Our take
The largest natural lake in Auvergne, and one of the few where sailing is really practised. Often generous wind, water that warms up quickly, and an approved school that also takes beginners.
Approved sailing school on Lac d'Aydat: group lessons, children's courses, and hourly hire of catamarans, windsurf boards, paddleboards and kayaks, in season.
You sail on Lac d'Aydat, 65 hectares, the largest natural lake in Auvergne, 25 minutes from Clermont-Ferrand. The school, which holds the École Française de Voile label, gives group and private lessons, with children's courses over 3 or 5 days depending on the period. For hire: catamarans, windsurf boards, paddleboards and kayaks by the hour. Prices are quoted on request, so contact the school for details. The season runs from April to October. The beach is right next door, with supervised swimming in season.
Why we love it
- The largest natural lake in Auvergne as your playground
- 5-day children's courses to really progress
- Paddleboard and kayak by the hour, with no commitment
Top tip
A 5-day course for children is the right format for them to really progress. The thermal wind picks up in the afternoon, which is the best slot. And save some time to eat on the beach right next door.
Before you go
- Activity: the neighbouring swimming area closed its 2026 season on 31 August.
- Lessons, courses and hire are booked in advance: call the school to book your slot.
- Aim for the afternoon, when the thermal wind picks up and it is better for sailing
- Book the children's course as early as spring to get a place in July or August
Weather for the next 3 days
Today
13°/4°
1 mm · 37 km/h
Tomorrow
16°/2°
dry · 12 km/h
Tue 27
21°/8°
0 mm · 14 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
- 63970 Aydat, France
63970 Aydat - Monday13h30–17h30
- Tuesday13h30–17h30
- Wednesday13h30–17h30
- Thursday13h30–17h30
- Friday13h30–17h30
- SaturdayClosed
- TodayClosed
Opening hours
What visitors say
Google rating
Average of 179 reviews on Google Maps.
Community rating
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Your logbook
Around École de Voile d'Aydat
9 spots in and around Aydat, enough to build your day.
Where to eat close by
Where to stay nearby
Le Marius Hotel
4.3Aydat · a 5-minute walk away
Volcans Vacances
4.6Aydat · a 5-minute walk away
Domaine les 2 Mondes
4.8Aydat · 2.5 km away
Hikes nearby
Waymarked routes within 15 km, GPX track included.
On foot
On footHikes around École de Voile d'Aydat
On footOn foot
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