Diving Lake Serre-Poncon
Site Overview
Lake Serre-Poncon Submerged Bridge is a altitude and archaeology dive site in Inland France, France, reached from the base town of Savines-le-Lac. Lake Serre-Poncon is a high-altitude reservoir at about 780 m where an old bridge and village were submerged. The clear, cold water preserves the stonework, and trout and char patrol the site. The site reaches a maximum depth of 35 m with an average profile around 22 m and a shallow start near 8 m, which places it firmly in the advanced category and means divers should hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification. Conditions are typical of the French inland freshwater coast: visibility generally runs from 8 to 18 metres, the current is moderate, and the water temperature ranges between 8 and 16 degrees Celsius with low surge exposure. The marine community is centred on Brown Trout, Arctic Char, Common Whitefish, Common Roach, European Perch, Stone Crayfish, and the full species list is detailed below for divers planning a trip. Lake Serre-Poncon Submerged Bridge is a strong representative of why Inland France diving is so highly regarded, blending the geology, history and biodiversity that define French underwater exploration. It pairs naturally with the other sites of the Inland France region for a varied holiday, and with the right thermal protection and, where relevant, the correct specialist training, it offers a memorable dive for photographers, naturalists and wreck or reef enthusiasts alike.
Dive Briefing
"Entry is made by boat from Savines-le-Lac with a transfer of about 15 minutes, and divers should check in with a local centre in Savines-le-Lac before entering the water. Lake Serre-Poncon is a high-altitude reservoir at about 780 m where an old bridge and village were submerged. The clear, cold water preserves the stonework, and trout and char patrol the site. Plan your profile around a maximum depth of 35 m and an average of 22 m, keeping a close eye on gas and, in the deeper or enclosed sections, on the low surge. Buoyancy control matters here: the rock and sand bottom and submerged structures are easily disturbed, and High altitude dive (780 m), Submerged bridge, Cold water are real considerations throughout the dive. The altitude and archaeology topography offers ruins, and the marine life centres on Brown Trout, Arctic Char, Common Whitefish, Common Roach, European Perch, Stone Crayfish alongside the other species listed for the site. Take a moment to review the site-specific hazards with your guide, because conditions at Lake Serre-Poncon Submerged Bridge can shift with wind and tide and change the feel of the dive. A safe ascent with a surface marker buoy and a clear exit plan completes the dive, with emergency cover routed through Centre Hyperbare, Hopital d’Annecy."
Signature Marine Life
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
Best: June, July, August
Arctic Char
Salvelinus alpinus
Best: June, July, August
Common Whitefish
Coregonus lavaretus
Best: June, July, August
Common Roach
Rutilus rutilus
Best: June, July, August
European Perch
Perca fluviatilis
Best: June, July, August
Stone Crayfish
Austropotamobius torrentium
Best: June, July, August
Safety & Hazards
- High altitude dive (780 m)
- Submerged bridge
- Cold water
- Depth
- Reservoir currents
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
Lake Serre-Poncon Submerged Bridge suits advanced divers holding at least an Advanced Open Water certification, and it is a strong choice for those who enjoy the French inland freshwater water of the French coast. Photographers, training groups and divers chasing altitude, archaeology, advanced, lake, photography will all find something here, provided they respect the temperature, the marine park rules and the limits of each site. It is less suitable for absolute novices unless booked through a centre running a supervised course, and the deepest or most enclosed sections should only be attempted with the correct specialist training and a guide. Planning a dive here with a licensed French operator not only keeps you safe but also helps protect the fragile gorgonian forests, seagrass meadows, wrecks and reefs that make the site special for the next visitor.
For Non-Divers
Serre-Poncon dam; Lavender fields; Embrun old town
Quick Stats
Dive Logistics
- Annecy Plongee
- Evian Plongee
- Lac Bourget Plongee
- La Graule Plongee
- Speleo Plongee France
Photography Info
Best for: wide_angle
Nearby Stay
Hotel L’Imperial Palace
Annecy • 4km away
Hotel Les Sables
Evian-les-Bains • 3km away