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Gour de Tazenat

4.6
·987 reviews·Charbonnières-les-Vieilles, France

A stunning, deep blue maar crater lake in the heart of the Combrailles, perfect for swimming, walking, and enjoying nature's tranquility.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Claim your spot early

CrowdLow
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Vue depuis la crete nord au bord du cratere

Gour de Tazenat

Best Time

Summer mornings

Claim your spot early

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning, deep blue maar crater lake in the heart of the Combrailles, perfect for swimming, walking, and enjoying nature's tranquility.

4.6
(987 reviews)

"Love, love, love this lake. Get here early to claim your own private beach."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Arrive Early for Best Spots

Beat the crowds and claim your 'private beach' by arriving early, especially on weekends.

👟 Sturdy Shoes Recommended

Wear good walking shoes for the narrow track around the lake.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.6 · 987 reviews

Type

Natural Feature

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Crater Lake

The Crater Lake

Main swimming area

A stunning, deep blue crater lake perfect for a refreshing dip on a warm day. Its unique geological formation is captivating.

Scenic Walking Path

Scenic Walking Path

Perimeter of the lake

A 45-minute loop offering picturesque views of the lake and surrounding nature. Ideal for a leisurely stroll.

Water Activities

Water Activities

Lakeshore

Rent a canoe or pedal boat for a fun way to experience the lake from a different perspective.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds for Serenity

Arrive early, especially during summer, to snag a prime spot on the 'private beach' and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before the day-trippers arrive. This ensures a more tranquil experience at this popular crater lake.

Footwear for Exploration

While the water is inviting, the walking path around the lake is narrow. Pack sturdy shoes for your 45-minute loop, allowing you to fully explore the scenic surroundings without discomfort.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Claim your spot early
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays, late afternoon
Why
Fewer families, more calm
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

❓Connaissez-vous les Combrailles? On nous répond souvent pour son magnifique méandre de Queuille et le Gour de Tazenat, mais venez aussi voir la Chartreuse de Port-Sainte-Marie. Woaw on a prit une belle claque en découvrant les trésors de ce territoire. On a vadrouillé deux jours ici et franchement nous avons passé un bon séjour 🥰! Si vous manquez d’idées pour vos futures vadrouilles en Auvergne...
auvergnatesenvadrouille
570 likes • 17.2K views

🎯 Arrive Early for Best Spots

Beat the crowds and claim your 'private beach' by arriving early, especially on weekends. Reddit

👟 Sturdy Shoes Recommended

Wear good walking shoes for the narrow track around the lake. Reddit

Petite excursion dans les Combrailles… A la recherche des chats de Gouttières en passant par l’abbaye de Menat puis une balade le long du Gour de Tazenat avec une pause à son belvédère. Terminons bien sûr notre journée par le point de vue du Méandre de Queuille #CombraillesAuvergne #balade #combrailles #belvedere
combrailles.auvergne
104 likes • 1.5K views
Road Trip Auvergnat ⛰ (Puy de Dôme - Puy de Sancy - Lac Chambon - Gour de Tazenat) #auvergne#randonnéesauvergne#puydesancy#lacchambon#puydedome#clermontferrand#gourdetazenat#reelsinstagram#roadtripfrance
juliebst_
105 likes • 3.8K views

🏊‍♀️ Warm, Clean Water

Enjoy the surprisingly warm and clean water, perfect for swimming. Reddit

🛶 Boat Rentals Available

Rent canoes or pedal boats for a fun time on the water. Reddit

On est allé redécouvrir le Gour De Tazenat au levé du soleil avec l’équipe de @nage_libre 🌋🎥 Très content du résultat en terme de création de contenus 😁 #reels #pourtoi #cinematic #cinematicvideo #auvergne #auvergne_horizon #auvergne_landscape #auvergnetourisme #auvergnerhonealpes #gourdetazenat #auvergneexploration #auvergne_focus_on #igersauvergne #filmmaking
florianbrioude
122 likes • 3.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive Early for Best Spots

Beat the crowds and claim your 'private beach' by arriving early, especially on weekends. Reddit

👟 Sturdy Shoes Recommended

Wear good walking shoes for the narrow track around the lake. Reddit

🏊‍♀️ Warm, Clean Water

Enjoy the surprisingly warm and clean water, perfect for swimming. Reddit

🛶 Boat Rentals Available

Rent canoes or pedal boats for a fun time on the water. Reddit

📸 Sunrise Views

Experience the magical sunrise over the lake for stunning photos. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(987 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Gour de Tazenat, calling it a beautiful and peaceful family spot with surprisingly warm, clean water perfect for swimming. The scenic walking path and available water activities add to its charm, making it a beloved local gem.

