Top 9 Lakes around Saint-Donat

Surrounded by dense forests and steep cliffs, Lake Pavin is distinguished by its deep blue waters that reflect the surrounding vegetation. This enchanting setting, accessible by a trail, combines perfectly with breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

A very beautiful, little-known lake

Unobstructed view of Lake Lastouille, which is very popular for swimming and fishing. It is entirely bordered by forests and summer pastures and is one of the largest water reservoirs in the Dordogne basin. Absolutely perfect for a dip in hot weather!

Magnificent little lake where François Mitterrand went every year to taste the truffade.

Lake Pavin is a marvel, yet the name Pavin from which it comes means appalling. Its circular shape leaves no doubt as to its origin: a gigantic volcanic explosion. When we look at its calm waters, it is difficult to imagine how dreadful its creation some 6,900 years ago was. The explosion that formed it was indeed very violent: traces of this maar were found even in the sediments of Lake Geneva in Switzerland.

In one of my old hiking diaries, I wrote about Lac Chauvet: “At the end of the afternoon, my feet soak in the soft and cool waters of Lac Chauvet. Impressive in its strict circularity, the lake is the culmination of a maar; in other words, the meeting underground of a magma and a water table. As a good soloist, I try to observe the rare movements of the lake which could betray the presence of fish. According to the signs planted near the one and only pontoon of the body of water, trout, carp and even salmon would have taken up residence there”.

Lac de la Crégut is the largest natural lake of glacial origin in the Massif Central. From its banks, you can enjoy magnificent views of the Monts du Cantal and the surrounding lakes. It is now part of a whole system of reservoirs that supply water to the Rhue hydroelectric power station, at the Bort dam.

Lac Pavin is one of the emblems of Sancy. Its depth reaches almost 100 meters and its circular shape attests to its explosive volcanic origin. With its dark and mysterious waters, it is the subject of many legends. Due to its volcanic nature and its meromictic character (the surface waters do not mix with the waters of the depths themselves loaded with toxic gas), it has also long been the subject of numerous studies and scientific hypotheses which can sometimes explain the legends.