above the lake, the road climbs up to the Cormet de Roselend, at 1,968 metres. This pass forms part of the Route des Grandes Alpes, between Beaufort and Bourg-Saint-Maurice. In summer, Tarine cows graze there. Furthermore, the Tour de France has crossed it 14 times.
Le Rocher du Vent – for the view
From the Plan de la Lai mountain refuge, a path leads to the Rocher du Vent viewpoint (2,311 m). The walk is approximately 6 km there and back, with a 500 m climb. The view looks down over the dam, with Mont Blanc in the distance.
Beaufort and the Beaufortain region by road
On the way to the lake, Beaufort is well worth a stop. The Beaufortain Dairy Cooperative, founded in 1961, is open to visitors free of charge all year round. What’s more, in the mornings, from 9 am to 12 noon, you can watch Beaufort cheese – which has held AOP status since 1968 – being made.
A little further on, Hauteluce, for example, is home to a Baroque church with an onion-domed bell tower. Lake Saint-Guérin, 7 km from Arêches, also offers an easy walk, featuring an 83-metre-long Himalayan-style footbridge.
Please note: there is no campsite on the shores of Lake Roselend, and wild camping is prohibited within 100 metres of the water’s edge. Our campsite, 1 hour 20 minutes away, is therefore a good base for day trips to explore the Beaufortain.
Our accommodation at the campsite, 1 hour 20 minutes from the Roselend Dam
What our campers say
Other day trips from our campsite in Savoie
Vineyards, Miolans Castle and the lac de Carouge, all around the campsite.
A UNESCO Global Geopark, located just above the campsite.
The medieval city of Conflans and memories of the 1992 Winter Olympics, just 30 mins away.
The lake is 45 minutes away; the old town and its canals are 55 minutes away.
Carouge, Saint-André, Le Bourget and Annecy: four lakes, all within 45 minutes’ drive.
The Aiguille du Midi and the Mer de Glace, on a 1½-hour excursion.
Frequently asked questions about the Roselend dam
Is it possible to camp by Lake Roselend?
No: there is no campsite by the lake, and wild camping is not permitted there. Our campsite is 1 hour 20 minutes from the Roselend dam.
When is the campsite open?
We look forward to welcoming you from 20 April to 7 September 2027 – in other words, throughout the summer season.
Is the swimming pool heated?
Yes, at 27 °C throughout the season. The pool measures 6 × 15 metres, with a maximum depth of 1.30 metres and a shallow end for children.
How do I make a reservation?
Online, with a deposit of 30 per cent of the total cost of your stay; we ask that the balance be paid 30 days before arrival. You can also call us on 04 80 81 97 90.
Book your stay at the campsite, 1 hour 20 minutes from the Roselend Dam
Mobile homes, lodges and pitches, with a heated swimming pool and the lake just 50 m away. Or call us on 04 80 81 97 90.