Lac Pavin
An almost perfectly round crater lake about 92 metres deep, with deep blue water. A lakeside trail takes about an hour. It is one of the most beautiful lakes in Auvergne.
Lac Pavin formed in a volcanic eruption about 7,000 years ago. It is about 750 metres across and covers roughly 44 hectares. Its water layers barely mix, and the deep water contains high concentrations of gas, which is why legends have long called it the "Lake of Terror." The lake is surrounded by beech forest. The gentle lakeside trail is about 3.5 km. You can have coffee at the lakeside restaurant or climb the Puy de Monchal volcano beside the lake (about 1 hour) for a view over the water. Swimming is prohibited, but you can rent boats and go fishing. The car park charges a fee and gets crowded on summer weekends. The lake is about 4 km from Besse and can be combined with Besse and the Chaudefour valley for a half-day route.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Besse-en-Chandesse
- Vallée de Chaudefour
- Puy de Sancy
- Lac Chambon
- Château de Murol
- Le Mont-Dore
- Grottes de Jonas
- Lac de Guéry