
Lac d'Aydat
A beautiful volcanic dam lake in Auvergne, perfect for swimming, windsurfing, kayaking, and family fun with a beach and pedal boat rentals.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters, fewer crowds

Lac d'Aydat
Best Time
Calm waters, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautiful volcanic dam lake in Auvergne, perfect for swimming, windsurfing, kayaking, and family fun with a beach and pedal boat rentals.
"A great place for a picnic and to chill by the lake, offering a peaceful and agreeable atmosphere."

Pack for Muddy Trails
Wear sturdy shoes as paths can get muddy after rain. :athletic_shoe:
Book Water Sports Early
Rentals like pedal boats and kayaks can fill up fast in summer. :ticket:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pedal Boat Adventures
Lac d'Aydat
Glide across the water on a pedal boat, a fun and relaxing way to explore the lake's surface.

Windsurfing & Kayaking
Lac d'Aydat
Catch the breeze for windsurfing or paddle your way through the calm waters of this natural lake.

Lakeside Beach & Picnics
Lac d'Aydat
Relax on the sandy beach, perfect for sunbathing or enjoying a picnic with family and friends.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time for Water Activities
Footwear for Lakeside Trails
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack for Muddy Trails
Wear sturdy shoes as paths can get muddy after rain. :athletic_shoe:
Book Water Sports Early
Rentals like pedal boats and kayaks can fill up fast in summer. :ticket:
Picnic Paradise
Bring your own food for a delightful picnic by the lake. :forkandknife:
Family-Friendly Fun
Great playgrounds and a marked swimming area make it ideal for kids. :child:
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack for Muddy Trails
Wear sturdy shoes as paths can get muddy after rain. :athletic_shoe:
Book Water Sports Early
Rentals like pedal boats and kayaks can fill up fast in summer. :ticket:
Picnic Paradise
Bring your own food for a delightful picnic by the lake. :forkandknife:
Family-Friendly Fun
Great playgrounds and a marked swimming area make it ideal for kids. :child:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Lac d'Aydat for its clean, pleasant environment, ample free parking, and family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and a marked swimming area. It's considered a great place for picnics and relaxing by the water, offering a peaceful atmosphere.
"20.04.2019
Nice lake. Nice and clean around. Enough free parking spaces. Playgrounds for the kids. Wonderful.
I found only one barbecue space. I am not sure there are anymore some other side. I was expecting path around the lake for walking but not sure they have or not. May be no! May be, there is no supermarket around either.
However it's a great place anyway. We taken our food from home and the place was agreeable to have the food together."
Sarowar Hossain
"Pretty lake, pleasant to walk around it, within a good hour or hour and a half. The path gets muddy after rain so wear suitable shoes. The route around is quite varied, and heads up and down some dirt paths, along wooden planks and in some roads. There are also options of swimming and boating, as well as a small beach, and picnic areas. Peaceful, calm area, with just noise from cars, camping areas and boaters. There are a couple small cafés/bistros. Public toilets available on both sides of the lake."
Marie Holm, PhD
"Love to chill a bit by the lake."
M & M
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lac d'Aydat is conveniently located about 30 minutes from Clermont-Ferrand by car. There are also public transport options, though driving offers more flexibility for exploring the area.
Yes, there are usually enough free parking spaces available around the lake, especially outside of peak hours.
There is a path around the lake, but it's not a continuous, well-maintained trail everywhere. Some sections can be muddy after rain, so wear appropriate footwear.
While there are a couple of small cafes/bistros, you might need to travel a short distance to find a full supermarket. It's recommended to bring your food from home.
Public toilets are available on both sides of the lake, which is convenient for visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Lac d'Aydat is a natural lake and generally free to access. There may be charges for specific activities or rentals.
The lake is accessible year-round, but water sports and rental facilities typically operate during daylight hours, especially in the summer season.
It's highly recommended to book water sports and rentals, such as kayaking or pedal boats, in advance, especially during the busy summer months to avoid disappointment.
Yes, there is a nice marked swimming area, making it safe and enjoyable for visitors to cool off.
There is at least one designated barbecue space, but it's advisable to check if there are others or if reservations are needed.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy a variety of water activities including windsurfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and catamaran sailing. New activities like e-foiling are also becoming available.
Yes, there are playgrounds available, making it a great spot for families with young children.
For a unique experience, try pedal boating on the lake. You can also rent kayaks or paddleboards to explore at your own pace.
Absolutely! Lac d'Aydat is a perfect destination for a day trip, offering swimming, water sports, picnicking, and relaxation.
Expect a beautiful volcanic dam lake surrounded by nature, offering a peaceful and picturesque setting for outdoor activities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are a couple of small cafes and bistros located near the lake, offering refreshments and light meals.
Yes, the lake has pleasant grassy areas perfect for picnics. Many visitors bring their own food to enjoy by the water.
The cafes offer casual dining, and the picnic areas are ideal for families to enjoy a meal together in a relaxed setting.
While there are some cafes, it's advisable to bring snacks and drinks, especially if you plan to spend the whole day, as options might be limited.
Yes, there is at least one barbecue space available for visitors to use.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots from the lakeside, especially during sunrise or sunset. The water sports activities also make for dynamic photos.
While drone usage regulations can vary, the open spaces around the lake offer potential for aerial photography, capturing the vastness of the natural landscape. Always check local drone laws before flying.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the serene beauty of the lake.
Yes, the various water sports like windsurfing and kayaking provide excellent opportunities for action shots.
The lake itself, with its surrounding natural beauty and the activity on the water, is the main photographic draw.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🏃♀️ Active Adventurers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Water Sports Galore
Planning your water adventure is key, especially during the summer. It's wise to book rentals and lessons in advance to ensure availability. The lake's natural dammed volcanic origin provides a unique setting for these activities, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists looking to enjoy the water.
Remember to check the weather conditions before heading out, as wind can be a significant factor for activities like windsurfing. Safety is paramount, so always follow the instructions of rental providers and be aware of other water users.
Exploring the Lakeside Trails
Be prepared for different terrains. Some sections are well-maintained, while others might be dirt paths that can become muddy after rainfall. Wearing suitable footwear, like waterproof hiking shoes or sturdy trainers, is highly recommended to navigate these sections comfortably.
The walk offers peaceful moments and different perspectives of the lake. You'll encounter picnic areas, playgrounds, and spots to simply sit and enjoy the natural beauty. It's a great way to experience the tranquility of the area away from the water activities.
Family Fun at Lac d'Aydat
The lake also features a marked swimming area, providing a safe and designated space for children to splash and play in the water. Combined with the availability of pedal boats, which are a hit with all ages, it makes for an engaging day out for the whole family.
Bringing a picnic is also a great strategy for families, as it allows for flexible meal times and the enjoyment of the scenic surroundings. The overall atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly, making it a stress-free outing.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit