Vassivière Lake

Vassivière Lake is an artificial reservoir spreading across the Haute-Vienne and Creuse departments within the Millevaches Regional Nature Park. The water surface sits at 650 meters elevation, surrounded by wooded hills and moorland, with an island in the center connected to the shore by a causeway.

Électricité de France built the reservoir between 1947 and 1950 to meet the rising electricity demand after World War II. The hydroelectric plant uses a system of dams and canals to generate power while also securing the region's water supply.

The International Center for Art and Landscape on Vassiviere Island presents contemporary art exhibitions and maintains an outdoor sculpture park within a conifer forest.

Five monitored beaches allow swimming during the summer months, while a marina offers water sports such as sailing and kayaking. A 30-kilometer trail runs around the shoreline and suits hiking or cycling, with several access points and rest areas along the route.

The island hosts the International Center for Art and Landscape, which presents contemporary exhibitions and maintains an outdoor sculpture park within a conifer forest. Some of the artworks were created by artists who worked on site during residencies at the lake.

Location: Beaumont-du-Lac

Location: Peyrat-le-Château

Location: Royère-de-Vassivière

Location: Faux-la-Montagne

Inception: 1950

Elevation above the sea: 648 m

Website: http://vassiviere.com

GPS coordinates: 45.79255,1.88597

Latest update: December 14, 2025 21:00