Best lakes in Livradois-Forez are nestled within the Livradois-Forez Regional Natural Park in Auvergne, France. This region features a collection of natural lakes and artificial lakes, known as *plans d'eau*, set within lush green landscapes. These bodies of water offer diverse opportunities for outdoor activities and provide serene natural settings. The area is characterized by its clean waters and leisure centers, making it suitable for various pursuits.
Last updated: July 14, 2026
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Hiking in Livradois-Forez
Touring Lake Aubusson is always a moment of timeless pleasure. The succession of refreshing undergrowth and magnificent viewpoints is simply a treat. The maintenance is always impeccable, the path is without difficulties. Accessible by mountain bike. 100% recommended! ! ! !
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Great water point to cool off in the summer, swimming is often supervised. Take a look at the lifeguard cabin to check if the water is swimmable; during high temperatures bacteria can develop there. For more advice, follow us on Komoot or Instagram @chouchou_team
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The Prades lake is a designated green resort. It features two beaches and offers a wide range of activities, including lovely hikes in the surrounding area.
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Lake Aubusson is a beautiful lake in the Auvergne region of France, surrounded by forests and hills. It is a very popular destination. You won't regret stopping and spending some time there.
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Built in the late 1940s on the Stream of Hell, this dam rises to 1,196 meters next to the pass of the same name. This location offers an ideal setting for a walk or for fishing.
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With the possibility of swimming and enjoying a beach, this could be the ideal place to have lunch during your hike.
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Lac de Malaguet is an artificial lake created and exploited by man since the Middle Ages. Today it is a Regional Nature Reserve.
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The northern shore of the lake is landscaped while the rest of the lake, which can be walked around, allows you to enjoy nature.
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The Livradois-Forez region offers several excellent spots for swimming and water activities. Plan d'Eau des Prades is a designated green resort with two beaches, supervised swimming (July-August), and activities like paddleboarding and pedal boating. Lake Aubusson, a 'Pavillon Bleu' certified lake, also offers supervised swimming (mid-June to late August) and water sports like canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding. Saint-Anthème Lake provides supervised swimming in July and August, along with pedal boating and canoeing. Noirétable Lake is another great option for cooling off, often with supervised swimming.
Yes, several lakes in Livradois-Forez are ideal for families. Plan d'Eau des Prades is highly recommended, featuring a recreational swimming pool, playgrounds, and tree-top adventure courses. Lake Aubusson has extensive children's playgrounds, along with various sports facilities. Saint-Anthème Lake offers new playgrounds and mini-golf, while Cunlhat Lake provides playground equipment and BMX facilities, making them all great choices for a family day out.
The lakes in Livradois-Forez are surrounded by diverse hiking opportunities. For example, the area around Plan d'Eau des Prades offers lovely hikes. Saint-Anthème Lake is a starting point for numerous hiking and mountain biking trails. You can find a variety of routes, from easy walks like the 'Tour of Lake Malaguet Trail' to more challenging options. For more detailed routes, explore the Running Trails in Livradois-Forez guide, which includes several trails near the lakes.
Absolutely! The Livradois-Forez region is excellent for mountain biking, with many trails accessible from the lake areas. Saint-Anthème Lake, for instance, provides access to numerous mountain biking trails. You can find a range of routes, including challenging ones like 'Circuit n°31, Pierre Folle – boucle au départ de Saint-Rémy-sur-Durolle'. For a comprehensive list of trails, check out the MTB Trails in Livradois-Forez guide.
Yes, the lakes are often nestled in beautiful natural settings. Lake Aubusson is surrounded by forests and hills, offering magnificent viewpoints. Saint-Anthème Lake is set in a preserved natural environment with mountain views. The Pradeaux dam, situated at an elevation of 1,196 meters, provides an ideal setting for walks amidst pure nature and offers scenic vistas.
The larger lake leisure bases in Livradois-Forez are well-equipped. Plan d'Eau des Prades boasts a 4-star campsite, holiday village, restaurants, and a wellness center, in addition to its nautical base. Lake Aubusson offers a nautical base, picnic tables, and collective barbecues. Cunlhat Lake has tennis courts and fitness equipment stations. These facilities ensure a comfortable and enjoyable visit.
Yes, fishing is a popular activity at several lakes in the region. Fishing is permitted at Lake Aubusson. Cunlhat Lake is particularly noted for its fishing opportunities, with species such as carp, roach, tench, pike, and rainbow trout present. The Pradeaux dam also offers an ideal setting for fishing.
Plan d'Eau des Prades is a significant tourist hub, recognized with 'Pavillon Bleu,' 'Station Verte,' and 'Tourisme & Handicap' labels for its environmental quality, green tourism, and accessibility. It features two developed beaches, a recreational swimming pool, a nautical base, and a wide array of activities including tennis, paddleboarding, and tree-top adventure courses. Its extensive facilities make it ideal for a comprehensive leisure experience.
Lake Aubusson is a very popular 28-hectare lake within the Livradois-Forez region, known for its high environmental quality, marked by its 'Pavillon Bleu' label since 2020. It's surrounded by forests and hills, offering over 100 hectares of green space. Visitors particularly enjoy the refreshing undergrowth and magnificent viewpoints around the lake, with well-maintained paths accessible even by mountain bike.
While many lakes offer extensive leisure facilities, some provide a more peaceful environment. Cunlhat Lake, though smaller, offers a charming and tranquil setting, popular for its scenic beauty and fishing. The Pradeaux dam, a reservoir at 1,196 meters, is appreciated for its pure nature and less crowded atmosphere, making it ideal for quiet walks and fishing.
Visitors consistently praise the natural beauty and diverse activities available. Many highlight the 'timeless pleasure' of touring lakes like Lake Aubusson, with its refreshing undergrowth and magnificent viewpoints. The well-maintained paths and accessibility are frequently mentioned. The opportunity to cool off in clean waters, often with supervised swimming, is also a big draw, especially at places like Noirétable Lake.
Yes, you can find additional information about Plan d'Eau des Prades, including details about its facilities and activities, on the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes tourism website. You can access a PDF guide here: Plan d'Eau des Prades Information.

