Natural heritage Lac de SylansHis entrance is theatrical. Younger than Genin and Nantua, Lac de Sylans was created by a spectacular rock collapse in the Middle Ages. Witness to the power of geological forces, it also harbors a fascinating history: that of the glaciers, remnants of a unique industrial activity that, in the 19th century, supplied the major towns. Since 1924, silence has fallen over the lake and it has become a fisherman’s paradise.
Lake Sylans
Glacières de Sylans
Glacières du Lac de Sylans
Natural heritage Lac de SylansIt’s the purity of the water, the limited amount of sunshine and the size of the area (49 hectares) that have led to the existence of the former Sylans glaciers. At their peak, in the late 19th century, they produced up to 300,000 tonnes of ice a year. The ice was then transported by train to Paris, Marseille or Algiers, protected by burlap and covered with straw…
Today, the site is open to visitors free of charge. Guided tours are also available.
Prefer a visit in the morning or late afternoon for the best light on the lake and cliffs.
