Best lakes around Saint-Marc-À-Loubaud include Lac de Lavaud Gelade, a significant artificial lake spanning 300 hectares within the Millevaches Regional Nature Park. This area is recognized as a Natura 2000 zone, highlighting its ecological importance and diverse landscape. While Lac de Vassivière is a larger regional lake, Lac de Lavaud Gelade offers a wild and preserved environment for nature enthusiasts. The region features a mix of meadows, forests, wetlands, and peat bogs.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
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The Vassivière Lake Tour, near Châteaucourt, is a scenic and peaceful route. The loop around the lake offers stunning views of the water, surrounded by forests and hills. As you cycle along the well-maintained roads, you will discover beautiful natural scenery, making it a perfect mix of relaxation and exercise.
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During a mountain bike ride in the middle of the Limousin hills, it is pleasant to stop on the banks of this imposing dam lake to admire its calm waters.
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after 90km on the Tour de la Creuse a swim in the lake in the evening at the campsite is a plus
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Superb site, one of the largest artificial lakes in France
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Magnificent view of the whole area from the top of the lighthouse!
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Artificial lake of 45 hectares created on Dorat. Its specificity is its multiple-arch dam, very original and rare (2 examples in Europe). Night carp fishing site. source: https://www.tourisme-creuse.com/
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This dam was built between 1847 and 1851 and is actually one of only two examples of this type of dam built in Europe. Today, he offers you the opportunity to enjoy your run around the lake he created.
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The Château de Vassivière is next to the International Center for Art and Landscape, built by the architects Aldo Rossi and Xavier Fabre. The building is rarely visited but is visible from the outside, where we discover many contemporary sculptures.
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Lac de Lavaud Gelade is an artificial lake spanning 300 hectares, nestled within the Millevaches Regional Nature Park. It's known for its wild and preserved environment, offering diverse landscapes including meadows, forests, wetlands, and peat bogs. The lake is also classified as a Natura 2000 zone, highlighting its ecological importance and remarkable flora and fauna.
Yes, Lac de Lavaud Gelade is particularly popular for fishing, boasting a high density of white fish, predators like pike, perch, and zander, and cyprinids. Ten designated spots are available for night carp fishing. Navigation is permitted but regulated, allowing thermal, electric, and float-tube engines. For more details on fishing regulations, you can visit tourisme-creuse.com.
The lakes around Saint-Marc-À-Loubaud offer a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, running, cycling, and gravel biking. For example, there are numerous running trails, including loops around Lake Vassivière, and cycling routes like the 'Tour of Lac de Lavaud Gelade'. You can find more details on these activities in our guides for Running Trails around Saint-Marc-À-Loubaud, Gravel biking around Saint-Marc-À-Loubaud, and Cycling around Saint-Marc-À-Loubaud.
Absolutely. Lake Vassivière is known for being family-friendly, with developed banks, campsites, and restaurants. The Nergout Beach on Lake Vassivière is a great option, offering supervised swimming and a small snack restaurant nearby, along with a picnic area.
Yes, swimming is a proposed activity at Lac de Lavaud Gelade, and supervised swimming is available at Nergout Beach on Lake Vassivière. These spots provide refreshing opportunities to enjoy the water.
Near Lake Vassivière, you can visit the Castle on Vassivière Island and International Center for Art and Landscape. This site features contemporary sculptures and offers views from its lighthouse, combining history with modern art.
The best time to visit generally depends on your preferred activities. For swimming and water sports, the warmer summer months are ideal. For hiking, cycling, and enjoying the natural scenery, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful landscapes. Winter can also be appealing for a tranquil experience, though some facilities might be closed.
Yes, particularly around Lake Vassivière, you'll find several campsites and restaurants on its developed banks. Nergout Beach also has a small snack restaurant nearby.
The region, especially around Lac de Lavaud Gelade, is rich in biodiversity. As a Natura 2000 zone, it's home to remarkable flora and fauna. Visitors can observe various species adapted to the diverse habitats of meadows, moors, forests, wetlands, and peat bogs. Birdwatching is particularly rewarding.
Yes, a dedicated hiking trail encircles Lac de Lavaud Gelade, providing excellent opportunities to explore its green and watery settings and enjoy the wild, preserved environment.
Visitors frequently appreciate the tranquil and natural beauty of the lakes. Many enjoy the opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, as well as the peaceful atmosphere for fishing. The sheer size and natural setting of lakes like Lake Vassivière and the unspoiled nature of Lac de Lavaud Gelade are often highlighted.


Still not found your perfect lake around Saint-Marc-À-Loubaud? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.