Lac d'Aubusson d'Auvergne

Lac d'Aubusson-d'Auvergne is a reservoir lake on the Couzon, in the heart of the Livradois-Forez. Around the water stretches the biggest leisure centre in the Livradois-Forez, which celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2025.

The walk round the lake

A trail goes all the way round the water on compacted, shaded paths, and crosses the dam embankment. The dam was modernised between 2019 and 2022, and signage there explains the project. Want a longer walk? The waymarked “Lac et sous-bois” loop is 5.4 km (about 1 hour 30, 141 m of elevation gain). After the play area, it follows the Saute-Ruisseau path and its bridges, offers a viewpoint over the Chaîne des Puys and comes back along the dam. Topoguides (walking guides) are available at the lake shop.

The leisure centre

The beach has held the Pavillon Bleu (Blue Flag) label every year since 2020, 2026 included. In 2026, swimming was supervised on Saturdays and Sundays from 13 June, then every day from 1 July to 30 August: from 13:30 to 18:30 Monday to Saturday, from 11:00 to 19:00 on Sundays and public holidays. On site: canoe, pedalo and stand-up paddleboard hire (in 2026, canoes only, for lack of enough water at the landing stage), tree-climbing sessions by booking, fishing in the marked zones, an orienteering course with 60 control points, and courts and pitches for volleyball, basketball, football and pétanque. Snack bar, open-access barbecues, picnic areas and, in July and August 2026, concerts on Wednesdays from 18:30 to 20:00.

The practical side

Parking is free on weekdays. In 2026, it was charged on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 13 June to 31 August: €3 per car. Camping and bivouacking are not allowed, but there is an area for motorhomes all year round, near the lake. Dogs on a lead, not allowed on the beach. A water-access wheelchair and accessible tables are provided for visitors with reduced mobility.