Lac du Bouchet, Volcanic crater lake in Cayres, France.
Located at an elevation of 1,208 meters, this circular lake extends over 44 hectares and reaches depths of up to 28 meters.
The formation of this crater lake dates back millions of years when volcanic activity shaped the entire Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region landscape.
The lake received recognition as a listed monument in 1950, reflecting its importance to the natural heritage of the Haute-Loire department.
The site features a supervised swimming area, hiking trails, boat rentals, and a restaurant serving local specialties on the northern shore.
During winter months, the surface of the lake freezes completely, transforming the volcanic crater into a natural ice rink surrounded by forest.
Location: Cayres
Address: Lac du Bouchet, 43510, France 43510
Website: https://hauteloire.fr/Le-lac-du-Bouchet.html
GPS coordinates: 44.90898,3.79034
Latest update: June 30, 2025 15:42
The lakes of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes showcase remarkable geological diversity. The natural glacial lakes such as Bourget and Annecy contrast with the deep volcanic lakes of Pavin and Bouchet. The artificial lakes of Serre-Ponçon and Monteynard complete this hydrographic network. This region includes high-altitude lakes in the Alps and the Massif Central, plains water bodies, and hydropower dam reservoirs.
Cascade de la Beaume
8.8 km
Château de Beaufort
10.3 km
Viaduc de Chapeauroux
8.9 km
Condate
8.8 km
Château du Fort
11.5 km
Église Saint-Pierre de Cayres
2.3 km
Église Sainte-Foy de Bains
11.2 km
Église de Saint-Christophe-sur-Dolaizon
10.2 km
Croix de Ramourouscle
8.5 km
Église Saint-Félix de Landos
7.9 km
Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Saint-Jean-Lachalm
7.7 km
Église Saint-Haon de Saint-Haon
7.4 km
Plage
360 m
Église Saint-Martin d'Alleyras
8.6 km
Église de la Nativité-de-la-Sainte-Vierge de Saint-Martin-de-Fugères
11.4 km
Église Saint-Martin, Le Brignon
7.7 km
Église Saint-Bruno de Saint-Vénérand
9.8 km
Chapelle Saint-Roch de Montbonnet
9.2 km
Église Saint-Joseph de Costaros
5 km
Église Sainte-Anne de Séneujols
5.6 km
Église Saint-Jacques de Saint-Christophe-d'Allier
9 km
Chapelle Saint-Amant de Cayres
3.4 km
Cayres - Ferme Arnaud
3.3 km
Église de l'Assomption de Rauret
10.1 km
Église de l'Immaculée Conception d'Ussel
7.5 km
Paradis Kid's
1.8 km
Rauret war memorial
10.1 km
Château de Saint-Didier-d'Allier
10.3 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes