Lac d'Aydat
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Lac d'Aydat

4.3
·1k reviews·Aydat, France

A beautiful volcanic dam lake in Auvergne, perfect for swimming, windsurfing, kayaking, and family fun with a beach and pedal boat rentals.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Calm waters, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Lac d'Aydat

Lac d'Aydat

Best Time

Summer mornings

Calm waters, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A beautiful volcanic dam lake in Auvergne, perfect for swimming, windsurfing, kayaking, and family fun with a beach and pedal boat rentals.

4.3
(1k reviews)

"A great place for a picnic and to chill by the lake, offering a peaceful and agreeable atmosphere."

Vertical photo
TIP

Pack for Muddy Trails

Wear sturdy shoes as paths can get muddy after rain. :athletic_shoe:

Book Water Sports Early

Rentals like pedal boats and kayaks can fill up fast in summer. :ticket:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pedal Boat Adventures

Pedal Boat Adventures

Lac d'Aydat

Glide across the water on a pedal boat, a fun and relaxing way to explore the lake's surface.

Windsurfing & Kayaking

Windsurfing & Kayaking

Lac d'Aydat

Catch the breeze for windsurfing or paddle your way through the calm waters of this natural lake.

Lakeside Beach & Picnics

Lakeside Beach & Picnics

Lac d'Aydat

Relax on the sandy beach, perfect for sunbathing or enjoying a picnic with family and friends.

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Planning Your Visit

Best Time for Water Activities

Summer months offer the warmest water for swimming and ideal conditions for windsurfing and kayaking. Book rentals in advance during peak season to secure your spot.

Footwear for Lakeside Trails

While parts of the path around the lake are paved, some sections can get muddy after rain. Wear sturdy, waterproof shoes if you plan to walk the full perimeter.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Calm waters, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Water sports are active
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekend evenings
Why
Relaxed atmosphere
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

L’activité à mettre sur sa TO DO de l’été 🌞 À 30 minutes de Clermont-Ferrand, pédalez sur le lac d’Aydat (oui, oui, c’est possible !) 👉 Nouveauté 2025 à retrouver à l’@École de voile Aydat Efoil, WingFoil, Catamaran, Canoé Kayak, Paddle, accrobranche, VTT, laser wood... venez découvrir le plus grand de lac naturel d’Auvergne et ses alentours 🤩 @Clermont Auvergne Volcans #auvergnerhonealpes #auve...
@visitauvergnerhonealpes
6.3K likes • 389.3K views

Pack for Muddy Trails

Wear sturdy shoes as paths can get muddy after rain. :athletic_shoe:

Book Water Sports Early

Rentals like pedal boats and kayaks can fill up fast in summer. :ticket:

Le lac d'Aydat, à 20 minutes de Clermont-Ferrand
equiliforce
15 likes • 833 views
Lac d’Aydat Clermont-Ferrand #france #dz #alger #algeria #algerie #lac #avanture #clermontferrandweed🔥🍁❄️☘️ #ihsene #glow #اكسبلور #اكسبلور_فولو #الجزائر
glowwithihsene
655 likes • 40.4K views

Picnic Paradise

Bring your own food for a delightful picnic by the lake. :forkandknife:

Family-Friendly Fun

Great playgrounds and a marked swimming area make it ideal for kids. :child:

Mont-Dore, Grande Cascade, Lac d’Aydat ☀️ #randonnée #rando #balade #promenade #sun #soleil #summer #france #nature #lac #volcan #unesco #lacdeservieres #montdore #sancy #puydedome #clermontferrand #dog #jackrussell #trip #travel #weekend #grandecascade
damienarchi
0 likes • 490 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Pack for Muddy Trails

Wear sturdy shoes as paths can get muddy after rain. :athletic_shoe:

Book Water Sports Early

Rentals like pedal boats and kayaks can fill up fast in summer. :ticket:

Picnic Paradise

Bring your own food for a delightful picnic by the lake. :forkandknife:

Family-Friendly Fun

Great playgrounds and a marked swimming area make it ideal for kids. :child:

What Travellers Say

4.3
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Lac d'Aydat for its clean, pleasant environment, ample free parking, and family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and a marked swimming area. It's considered a great place for picnics and relaxing by the water, offering a peaceful atmosphere.

"20.04.2019

Nice lake. Nice and clean around. Enough free parking spaces. Playgrounds for the kids. Wonderful.

I found only one barbecue space. I am not sure there are anymore some other side. I was expecting path around the lake for walking but not sure they have or not. May be no! May be, there is no supermarket around either.

However it's a great place anyway. We taken our food from home and the place was agreeable to have the food together."

Sarowar Hossain

"Pretty lake, pleasant to walk around it, within a good hour or hour and a half. The path gets muddy after rain so wear suitable shoes. The route around is quite varied, and heads up and down some dirt paths, along wooden planks and in some roads. There are also options of swimming and boating, as well as a small beach, and picnic areas. Peaceful, calm area, with just noise from cars, camping areas and boaters. There are a couple small cafés/bistros. Public toilets available on both sides of the lake."

Marie Holm, PhD

"Love to chill a bit by the lake."

