The 562-hectare Lac de Saint-Étienne-Cantalès is the largest man-made lake in the Auvergne region. Located in the Cantal region, it stretches over several communes, including Saint-Étienne-Cantalès, Saint-Gérons and Lacapelle-Viescamp, and is the result of a dam built between 1939 and 1945 on the Cère valley. With a length of 13 km, it encompasses the old valley and offers a wide range of leisure activities: supervised bathing, water sports such as windsurfing, and relaxation on its landscaped beaches. Sites such as the Puech des Ouilhes and Rénac beaches are very popular in summer, complemented by a spectacular 124-meter-long Himalayan footbridge linking two beaches.
Renac Beach Water sports and beaches
The lake is a real paradise for water sports enthusiasts. You can go sailing, canoeing, paddling or water skiing. In summer, visitors can enjoy safe bathing at several beaches, including the Puech des Ouilhes beach in Lacapelle-Viescamp, the Rénac beach and the Espinet beach in Saint-Gérons. These beaches are supervised during the summer season, and some offer play areas for children, as well as facilities such as restaurants and picnic areas.
Hiking and nature
The lake is surrounded by hiking trails offering splendid panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The local flora and fauna are rich, and there are several routes for exploring the surrounding area on foot or mountain bike. The circuits around the lake offer magnificent views of the water and the green Cantal hills. For equestrian enthusiasts, suitable trails are also available.
Accommodation and camping
Around the lake, you’ll find several accommodation options, including campsites, gîtes and chalet rentals. Camping du Puech des Ouilhes is particularly popular for its proximity to the lake and the many activities available on site, including an adventure course and sports fields.
The Lac de Saint-Étienne-Cantalès is an ideal destination for a nature holiday, combining water sports, hiking and relaxation in an exceptional setting.
Discover the beachDu Puech des Ouilhes
Puech Des Ouilles - CABA
Puech des Ouilhes
Puech des Ouilhes
Puech des Ouilhes
Puech des Ouilhes... on the other side of the lake
On the shores of the Saint-Étienne-Cantalès lake in the Cantalien Châtaigneraie region, a host of facilities and activities await you: an aqua-park, beach volleyball courts, playgrounds and picnic areas. You can also rent boats and electric bikes, use electric shuttles, or venture out on a tree-top course and cross the 130-meter metal Himalayan footbridge linking the beaches of Rénac and Espinet. You can also rent floating chalets (for 2 to 5 people), a wooden belvedere overlooking the Saint-Étienne-Cantalès hydraulic structure, or the village horse farm. Nearby, try the pedal-rail at Nieudan.
Don’t miss the Aster work, installed on the dam’s vault, which lights up with night-time animations throughout the summer. And don’t forget the 42-km Tour du Lac walking trails!
Pôle d'Excellence Rurale
The development of the Puech des Ouilhes was carried out by Aurillac Agglomération as part of the Pôle d’Excellence Rurale project around the Saint-Etienne-Cantalès lake, in conjunction with the Commune de Lacapelle-Viescamp, the Communauté de Communes Entre 2 Lacs, now part of the Communauté de Communes de la Châtaigneraie cantalienne, and with the support of the French government, Europe, the Région, the Département, EDF and private and community players.
