Lac Pavin seen from above, from the rim of its crater: the deepest of Auvergne's lakes, 92 m deep. You walk up via a detour off the lake loop.
A viewpoint on the south-eastern rim of the Lac Pavin crater, in the commune of Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise, overlooking the water. The lake, at an altitude of 1,197 m, covers 44 hectares and is 92 m deep: it is the deepest of Auvergne's lakes, and the youngest crater lake in mainland France, formed about 6,900 years ago. It draws an almost perfect circle 800 m across, with dark waters that turn turquoise blue at the edges in summer.
You get there on foot. The lake loop path (2.7 km, about 1 hour, 93 m of ascent) starts from the forecourt, and a detour climbs up to the viewpoint and back. Hiking shoes recommended: the ground is slippery in places, and the path isn't suitable for pushchairs. In winter or in rainy weather, bring walking poles.
Swimming in the lake is not allowed, dogs included. Free access all year round, depending on the weather and snow, with a free car park 100 m from the lake.
What you will find
- The lake below, from the south-eastern rim of the crater
- The lake's dark waters, 92 m deep
- The lake loop, a shady 2.7 km walk through the beech woods
Local tip
Walk around the lake (2.7 km, about 1 hour) and take the detour that climbs up to the viewpoint and back. In winter or in rainy weather, walking poles will help you on the slippery stretches.
Good to know
- You reach the viewpoint via a detour off the lake loop path, there and back: hiking shoes recommended, the ground is slippery in places.
Practical information
- Getting there
- The lake loop path isn't suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs, and the ground is slippery in places. At the lake, there is disabled parking and a forecourt that is accessible with assistance.
- With a dog
- Dogs allowed, kept on a lead. Swimming is not allowed for them either.
- Accessibility
- Not wheelchair accessible
