A short tour in Auvergne gives us the opportunity to offer you some pictures of the superb Lac Pavin
A round volcanic lake
The lake is located between Besse Saint Anastaise and the Super Besse ski resort, east of Issoire, about 5 kilometers from Clermont-Ferrand. The lake is located in an old volcanic crater dated more than 7000 years ago. The lake is almost round with a circumference of about 2.5 km. It is among the deepest lakes in Auvergne with a depth of 93 meters. The forest bordering it somehow generates an atmosphere of calm and tranquility. Inevitably, this little corner of paradise attracts almost 200,000 visitors a year, mainly during the summer period. We recommend that you visit it out of season or early in the morning. You will only come across fishermen in their boats. A restaurant bar with a terrace allows you to sit and admire the place.
Bike ride in the area
We had the opportunity thanks to the mountain bike school in the area, Nico Vélo, to be able to reach the lake by electric mountain bike. From Besse, numerous agricultural tracks meander to Pavin Lake. Nicolas Rouveix, mountain bike instructor and medium mountain guide, offers tours around the various lakes in the sector, but also tasting outings of local products and fairly great mountain biking. The more sporty and daring will discover downhill mountain biking at Super Besse with him, possibility of renting classic or electric mountain bikes.
Many hikers use the different walking routes to explore the area. We also meet Yoga followers on the banks of the lake doing their Assanas (postures).
A magic jog
The icing on the cake is that a path goes around the lake. It is very popular and of course banned from cycling. But by coming early in the morning, when the lake is sometimes adorned with mist, you can do your jogging. Four laps later and ten kilometers on the odometer at the very start of the day, you will be ready for a great day ahead in Auvergne. Note that the area is full of many trail routes. If you feel like flying in the sky of Auvergne, do not hesitate to visit our friends from the Flying Puy de Dôme paragliding school nearby.
