Top 5 Lakes in Parc Naturel Régional De L'Aubrac

Visitors frequently enjoy Lac de Saint-Gervais, which offers a 2.5-kilometer path for circumnavigation, picnic areas, a supervised swimming spot in summer, and a children's playground. Another popular spot is the View of Lac des Salhiens, known for its rewarding panoramic vistas after a steep climb.

Yes, Lac de Saint-Gervais is particularly family-friendly, featuring a supervised swimming area during summer and a children's playground. The easy 2.5-kilometer path around the lake is also suitable for families. Additionally, the area around Sarrans Dam offers a balcony path bordering the lake, which can be enjoyed by families.

The lakes in Parc Naturel Régional De L'Aubrac are predominantly of glacial origin, nestled within high-altitude meadows. You'll find rich biodiversity, including wetlands and peat bogs that support specific plant and animal species. For instance, Lac de Born is surrounded by wetlands and peat bogs, and Lac de Souveyrols is distinctive for its sphagnum moss and floating 'tremblants' or quaking bogs.

Lac de Saint-Andéol is considered the most mysterious of the Aubrac lakes and has a long history as a sacred site. It was a place of pilgrimage and ancient celebrations since prehistoric times, with legends of a swallowed town and pagan ceremonies performed there until the 19th century. Hikers on the Way of Saint James often visit this lake, which is dominated by a large granite cross.

Yes, the region offers various hiking opportunities. For example, a path from the Cascade du Déroc's parking lot leads to Lac des Salhiens, offering panoramic views. You can find numerous hiking routes in the region, including easy hikes like the Saut du Chien Loop, or more challenging ones. Explore more options on the Easy hikes in Parc Naturel Régional De L'Aubrac guide.

Beyond hiking, you can enjoy road cycling with routes like the 'Col de Bonnecombe — Natural regional park of Aubrac' or the 'Lot Valley Cycle Route Loop'. The Sarrans Dam area is also known as a mecca for predator fishing. For more cycling options, check out the Road Cycling Routes in Parc Naturel Régional De L'Aubrac guide.

The terrain around the glacial lakes typically features vast high-altitude meadows, wetlands, and peat bogs. Some areas, like Lac de Souveyrols, have unstable floating 'tremblants' or quaking bogs due to sphagnum moss. The landscape often includes panoramic views, stone walls, and woods, characteristic of the Aubrac plateau.

The lakes are ideal for walkers and nature observers, particularly when the weather is favorable for outdoor activities. The Siberian Ligularia, a rare plant, blooms in August around Lac de Souveyrols, making late summer a unique time for botanical enthusiasts. For general hiking, spring through early autumn typically offers the best conditions.

Lac de Born is notable for its significant ecological interest, surrounded by wetlands and peat bogs, and is home to rich biodiversity, including European otters. Lac de Souveyrols is also ecologically unique due to its carpet of sphagnum moss and floating 'tremblants', and the presence of the rare Siberian Ligularia plant.

While Lac de Saint-Gervais offers a supervised swimming area in summer, swimming is prohibited in some other lakes, such as Lac de Souveyrols, due to unstable ground near its edges and its unique ecological sensitivity.

Visitors appreciate the rich and varied fauna and flora, the unique glacial origins of the lakes, and the opportunities for nature observation. The panoramic views of the Aubrac plateau, the presence of iconic Aubrac cows, and the tranquil atmosphere are also highly valued. The community has shared 6 photos and given 18 upvotes to the highlights in this guide.

Yes, the View of Lac des Salhiens is a popular viewpoint, offering rewarding panoramic views of the lake. The area around Lac des Salhiens also provides scenic vistas of prairies, stone walls, and woods.