A range of still, crystal clear lakes
You will find an astonishing variety of lakes and ponds in the Auvergne. Take the time to discover them, to stop off for a while and to take a dip in them. Relaxing or fishing in these calm waters can be a magical experience.

Volcanic crater lakes
Peaceful, deep and perfectly round lakes can be found in craters formed thousands of years ago by impressive volcanic eruptions. Living monuments, where magma meets water.
Enjoy a go-as-you-please unguided visit to the region's lakes, including Servières, La Godivelle (Lac d'en Haut or upper lake), Le Bouchet, Saint Front, Pavin and the Gour de Tazenat, etc.

Volcanic barrier lakes
These lakes can be found in the middle of valleys which have been dammed by lava flows, with an example being Lake Guéry, situated at an altitude of 1,244 m (4,081 ft) opposite Mont-Dore.
A wide selection of water sports activities is available at other sites, on Lake Chambon and Lake Aydat.

Nordic glacial lakes
Relatively few and far between, these lakes further add to the Auvergne’s diversity. Lake La Crégut can be admired in a typical Nordic landscape, while Lake Pêcher is hidden away in the heart of the Pinatelle woods, surrounded by reeds.
Wild peat bogs surround the lakes lower down at La Godivelle and Lake Bourdouze.

The Auvergne’s ponds... a taste of freedom
These are countless in number and open, like the famous Pirot and Saint-Bonnet-Tronçais ponds in the centre of the Tronçais Forest. A little further on, the Goule Pond straddles the forest edge. The Sault Pond and the Prades and Aubusson d’Auvergne lakes also offer a fairytale setting, perfect for relaxing and enjoying easy walks with children.

Pure and wild rivers
The Auvergne is a land synonymous with water, and the source of numerous rivers which merge with other rivers or waterways throughout France.

The river Loire
The source of the Loire can be found at Mont Gerbier de Jonc in the Ardèche, from where it flows through the narrow, well preserved gorges into the pools at Le Puy-en-Velay in the Haute-Loire and those in the Forez, before merging with the river Allier.

The river Sioule
Rising in Lake Servières, the Sioule winds its way through to the Saint-Pourçain wine producing area before merging with the waters of the Allier. This river has carved out impressive gorges, and visitors can admire a perfectly curved meander at Queuille.

The Allier
The Allier is the last great river in France on which salmon still make their way upstream to spawn after a 900 km (559 mile) journey from the Atlantic Ocean. The Allier gorges in the Haute-Loire are marvellously preserved with no roads running alongside them. These are probably the wildest gorges you will find in France. When the Allier reaches the plain, in the département (county) bearing its name, it is just as wild and authentic as it flows around its meanders and islands, creating huge alluvial plains.

Spectacular waterfalls
Crisscrossed by brooks and rivers, the Auvergne offers a rich diversity of impressive and exciting waterfalls.

- The Salins waterfall

This waterfall is unique for its setting. Unique for the imaginative enhancement of this natural masterpiece thanks to the railway viaduct and unique for the fact that it is lit up throughout the summer season. An impressive sight!