Chambon lake, Volcanic lake in Chambon-sur-Lac, France

Chambon Lake is a volcanic lake in the Monts Dore, formed when the Tartaret volcano blocked the Couze Chambon river. It lies at 875 m, covers 60 hectares, and is only 4 m deep. Its shores are indented except for two beaches developed for swimming and water sports, and it is mainly in Chambon-sur-Lac, with its south-eastern part in Murol.

Lac Chambon owes its existence to the Tartaret volcano, whose lava flow blocked the bed of the Couze Chambon and dammed the valley. The resulting basin is shallow, about 4 m deep, and covers 60 hectares at an altitude of 875 m. The lake lies mainly in Chambon-sur-Lac, with its south-eastern shore in Murol.

The lake's name comes from the Couze Chambon, the river whose bed was blocked by the Tartaret volcano. Above the northern shore rises the rock spur called Saut de la Pucelle, a remnant of the Dent du Marais volcano; a legend tells of a shepherdess who jumped from its roughly 100 m height to escape a lord and landed unharmed, then fell to her death when she tried again before disbelieving villagers.

The lake has several facilities including monitored beaches, boat rentals, and picnic areas that are mainly available during summer months. Visitors should plan to swim between June and September when water conditions are most comfortable.

The lake was created when the Tartaret volcano blocked the Couze Chambon river, and it is only 4 m deep. North of the lake stands the Saut de la Pucelle, a rocky spur about 100 m high, the remnant of the Dent du Marais volcano. A legend says a young shepherdess jumped from it to escape a lord and landed unharmed.