4.4
(265)
1,810
hikers
12
hikes
Hiking around Lac De Bort-Les-Orgues features diverse natural landscapes, including the vast artificial lake formed by the Bort-les-Orgues Dam on the Dordogne River. The region is characterized by unique geological formations like Les Orgues de Bort, striking basalt columns that offer panoramic views of the Dordogne valley and the Auvergne mountains. Trails often traverse varied terrain, from lakeside paths to routes with elevation gains, providing views of the Massif Central. The area's natural features, such as the Dordogne Gorges and…
Last updated: May 12, 2026
4.8
(17)
207
hikers
6.30km
01:43
90m
90m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(13)
197
hikers
5.58km
01:31
80m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.8
(10)
35
hikers
5.12km
01:26
100m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(4)
31
hikers
2.76km
00:46
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
11
hikers
11.1km
03:08
230m
230m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Beautiful castle, close for the siesta
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The castle, which once dominated the Dordogne valley from a rocky outcrop, has stood since 1952 on a headland that juts out into the Barrage de Bort-les-Orgues reservoir. The original character of the castle can only be guessed at when the water level is low. The multi-storey building is surrounded by five towers of roughly the same thickness and one thinner one, each with overhangs and conical roofs. The individual floors are connected by a spiral staircase in the vestibule. The inner courtyard was originally roofless. The first floor consists of three large rooms with decorated fireplaces from the mid-19th century and various furniture. An art exhibition with works by painters, mostly from the region, takes place every year on the second floor. The artistically crafted roof trusses of the towers can be seen from the battlement on the top floor. Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schloss_Val
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Wikipedia has information about the dam: FR: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barrage_de_Bort-les-Orgues DE: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barrage_de_Bort-les-Orgues
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The Bort dam is a structure 120 meters high and 390 meters long, straddling the municipalities of Bort and Lanobre, and creating a reservoir of more than 10 km2. Built between 1942 and 1952, it was then a veritable concrete juggernaut and today it remains one of the largest dams in France (and still the third in mainland France if we look at the quantity of water retained by a concrete construction). It is also the first and largest reservoir in the hydroelectric system of the Dordogne valley.
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The Bort dam is a structure 120m high and 390m long, straddling the municipalities of Bort and Lanobre, and creating a reservoir of more than 10 km2. Built between 1942 and 1952, it was then a veritable behemoth of concrete and it remains today one of the largest dams in France (and even still the third largest in mainland France if we look at the quantity of water retained by a construction of concrete). It is also the first and largest reservoir of the hydroelectric system in the Dordogne valley.
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Pleasant path on the Cantal banks of the dam. Possibility to make a short loop from the castle going up on the Monteil or to extend to the Siauve for a longer loop.
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Small supervised family beach, very clean water with the possibility of eating in a nice atmosphere
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There are over 10 hiking routes available around Lac De Bort-Les-Orgues, catering to various preferences. The komoot community has explored more than 1600 tours in the area.
The terrain around Lac De Bort-Les-Orgues is diverse. You'll find easy lakeside paths, routes with moderate elevation gains offering panoramic views, and trails that traverse varied landscapes including forests and geological formations like Les Orgues de Bort. The region is characterized by the Dordogne valley and the Auvergne mountains.
The region is enjoyable for hiking across multiple seasons. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer is also popular, especially with the lake providing opportunities for water sports and relaxation after a hike. Winter hikes are possible, though some paths might be more challenging depending on conditions.
Yes, several significant landmarks are accessible via hiking trails. You can visit the striking basalt columns of Les Orgues de Bort, the historic Val Castle which appears to float on the lake, and the impressive Bort-les-Orgues Dam. The Confluence of the Dordogne and the Arpiat is another natural point of interest.
Yes, the region features the picturesque Saut de la Saule waterfall on the Rhue River, a tributary of the Dordogne. Some trails may offer views or access to this natural attraction, providing scenic spots for exploration.
Absolutely. Many trails lead to breathtaking viewpoints. Les Orgues de Bort themselves offer panoramic views of the Dordogne valley and the Auvergne mountains. Other notable viewpoints include Site du Mont, Vie viewpoint, and Saint-Nazaire, providing expansive vistas of the lake, surrounding mountains, and Château de Val.
The trails in Lac De Bort-Les-Orgues are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 240 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse natural landscapes, the stunning views of the lake and geological formations, and the variety of routes suitable for different skill levels.
Yes, there are several easy walks perfect for families. Routes like the Siauve Beach – Val Castle loop from La Dordogne (3.9 miles) or the Val Castle loop from Château de Val (2 miles) offer gentle terrain and beautiful scenery, ideal for all ages.
Generally, dogs are welcome on most hiking trails in the Lac De Bort-Les-Orgues region, especially if kept on a leash. However, it's always advisable to check local signage or specific park regulations for any restrictions, particularly in nature reserves or protected areas.
Yes, many of the trails around Lac De Bort-Les-Orgues are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Siauve Beach loop from Beaulieu and the Val Castle loop from Beaulieu, which offer convenient exploration of the area's highlights.
While there are no routes classified as 'difficult' in our current selection, there are several moderate trails that offer more challenge than the easy lakeside strolls. For instance, the Val Castle – Siauve Beach loop from Beaulieu is a moderate 5.1-mile path with varied terrain and greater elevation changes, providing a more strenuous experience.
While the region is best explored by car for flexibility, some local bus services might connect to the main towns around Lac De Bort-Les-Orgues. However, direct public transport access to specific trailheads can be limited. It's recommended to check local transport schedules in advance if relying on public options.
Parking is generally available at popular starting points for trails, such as near Siauve Beach, Château de Val, and in the town of Bort-les-Orgues. Look for designated parking areas near beaches, attractions, or trailheads. Some smaller, less frequented trails might have limited parking.


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