M & M

What People Like

Clean and pleasant environment
Ample free parking
Family-friendly amenities

What People Dislike

Limited walking path variety
Few barbecue spots

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Lac d'Aydat is conveniently located about 30 minutes from Clermont-Ferrand by car. There are also public transport options, though driving offers more flexibility for exploring the area. TikTok

Yes, there are usually enough free parking spaces available around the lake, especially outside of peak hours. Reddit

There is a path around the lake, but it's not a continuous, well-maintained trail everywhere. Some sections can be muddy after rain, so wear appropriate footwear. Reddit

While there are a couple of small cafes/bistros, you might need to travel a short distance to find a full supermarket. It's recommended to bring your food from home. Reddit

Public toilets are available on both sides of the lake, which is convenient for visitors. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Lac d'Aydat is a natural lake and generally free to access. There may be charges for specific activities or rentals. TikTok

The lake is accessible year-round, but water sports and rental facilities typically operate during daylight hours, especially in the summer season. TikTok

It's highly recommended to book water sports and rentals, such as kayaking or pedal boats, in advance, especially during the busy summer months to avoid disappointment. TikTok

Yes, there is a nice marked swimming area, making it safe and enjoyable for visitors to cool off. Reddit

There is at least one designated barbecue space, but it's advisable to check if there are others or if reservations are needed. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy a variety of water activities including windsurfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and catamaran sailing. New activities like e-foiling are also becoming available. TikTok

Yes, there are playgrounds available, making it a great spot for families with young children. Reddit

For a unique experience, try pedal boating on the lake. You can also rent kayaks or paddleboards to explore at your own pace. TikTok

Absolutely! Lac d'Aydat is a perfect destination for a day trip, offering swimming, water sports, picnicking, and relaxation. Reddit

Expect a beautiful volcanic dam lake surrounded by nature, offering a peaceful and picturesque setting for outdoor activities. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are a couple of small cafes and bistros located near the lake, offering refreshments and light meals. Reddit

Yes, the lake has pleasant grassy areas perfect for picnics. Many visitors bring their own food to enjoy by the water. Reddit

The cafes offer casual dining, and the picnic areas are ideal for families to enjoy a meal together in a relaxed setting. Reddit

While there are some cafes, it's advisable to bring snacks and drinks, especially if you plan to spend the whole day, as options might be limited. Reddit

Yes, there is at least one barbecue space available for visitors to use. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning shots from the lakeside, especially during sunrise or sunset. The water sports activities also make for dynamic photos. TikTok

While drone usage regulations can vary, the open spaces around the lake offer potential for aerial photography, capturing the vastness of the natural landscape. Always check local drone laws before flying.

Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the serene beauty of the lake. TikTok

Yes, the various water sports like windsurfing and kayaking provide excellent opportunities for action shots. TikTok

The lake itself, with its surrounding natural beauty and the activity on the water, is the main photographic draw. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Lac d'Aydat is a top choice for families! You'll find dedicated playgrounds for the little ones to burn off energy. Reddit The marked swimming area offers a safe place for kids to enjoy the water, and pedal boat rentals are always a huge hit for a fun family adventure on the lake. TikTok Consider packing a picnic to make the most of the pleasant grassy areas. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Lac d'Aydat is very budget-friendly. Access to the lake itself is free, and many activities like swimming and walking the trails cost nothing. Reddit Bringing your own food for a picnic is a great way to save money on dining. Reddit While water sports rentals have a cost, they offer good value for a full day of enjoyment. Parking is also typically free. Reddit

🏃‍♀️ Active Adventurers

For those seeking thrills, Lac d'Aydat delivers! Try your hand at windsurfing, kayaking, or paddleboarding. TikTok If you're looking for something new, explore e-foiling or wing foiling. TikTok The trails around the lake also offer opportunities for a brisk walk or jog, especially if you tackle the more varied sections. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Water Sports Galore

Lac d'Aydat is a hub for water enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of activities. From the thrill of windsurfing and kayaking to the more relaxed pace of paddleboarding and pedal boating, there's something for everyone. Recent additions like e-foiling and wing foiling are also making waves, catering to those seeking cutting-edge water sports experiences. The École de Voile Aydat is a key spot for accessing many of these activities. TikTok

Planning your water adventure is key, especially during the summer. It's wise to book rentals and lessons in advance to ensure availability. The lake's natural dammed volcanic origin provides a unique setting for these activities, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists looking to enjoy the water. TikTok

Remember to check the weather conditions before heading out, as wind can be a significant factor for activities like windsurfing. Safety is paramount, so always follow the instructions of rental providers and be aware of other water users. TikTok

Exploring the Lakeside Trails

For those who prefer to stay on dry land, Lac d'Aydat offers opportunities for walking and exploring its perimeter. While not a fully paved, continuous path, the route around the lake provides varied scenery and a pleasant way to spend an hour or two. Reddit

Be prepared for different terrains. Some sections are well-maintained, while others might be dirt paths that can become muddy after rainfall. Wearing suitable footwear, like waterproof hiking shoes or sturdy trainers, is highly recommended to navigate these sections comfortably. Reddit

The walk offers peaceful moments and different perspectives of the lake. You'll encounter picnic areas, playgrounds, and spots to simply sit and enjoy the natural beauty. It's a great way to experience the tranquility of the area away from the water activities. Reddit

Family Fun at Lac d'Aydat

Lac d'Aydat is a fantastic destination for families, offering a blend of active fun and relaxation. The presence of playgrounds ensures that younger visitors have plenty of space to run around and enjoy themselves. Reddit

The lake also features a marked swimming area, providing a safe and designated space for children to splash and play in the water. Combined with the availability of pedal boats, which are a hit with all ages, it makes for an engaging day out for the whole family. Reddit

Bringing a picnic is also a great strategy for families, as it allows for flexible meal times and the enjoyment of the scenic surroundings. The overall atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly, making it a stress-free outing. Reddit

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