Whether formed by man or Mother Nature herself, France is home to some absolutely picture-perfect lakes. Some are enormous and practically beg you to go sailing on them, while others are just so quaint and tranquil that all you want to do is gaze in awe for hours on end. Be they surrounded by rolling hills or majestic mountain ranges, spending a couple of days by one of these breathtaking lakes is guaranteed to fully recharge your body and refresh your mind.

Located in southern France's  Languedoc region, this stunning lake is actually a reservoir that was formed after the Salagou River was dammed during the 1960s. The lake's crystal clear blue water magically contrasts with the reddish soil in the background, and is surrounded on all sides by a range of hills, which separate it from the cultivated fields that lie beyond. This lake is also perfect for anyone who wants to get a full-body tan, as it's very popular with nude sunbathers.

This incredible lake can be found close to the French-Italian border, in the shadow of Mont Cenis. Interestingly, this lake was created artificially through the construction of a hydroelectric dam, and its basin was used as a major connecting route between Italy and Western Europe during the Middle Ages.

The third-largest lake in France, Lac de Sainte Croix can cater for absolutely anyone, and it's an extremely popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, sailing, kayaking, and windsurfing. In order to avoid polluting this grand lake, only boats powered by oars, sails or electricity are allowed on it.

Lac d’Aiguebelette literally translates as 'lake of beautiful little waters,' which is very fitting as it's often referred to as France's 'emerald pearl.' This blue-green lake is the perfect image of tranquility, and apart from being one of France's largest natural lakes, it also boasts several hot springs and two whole islands in the middle of it.

This breathtaking lake is ideal for any type of traveler, since thanks to tight environmental regulations, Lake Annecy has been branded the cleanest lake in Europe. It's also incredibly picturesque, and is surrounded by many mountains and scenic villages, including Annecy, which is frequently referred to as the 'Venice of the Alps.'

This tranquil lake is located on the island of Corsica, and is the deepest lake there. The route to get there isn't for the faint of heart, but those who make it are heavily rewarded, as they will pretty much have the whole lake to themselves, seeing as only around 1,200 people actually go there each summer.

Located in between some of the Pyrenees' highest mountains, most people come here for the overwhelming panoramic views of Vignemale, which is the French Pyrenees' highest peak. It takes about an hour to hike to Gaube Lake, but you can take a cable car from the Bridge of Spain if you're in a hurry.