Lac de Viam, Artificial lake in Corrèze (France)

Lac de Viam is a 183-hectare artificial reservoir in the Corrèze, shared between the communes of Viam and Saint-Hilaire-les-Courbes and fed by the Vézère. It lies at 663 metres altitude, stretches 4.5 km long and 150 to 800 metres wide, and holds 20.5 million cubic metres of water behind the Monceaux la Virolle dam. A leisure base sits on the west shore south of Viam village.

The lake was created in 1946 when the Monceaux la Virolle dam was built on the Vézère river to produce electricity. When the area flooded, a triangular island formed and remains part of the landscape today, distinguishing this site from natural lakes.

The lake takes its name from Viam, the commune that holds most of its water; the smaller share lies in Saint-Hilaire-les-Courbes. A leisure base sits on the west shore south of the village, and an 18 km waymarked path circles the water with ten explanatory panels, following part of the GR 440B long-distance route.

The lake is best explored on foot or by bike using well-marked trails with plenty of space for walking or riding around the water. Visitors find parking areas, swimming spots, fishing access, and picnic zones along the shores, with shops and restaurants near the village of Viam.

The lake's name comes from Viam, the commune that holds most of its 183 hectares; Saint-Hilaire-les-Courbes accounts for only about fifteen. Fed by the Vézère and some ten streams, including those of the Chèvre and the Salamanière, it holds 20.5 million cubic metres of water.