オリエールの湖・トップ9

This is undoubtedly the most beautiful lake in the heart of the Auvergne volcanoes. A magical atmosphere reigns here.

Lake Chambon was formed following the eruption of the Tartaret volcano. You can see the Tartaret, the Couze valley, and in the background, the Sancy massif.

an easy walk done out of season https://youtu.be/3TCmbiwuhhw?si=6mGavFVqqwFRZeYa

If you are looking for a scenic and relaxing bike ride in the heart of Auvergne, you can head to Lac d'Aydat. It is the largest natural lake in the region, formed by a volcanic dam. You can cycle around the lake on a well-marked trail that offers stunning views of the water and surrounding mountains. You can also enjoy lake activities, such as swimming, fishing, sailing or kayaking. Lake Aydat is an ideal destination for a day trip or weekend getaway.

There is a rest area at the lake and a small snack bar not far away.

The lake can be walked around, hiking trails branch off. We used the parking lot as a base for our hikes.

A creation of the Count of Montlosier, L'Étang de Montlosier is more of a landscape creation. It is artificially created by diversion of the Randanne which then bumps against the lava flow of the Puys de la Vache and Lassolas. The pond covers an area of nearly 1.5 hectares and has no apparent water outlet. This disappears, in fact, in the volcanic strata at the foot of the puys of Lassolas, La Vache, and Mercœur. After a political career spent abroad, François Dominique de Reynaud, Count of Montlosier, tired of political intrigues, retired to his land in Montlosier in 1816. It is a very poor land where agriculture is impossible. The count undertakes to make it possible by transforming the landscape, a work that will take him 22 years. Living with his son in a cottage, he first took care of housing the cattle. The castle will be built later, in 1820. Then, he takes care of clearing, restoring the soil, making hydraulic arrangements and finally cultivating. It goes without saying that the landscape is profoundly modified.

This atypical body of water is a volcanic dam lake created by a basaltic lava flow. This is the first of a long series that you will encounter on this GR 30. It is particularly impressive for the many views that we have of the Chaîne des Puys and the Sancy.