The 5 most beautiful lakes to discover in Auvergne

First and foremost, the Auvergne, known for its natural wealth and numerous volcanoes, never fails to amaze the eyes of its visitors every year. Today, we've put together a selection of the most beautiful Auvergne lakes not to be missed during your visit to this beautiful region.

Are you ready? Here we go!

1) Lac de Montcineyre

This lake of volcanic origin, located in the commune of Copains in the department of Puy-de-Dôme, is a veritable natural paradise.
It lies at an altitude of 1182 m and is distinguished by its crescent shape. With a surface area of 40 hectares and a depth of 18 metres, this magnificent lake is protected and classified as a natural site.

Also, unfortunately, you can only touch it with your eyes. Swimming is strictly forbidden in Lac de Montcineyre. Indeed, the lake acts as a drinking water reserve for the Issoire region and certain communes of Clermont-Ferrand.

Visiting this lake will offer you a breathtaking view and a sublime panorama of the Massif du Sancy!

2) Lac Pavin

Lac Pavin at Besse-Et-Saint-Anastaise in the Puy-de-Dôme region is a lake as magnificent as it is special.

Located at an altitude of 1197 meters, with a surface area of 44 hectares and depths of up to 92 meters, it is the youngest crater lake in mainland France. Forming an almost perfect circle, this lake came into being in a most fascinating way. It was created by a volcanic eruption between the volcano's magma and groundwater. The crater created by the explosion then filled with water, forming Lac Pavin.

And Lac Pavin never ceases to intrigue. It has a feature that is unique in France. It's a "meromictic" lake. In other words, the lake is made up of two different, superimposed layers of water.

Lac Pavin is a place not to be missed when visiting the Auvergne region. For example, you can stroll around the lake, go pedal-boating or try your hand at trout fishing. Swimming is not permitted.

3) Lac du Guéry

For this third lake, we present Lac du Guéry, the highest lake in Auvergne. Situated in the Monts Dore in the Puy-de -Dôme département, it's located at an altitude of 1250 metres. This volcanic lake offers superb scenery over the entire Chaîne des Puys and the Massif du Sancy.

This site will provide you with lovely walks to enjoy alone or with others. Also, for fishing enthusiasts, the Lac du Guéry is a good spot for you (trout, salmon, carp, roach...). As a result, swimming and canoeing are strictly forbidden at the Lac du Guéry.

4) Lake Servières

For this 4th location, we bring you Lac de Servières. Located in the commune of Orcival on the Monts Dore range in the Puy-De -Dôme department. This volcanic lake, formed in the crater of an ancient volcano, lies at an altitude of 1202 metres. In fact, this fascinating place of creation and beauty has been awarded the "Espace Naturel Sensible" label.

Lac de Servières boasts crystal-clear water, making it first and foremost a popular spot for anglers. There are also some lovely walks to be discovered in the area, all around the lake, in the fir forests that surround it.

5) Blue Lake

Finally, for this last lake, we're off to the commune of Champclause in the Haute-Loire département. Small in area, this lake is sure to amaze you with its turquoise-blue water. This turquoise blue is linked to the volcanic rocks nestling at the bottom of the lake. This small lake is home to an incredible landscape. Surrounded by greenery and rocky outcrops, the lake is a must-see in the Auvergne region.

BONUS... Lac Chambon

Finally, we couldn't end this TOP list of Auvergne's most beautiful lakes without mentioning Lac Chambon!

This lake of volcanic origin is located in the Monts Dore, in the Puy de Dôme department.
Located at an altitude of 875 meters, it offers magnificent scenery from its sandy beach.

Besides, you have the option of walking or cycling around Lac Chambon to enjoy beautiful family strolls.

Also, many cultural, fun, relaxing, nautical... activities can be enjoyed on the site. It's the ideal place for a family vacation.

The lake beach is directly accessible from the Domaine du Lac campsite.

This is a place not to be missed when you're in Auvergne!

As you can see, the Auvergne is full of natural treasures to discover.

In order to preserve these natural environments, you can be active and think about nature by respecting hiking trails, for example, but also by not leaving any litter after your passage.

Breathe, you're in the green!