Lake Tahoe Scenic Drive, 3 days of pure pleasure

But that's not all: the entire eastern section of this route, between Crystal Bay in the north and Stateline in the south, is designated a National Scenic Byway, a route of exceptional scenic, archaeological, historical and natural interest.

Since you're likely to be staying north of the lake - Reno-Tahoe International Airport is 40km to the north - we're going to start this itinerary in Tahoe City, which lies to the north-west.

Tahoe City is a beautiful Californian town on the western shore of the lake. It boasts welcoming hotels and a marina for pleasure boats, giving it a maritime feel. It is bordered to the north by the Tahoe State Recreation Area, an area of unspoilt nature designed in particular for camping, with 23 dedicated sites. The Truckee River flows into the lake here. So make the most of your time here by rafting down the river!

In the mountains to the west are the highly sought-after Squaw Valley and Olympic Valley, particularly in winter when you're skiing. But above all, Lake Forest Beach boasts a fine sandy beach divided into 4 small coves protected by stone dikes that cut through the waves. Ideal for children's bathing.

But since you've decided to go on this road trip (how else could you do it in the States?). Let's head north!

Tahoe Vista

The north of the lake is in the middle of nature, with the feeling that it has remained the master of the place, everywhere. This impression begins to take hold of you when you arrive at Tahoe Vista, where kayaking is a favourite pastime.

But you'll be more likely to appreciate the beauty of nature when you take a walk in North Tahoe National Park. Here, an educational trail will teach you about the lake's ecosystem. Fauna, flora, subsoil and climate. You can also try your hand at hiking with an instructor. Or maybe you'd prefer to play a game of tennis or disc golf (an unusual game in which you swing a Frisbee through iron-chain baskets), which is available free of charge on a lawn that looks like a putting green. Or even outdoor fitness.

Kings Beach

Next, stop off at Kings Beach, a must-see in the region. Take a dip in the open-air swimming pool next to the beach or play a round of golf. But be careful about the timing of your road trip. In spring, you can admire the snow-covered peaks.

If you decide to go fishing, you can hire a fully-equipped boat or have someone drive you to one of the fishing spots known to the locals. You're almost guaranteed a bite, as the lake is teeming with fish. But be careful: you'll need a licence to do this. If you're not interested in fishing, head for the beach, which is one of the most beautiful on the lake.

Once you've passed Speedboat Beach, where it's difficult to park for lack of space, you'll enter the state of Nevada.

Incline Village

At Incline Village, the emphasis is on walks around the lake on electric bikes. If it happens to start raining and you're feeling a bit hungry, rather than jump back into your car, we suggest you go and have some fun at the Incline Bowl & Arcade, a 16-lane bowling alley where you can test your sense of straightness and curves, unless you're more at ease with pool, which is played here on one of the 6 large tables. Then take a break with a bite to eat at the bar. Before setting off again, stop off at one of the local craft shops selling items you'll only find here. And in Incline Village, luxury boutiques have a Beverly Hills feel, if you've got some shopping to do. Finally, in February, Ullr Fest celebrates the Nordic god of snow.

If you're a gambler or fancy a spa, the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino has a taste of Las Vegas. An invigorating stopover that smacks of holiday cheer. Choose to spend the night here.

You can start the day with a dip in the lake, then head for Sand Harbor. This charming little town is surrounded by an endearing natural landscape that is often photographed. The road is bordered to the west by the lake and to the east by the mountains. The granite rising from the water gives Sand Harbor a Seychelles feel. Its fine sandy beach, completely natural, attracts 800,000 visitors every summer. So you might as well be there in spring or early autumn. The water is no worse for wear - it's fresh all year round.

It's a popular spot for canoeing and kayaking in the US, where the coastline is rugged and dotted with granite boulders jutting out of the water. It's an opportunity to improvise water-slide itineraries that resemble adventure courses.

Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park and Marlette Lake

Next, we advise you to head east into Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, to which Sand Harbor belongs, for its wild and authentic nature. You can do this on foot, as the only road here is the one that runs alongside the lake. To see more, you'll have to rely on your feet, hiking trails and good walking shoes. Head south again and, at Thunderbird Lake Tahoe, park near Marlette Creek (the path linking Chimney Beach to Lake Marlette). Walk 3 km east, and you'll be on Marlette Lake.

Carson City

Once you've done that, you have the choice of heading south and continuing your perimeter route, or stopping off in Carson City. If you're a fan of prehistoric fossils, we recommend the latter. Carson boasts an unpretentious but very well done museum, the Nevada State Museum, which exhibits giant fossils including a mammoth skeleton and an ichthyosaur, as well as over 300 minerals. You'll realise that Nevada is particularly rich in extraordinary prehistoric skeletons, which are still being discovered (250 million years ago, the Nevada desert was an ocean).

A gallery devoted to the region's Native Indians reminds us that the mountain and lake once belonged to them. For this diversion, you'll need to take Highway 50 to the east, at Slaughterhouse Canyon.

Carson City is also well endowed with casinos. So if you've got extra cash for your holiday, this is a good place to stop.

Stateline

Next, head to Stateline for a good night's rest.

In the morning, enjoy the hotel, its breakfast and its swimming pool. Then retrace your steps for another 5 km to Zephyr Cove.

Zephyr Cove

Here, you're still in Nevada. A place where you can relax and enjoy your favourite pastimes. As the town says: "Zephyr Cove Resort & Lake Tahoe Cruises has something for everyone and for all seasons! "That's Lake Tahoe in a nutshell! You'll be able to go speedboating, jet-skiing, parasailing and all the usual activities, including lounging.

That said, this spot also offers a refreshing diversion: a cruise on the lake aboard a paddle-steamer, similar to those found on the Mississippi. And it's free for children under 11 with Zephyr Cove Resort.

South Lake Tahoe

Once you've passed Stateline, 5 kilometres further south, still on Highway 50, you'll be back in California. Here, you may be drawn to South Lake Tahoe, which may remind you of Palm Beach. Temple of consumerism and luxury shops. Busy, and more tourists. The town has two huge casinos, and plenty of others on a more human scale. The beaches are fee-paying, and there's no shortage of places to have city-style fun. You can even get married in a wedding chapel.

Emerald Bay

To the south, Emerald Bay State Park is the jewel of the lake, with its cove enclosed by pine trees. Stop off at the various viewpoints to immortalise your trip. Don't miss any of them, especially Inspiration View Point. Nearby are some of the most beautiful beaches on the lake: Baldwin Beach, Kiva Beach and Pope Beach.

Head north to Sugar Pine Point State Park and the Tahoe National Forest. A region rich in scenery and hiking trails, set in a welcoming wilderness.