Lac d'Aydat

Auvergne's biggest natural lake: 65 hectares at an altitude of 837 m, formed by a lava flow that dammed the valley. Volcanic in origin (more than 8,500 years ago), surrounded by forests and villages. In 2026, swimming was supervised in July and August, from 13:30 to 18:30, in the designated beach area; outside that, it is forbidden by prefectural order. Sailing, paddleboarding and kayaking at the water sports base. Waymarked path round the lake (about 5.5 km, 1 hour 30), partly on wooden walkways along the wetland. Fishing is well regarded (trout, pike). Open access, free car parks around the lake. Renaturation works on the beach run until summer 2028: its car park closed for good on 31 August 2026, and the beach stayed accessible until 21 September 2026, before a first phase of works (September 2026 to June 2027) then a second (September 2027 to June 2028). 25 minutes from Clermont-Ferrand.