エスピンシャルの天然記念物・トップ13

Surrounded by dense forests and steep cliffs, Lake Pavin is distinguished by its deep blue waters that reflect the surrounding vegetation. This enchanting setting, accessible by a trail, combines perfectly with breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

A very beautiful, little-known lake

Renowned for its perfectly circular shape, Lake Chauvet is what we call a maar (lake of volcanic origin) typical of the region.

Rather rolling gravel track (there is a small part of bitumen in the middle) which offers a magnificent panorama of the summer pastures with the Monts du Cantal on the horizon. Access from the col de chamaroux is a little more technical in gravel but it is quite playable. The reward at the top is a postcard landscape!

A picnic table at the entrance to the hamlet, then overlooking the waterfall. You can access the waterfall on foot only, but there is a very nice view from above too.

The Motte de Brion is a castle mound. On this artificial hill are the remains of a castle protected by a moat. The enclosure is clearly demarcated. The lords who lived in these places between the 11th and 12th centuries were called Bréon. This feudal mound offers an exceptional panorama of the Bordes lake, the Sancy massif and the Cantal mountains.

Magnificent little lake where François Mitterrand went every year to taste the truffade.

Lake Pavin is a marvel, yet the name Pavin from which it comes means appalling. Its circular shape leaves no doubt as to its origin: a gigantic volcanic explosion. When we look at its calm waters, it is difficult to imagine how dreadful its creation some 6,900 years ago was. The explosion that formed it was indeed very violent: traces of this maar were found even in the sediments of Lake Geneva in Switzerland.