Our take
The first nature reserve in the Cantal, with peat bogs at 1,130 m and the only known site in Auvergne of the large white-faced darter (leucorrhine à gros thorax), a rare dragonfly. Stay on the path and keep your eyes open.
A 155-hectare regional reserve in the Cézallier: peat bogs, the Lac du Jolan and summer pastures at 1,130 m.
A 155-hectare regional nature reserve in the Cantal, in the commune of Ségur-les-Villas. A complex of peat bogs and the Lac du Jolan, a 7.5-hectare lake created by an embankment built in 1973, at 1,130 m altitude. Protected wildlife: common frog, rare dragonflies, migratory birds. A waymarked discovery path from the reserve car park: a 5.5 km loop around the lake, allow 1 hour 30. Managed by the Parc des Volcans d'Auvergne. Open access all year, dogs on a lead.
Why we love it
- The Lac du Jolan set in the middle of the peat bogs
- The 5.5 km waymarked loop around the Lac du Jolan
- The common frog and rare dragonflies, for those who know how to slow down
Top tip
Stay on the waymarked path: the peat bogs are fragile. In 2026, guided nature outings took place in July and August, booking required through the Hautes Terres tourist office. Combine with the Cézallier or Compains for a day out in nature.
Before you go
- Waterproof shoes recommended: the ground in the peat bogs stays wet even in midsummer
- In 2026, guided nature outings took place in July and August, booking required through the tourist office
- The path starts from the reserve car park, on the RD 9 between La Gazelle and the Col de Montirargues
Weather for the next 3 days
Today
10°/3°
4 mm · 37 km/h
Tomorrow
12°/1°
dry · 17 km/h
Tue 27
18°/6°
dry · 18 km/h
Source: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0). General lowland forecasts, to be cross-checked with specialist mountain forecasts at altitude.
Practical info
- Address
- Lac du Jolan, 15300, 15300 Ségur-les-Villas, France
15300 Ségur-les-Villas
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Around Jolan and La Gazelle peat bogs regional nature reserve
Enough to build your day around this address.
A place to see, a night to spend?
Hotels, gîtes and B&Bs within 20 km of Ségur-les-Villas. Availability and online booking.
Worth seeing nearby
Lac du Pêcher
4.5Chavagnac · 3.5 km away
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Vélorail du Cézallier
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Hikes nearby
Waymarked routes within 15 km, GPX track included.
On foot
On footFrom Allanche to Chalinargues via the Bois de la Pinatelle (stage 1 of the Découverte intime du Cézallier multi-day route)
Start: Place du Cézallier à Allanche
- 15.1 km
- +383 m
- 4 h
Hikes around Jolan and La Gazelle peat bogs regional nature reserve
On footOn footFrom Allanche to Chalinargues via the Bois de la Pinatelle (stage 1 of the Découverte intime du Cézallier multi-day route)
Start: Place du Cézallier à Allanche
- 15.1 km
- +383 m
- 4 h
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