Lac d'Aydat, Natural volcanic lake in Aydat, France.
Description
Lac d'Aydat is a natural lake formed by volcanic activity, situated at about 837 meters elevation and reaching depths of roughly 15 meters. A small island called Île de Saint-Sidoine sits in the middle of the roughly 65-hectare water body.
History
The lake formed roughly 8,500 years ago when lava flows from the Puy de la Vache and Puy de Lassolas volcanoes blocked a river, trapping water behind the cooled lava. This volcanic origin tells the geological story of the Auvergne region.
Culture
The lake takes its name from Saint Sidonius Apollinaris, a fifth-century bishop and senator who once held property here. This historical connection shapes how local people and visitors understand the place today.
Practical
Visitors can swim at a supervised beach area or take advantage of sailing lessons at the on-site water sports school. Fishing is permitted with the proper license during the open season from March through December.
Did you know?
A wooden boardwalk at the mouth of the La Veyre River allows visitors to observe local wildlife and witness the wetland's natural water filtration in action. Many visitors miss this hidden corner, which reveals how the lake's ecology works beyond just swimming and sailing.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Aydat).
The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes area has lakes from very different beginnings. Large lakes that formed from glaciers, like Lake Bourget or Lake Annecy, appeared after the glaciers in the Alps melted. They have deep water surrounded by mountains. In the Massif Central, volcanic lakes sit in old craters,...
Puy de la Vache
4.9 km
Puy de Lassolas
5.6 km
Puy de Vichatel
3 km
Mount Redon
3.9 km
Puy de l'Enfer
4.6 km
Dolmen de la Grotte
4.8 km
Puy de Charmont
2.4 km
Puy de la Combregrasse
2.9 km
Puy de la Toupe
3.8 km
Puy de Monténard
5.1 km
Église Saint-Sidoine d'Aydat
842 m
Puy de Montchal, Aydat
4.5 km
Menhir de Pierre Longue
1.9 km
Puy de la Rodde
2.2 kmPuy de Montjuger
5.6 km
Puy de la Mey
5.4 km
Puy de Montgy
5.7 km
Église de l'Assomption de Saulzet-le-Froid
5.7 km
Église Saint-Julien de Fohet
2.8 km
Église Saint-Pierre de Cournols
4.2 km
Église Notre-Dame d'Auvergne de Ponteix
3.1 km
Narse d'Espinasse
4.7 km
Église Saint-Jacques de Rouillat-Bas
1.9 km
Croix de la Ribeyre
2.6 km
Église de l'Assomption de Nadaillat
4.8 km
Fontaine-calvaire de Ponteix
3.1 km
Château de Montlosier
4.3 km
Croix de cimetière de Fohet
3.1 kmDiscover 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