Top 7 Lakes around Saint-Genès-Champespe

The region offers a variety of unique natural features. For instance, Lac Chauvet is a perfectly circular maar, a lake of volcanic origin. You can also explore Entraygues Waterfalls and Lake, which features a beautiful lake alongside a series of waterfalls, with opportunities for swimming in the lower falls during summer. Additionally, Lac de Laspialade is a unique peat bog lake known for its interesting aquatic vegetation and protected species.

Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. Lac Chauvet, Lac de la Crégut, Lake du Tact, Lac de Lastioulles, and Entraygues Waterfalls and Lake are all considered family-friendly, offering diverse landscapes and activities for exploration.

The area around Saint-Genès-Champespe offers various hiking opportunities. For example, you can find trails around Lac de la Crégut, including a moderate 14.0 km loop that takes about 3 hours and 48 minutes, and an easier 5.2 km loop. There's also a 3.5-hour hiking loop from Saint-Genès-Champespe that leads to Lac de Laspialade. You can find more hiking options in the Hiking around Saint-Genès-Champespe guide.

Yes, swimming is possible in certain locations. Lac de Lastioulles is very popular for swimming, especially in hot weather. Additionally, at Entraygues Waterfalls and Lake, you can enjoy swimming in the lower waterfall during the summer.

Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Lac de Lastioulles is well-known for both swimming and fishing. For a more specialized experience, Lac de La Landie, though private, is a recognized spot for fly fishing enthusiasts.

The lakes are generally enjoyable throughout the warmer months, from spring to autumn, when outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and fishing are most pleasant. Summer is particularly popular for swimming at spots like Lac de Lastioulles and Entraygues Waterfalls.

The region offers various cycling routes. You can find road cycling options like the 'Lac de Lastioulles – Lakes Route loop' or the 'Lac de la Crégut – Lac de Lastioulles loop'. For general cycling, there are routes such as the 'Gorges de la Rhue – Lac de Lastioulles loop'. More details can be found in the Road Cycling Routes around Saint-Genès-Champespe guide and the Cycling around Saint-Genès-Champespe guide.

Lac de la Crégut is the largest natural lake of glacial origin in the Massif Central. It offers magnificent views of the Monts du Cantal and is part of the GR30 Auvergne's lakes tour. It's also integrated into a system of reservoirs supplying the Rhue hydroelectric power station.

Yes, Lake du Tact is an artificial lake that flows into Lac de la Crégut via a weir. Both are part of a larger system of reservoirs designed to supply water to the Rhue hydroelectric power station, near the Bort dam.

Visitors appreciate the diverse landscapes, from volcanic maars to peat bog lakes and waterfalls. The area is a haven for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and fishermen. Many enjoy the impressive views, the tranquility, and the variety of outdoor activities available, including swimming in the lower waterfalls or popular lakes like Lac de Lastioulles.

Yes, Lac de Laspialade is particularly significant. It is a unique peat bog lake situated on the Artense crystalline plateau, known for its interesting aquatic vegetation and amphibian formations. It hosts 8 protected species and one species on the regional red list, making it an important ecological site in Auvergne.