| Hourtin-Carcans Lake | |
|---|---|
 View of the lake from Maubuisson, Carcans | |
  Hourtin-Carcans Lake | |
| Location | Hourtin and Carcans, Gironde, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France |
| Coordinates | 45°8′13″N 1°6′49″W / 45.13694°N 1.11361°W |
| Basin countries | France |
| Max. length | 18 km (11 mi) |
| Max. width | 5 km (3.1 mi) |
| Surface area | 56.67 km2 (21.88 sq. mi.) |
| Max. depth | 10 m (33 ft) |
| Surface elevation | 14 m (46 ft) |
The Hourtin-Carcans Lake (French: lac d'Hourtin-Carcans, [lak duʁtɛ̃ kaʁkɑ̃]; Occitan: lac de Hortin e de Carcan) is a lake in the natural region of Médoc, located in the French department of Gironde, Aquitaine. It is one of the largest lakes in France, and the largest freshwater lake, by surface area, situated entirely in France. It lies at an elevation of 14 m (46 ft), and has a surface area of 56.67 km2 (21.88 sq. miles). In winter, its size is exceeded by Lac de Grand-Lieu in the Loire-Atlantique which expands to cover 62.92 km2 but shrinks to 35 km2 in summer.