"Beautiful family place. Quiet and very clean. Recommend to everyone"

Aleksandar Dimitrijevic

"Love, love, love this lake. Get here early to claim your own private beach, and wear sturdy shoes to walk along the narrow track."

The dragons

"Great place to cool off during the summer!"

bangaly kaba

What People Like

Beautiful family place
Quiet and clean
Warm, clean water

What People Dislike

Can get busy

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Gour de Tazenat is located in the Combrailles region of Puy-de-Dôme. It's best accessed by car, with parking available nearby. Many visitors combine a trip here with other attractions in the Auvergne region, like the Puy de Dôme or the Meandre de Queuille. Instagram+1

Public transport options are limited in this rural area. It's highly recommended to have your own vehicle for the most convenient access to Gour de Tazenat and the surrounding Combrailles. Instagram

The specific route will depend on your starting point, but GPS navigation is recommended. The area is well-signposted once you are in the vicinity of the Combrailles. Instagram

Absolutely! Visitors often pair Gour de Tazenat with the Meandre de Queuille, the Chartreuse de Port-Sainte-Marie, or explore other natural wonders in the Combrailles region. Instagram+1

There is parking available near the lake, though it can get busy during peak season. Arriving early is advised to secure a spot. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Gour de Tazenat is generally free. It's a natural site open for public enjoyment. Reddit

As a natural lake, Gour de Tazenat doesn't have set opening hours. It's accessible during daylight hours, though swimming and activities are best enjoyed when it's light. Instagram

There is no specific fee for swimming in Gour de Tazenat. Enjoy the clean, warm waters as part of the free access to the site. Reddit

Yes, canoe and pedal boat rentals are typically available at the lake during the summer season. Reddit

While the site is naturally accessible, it's advisable to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment. Overnight stays are generally not permitted. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can swim in the lake, walk the scenic path around it, rent canoes or pedal boats, and simply relax by the water. It's a great spot for a family outing. InstagramReddit

The walking path around the lake takes approximately 45 minutes to complete, offering beautiful views throughout. Reddit

Yes, it's a beautiful family place with clean, warm water for swimming and a peaceful atmosphere. Reddit

There's a small restaurant offering ice creams, coffee, and french fries, as well as toilet facilities. Reddit

Absolutely! The lake is known for its warm and clean water, making it a popular spot for swimming. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a small restaurant on-site that serves ice creams, coffee, and french fries, perfect for a casual snack. Reddit

Picnicking is generally allowed at natural sites like Gour de Tazenat. It's a great way to enjoy the scenery with your own provisions. Reddit

The restaurant offers simple, popular options like ice cream, coffee, and french fries. Reddit

The limited menu of ice cream, coffee, and fries might have some options, but it's best to inquire directly or bring your own food if you have specific dietary needs. Reddit

Exploring the charming villages in the Combrailles region will offer more traditional French dining experiences. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Sunrise offers a magical, serene atmosphere for photography, capturing the lake in soft light. Instagram Golden hour in the late afternoon also provides beautiful lighting. Instagram

You can capture stunning shots of the deep blue crater lake, the surrounding lush greenery, and the scenic walking path. Drone footage can also be spectacular. Instagram+1

The walking path around the lake offers numerous viewpoints. The belvedere mentioned in some posts provides an elevated perspective. Instagram

While not explicitly stated, always check local regulations regarding drone usage before flying. Some creators have captured impressive aerial shots. Instagram+1

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the lake and landscape. A polarizing filter can enhance the blue of the water. Instagram

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