Aydat beach

Beach on Lac d'Aydat (65 ha, 850 m altitude), the largest natural lake in Auvergne, born of a lava flow from the Puy de la Vache and the Puy de Lassolas, 25 minutes from Clermont-Ferrand. Please note: the beach is undergoing renaturation and modernisation works until summer 2028. Its car park closed permanently on 31 August 2026, and the site is no longer open to the public after 21 September 2026. The works are in two phases, from September 2026 to June 2027, then from September 2027 to June 2028. In 2026, swimming was supervised in July and August, from 13:30 to 18:30, in a designated area; outside these hours, it is not allowed. The water, monitored by the ARS (regional health agency) during the season, was rated excellent from 2022 to 2025, and the beach is labelled Pavillon Bleu (Blue Flag) in 2026. Around the lake, a waymarked path goes all the way round (about 5.5 km, 1 hour 30 minutes), partly on wooden boardwalks, and several free car parks are provided. The sailing school hires out pédal'eau (pedalos), and snack bars and restaurants are close by. Access for people with reduced mobility on part of the banks.