4.4
(272)
1,874
hikers
12
hikes
Hiking around Lac de Bort-les-Orgues is defined by its diverse natural landscapes, including the notable Orgues de Bort, which are impressive basalt columns reaching up to 100 meters in height. The region features a large reservoir, Lac de Bort-les-Orgues, and the scenic gorges of the Dordogne River, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Trails often trace the lake's shores and ascend to panoramic viewpoints, offering varied terrain from lakeside paths to routes with significant elevation changes. The area also includes the…
Last updated: May 17, 2026
4.0
(4)
44
hikers
7.66km
02:36
350m
350m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
5.0
(2)
16
hikers
16.5km
04:48
410m
410m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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3.7
(3)
11
hikers
11.1km
03:11
260m
260m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.8
(4)
9
hikers
16.9km
04:47
350m
350m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
6
hikers
10.0km
02:54
260m
260m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Beautiful castle, close for the siesta
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The castle, which once dominated the Dordogne valley from a rocky outcrop, has stood since 1952 on a headland that juts out into the Barrage de Bort-les-Orgues reservoir. The original character of the castle can only be guessed at when the water level is low. The multi-storey building is surrounded by five towers of roughly the same thickness and one thinner one, each with overhangs and conical roofs. The individual floors are connected by a spiral staircase in the vestibule. The inner courtyard was originally roofless. The first floor consists of three large rooms with decorated fireplaces from the mid-19th century and various furniture. An art exhibition with works by painters, mostly from the region, takes place every year on the second floor. The artistically crafted roof trusses of the towers can be seen from the battlement on the top floor. Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schloss_Val
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Wikipedia has information about the dam: FR: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barrage_de_Bort-les-Orgues DE: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barrage_de_Bort-les-Orgues
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The municipality of Bort-les-Orgues has around 2500 inhabitants and is located in the Dordogne valley. Bort is the name of a ford with a steep slope. The name les Orgues (the organ pipes) is given by a striking rock formation above the town.[
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The Bort dam is a structure 120 meters high and 390 meters long, straddling the municipalities of Bort and Lanobre, and creating a reservoir of more than 10 km2. Built between 1942 and 1952, it was then a veritable concrete juggernaut and today it remains one of the largest dams in France (and still the third in mainland France if we look at the quantity of water retained by a concrete construction). It is also the first and largest reservoir in the hydroelectric system of the Dordogne valley.
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The Bort dam is a structure 120m high and 390m long, straddling the municipalities of Bort and Lanobre, and creating a reservoir of more than 10 km2. Built between 1942 and 1952, it was then a veritable behemoth of concrete and it remains today one of the largest dams in France (and even still the third largest in mainland France if we look at the quantity of water retained by a construction of concrete). It is also the first and largest reservoir of the hydroelectric system in the Dordogne valley.
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Pleasant path on the Cantal banks of the dam. Possibility to make a short loop from the castle going up on the Monteil or to extend to the Siauve for a longer loop.
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There are over 10 dedicated hiking routes around Lac de Bort-les-Orgues that are easily accessible from bus stations, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels.
The bus-accessible trails around Lac de Bort-les-Orgues primarily feature moderate difficulty, with 10 routes falling into this category. There is also 1 easy route, making the area suitable for a range of hikers. You can expect varied terrain, from lakeside paths to routes with significant elevation changes, especially when heading towards viewpoints like the Orgues de Bort.
Yes, many of the bus-accessible trails are circular, allowing you to start and end your hike at the same point, often near a bus stop. For example, the Siauve Beach – Val Castle loop from Bort-les-Orgues and the Hiking loop from Lanobre are excellent options for a full-circle experience.
Several bus-accessible trails provide stunning views of the Château de Val, which appears to float on the lake. Consider the Siauve Beach – Val Castle loop from Bort-les-Orgues or the Val Castle – Bort-les-Orgues Dam loop from Lanobre. These routes often incorporate the castle, allowing for a closer look and picturesque reflections in the water. You can also visit the Val Castle highlight directly.
Absolutely. The impressive Orgues de Bort are a major highlight of the region. The The Organs – View over Bort-les-Orgues loop from Bort-les-Orgues is a fantastic bus-accessible route that takes you to these unique basalt columns, offering panoramic views of the Massif Central. These formations reach heights of 80 to 100 meters and stretch over 2 kilometers.
Beyond the Orgues de Bort, bus-accessible trails allow you to explore the beautiful shores of Lac de Bort-les-Orgues and the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve of the Dordogne River. You can also discover areas like the Saut de la Saule and the Rhue gorges, which offer diverse natural landscapes. The Confluence of the Dordogne and the Arpiat is another notable natural highlight.
The bus-accessible trails around Lac de Bort-les-Orgues are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains, the unique geological formations like the Orgues de Bort, and the convenience of accessing these beautiful routes via public transport.
For those seeking a longer and more challenging experience, the Siauve Beach – Val Castle loop from Bort-les-Orgues is a moderate 15.8 km route with nearly 400 meters of elevation gain. Another great option is the Val Castle – Bort-les-Orgues Dam loop from Lanobre, covering 15.2 km with over 330 meters of ascent, offering a rewarding day out.
The region around Lac de Bort-les-Orgues is beautiful throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, with fewer crowds. Summer is also popular, especially for combining hiking with water activities on the lake, though trails can be busier. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Yes, several routes provide excellent views of the impressive Bort-les-Orgues hydroelectric dam. The Val Castle – Bort-les-Orgues Dam loop from Lanobre is specifically designed to showcase this significant structure, alongside the Château de Val. You can also find the Bort-les-Orgues Dam as a highlight to explore.
While most routes are moderate, there is at least one easy bus-accessible trail, making the area welcoming for families or those new to hiking. The varied landscapes, including lakeside paths and views of the castle, offer engaging experiences for all ages. Always check the specific route details for distance and elevation to ensure it matches your family's capabilities.


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