At 1,244 m altitude, Lac de Guéry is the highest lake in the Auvergne. Fed by snowmelt and surrounded by peat bogs and ancient beech forest, it reflects the volcanic massif of the Banne d'Ordanche. The area is remote enough that visitors may encounter only a handful of walkers even in July. The lake sits along the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d'Auvergne's Route des Lacs, a scenic drive that links several Auvergne highland lakes.
Lac de Guéry is the highest lake in the Auvergne at 1,244 metres altitude, located in the Puy-de-Dôme department of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, within the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d'Auvergne. The lake covers approximately 13 hectares, fed by snowmelt and springs percolating through surrounding peat bogs and ancient beech and fir forest. The volcanic massif of the Banne d'Ordanche (1,496 m) rises immediately to the south and is reflected in the lake surface on still mornings, creating one of the most serene mirror-image landscapes in the Auvergne. The lake sits along the Route des Lacs scenic drive, which links several Auvergne highland lakes and the Col de Guéry (1,268 m) on the D983. Access is straightforward: the D983 road passes directly alongside the lake, with a small car park and a short walking path around the shore. The surrounding peat bog ecosystem supports sub-alpine plant species including sundews (carnivorous plants), bog cottongrass, and sphagnum moss. Birdlife includes common goldeneye and teal on the water, and in winter whooper swans occasionally visit. The area remains genuinely uncrowded: visitors may encounter only a handful of other walkers even in July. The nearby Roches Tuilière et Sanadoire — two prominent phonolite lava spires standing sentinel in the valley 3 kilometres south along the D983 — are among the most photographed volcanic landforms in the Auvergne and are easily combined into a short scenic drive.
Good to know
- Best time
- June and September for clear reflections and low visitor numbers; avoid July–August weekends
Location
Route du Lac de Guéry, 63210 Orcival, France
45.6395, 2.8263 View on map
Highlights
- The highest lake in the Auvergne at 1,244 m — calm mornings produce mirror reflections of the Banne d'Ordanche volcanic massif
- Sub-alpine peat bog ecosystem with carnivorous sundews, bog cottongrass, and sphagnum moss
- Route des Lacs scenic drive connecting several Auvergne highland lakes via the D983
- Roches Tuilière et Sanadoire: two phonolite lava spires 3 km south — the most photogenic volcanic landforms in the region
- Remote and uncrowded — visitors may encounter very few other people even in peak season
Tips for visiting
- Visit at dawn or early morning for still water and mirror reflections of the Banne d'Ordanche; wind picks up by mid-morning.
- June and September offer clear reflections and minimal visitor numbers; avoid July–August weekends when the Route des Lacs sees more traffic.
- The D983 passes directly by the lake — access is simple by car; there is no public transport to the lake.
- Combine with the Roches Tuilière et Sanadoire viewpoint 3 km south for a short half-day drive through the volcanic landscape.
- Bring waterproof footwear if walking around the lake shore — the peat bog edges are soft and can be very wet.
When to visit
Dawn in June and September for calm water and mirror reflections. July and August are warmer but the Route des Lacs attracts more visitors. Avoid July–August weekends for the most serene experience.
Accessibility
The small car park alongside the D983 is accessible by car. A short path leads to the lake shore but the peat bog terrain is soft and uneven — not suitable for wheelchair users. The lake and Banne d'Ordanche reflection can be viewed directly from the car park without leaving the vehicle.
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Frequently asked questions
Can visitors swim in Lac de Guéry?
Swimming is possible but the lake is cold even in summer (water temperature rarely exceeds 15°C) and there is no formal beach or supervised swimming area. Most visitors come for the scenery and walking.
Is Lac de Guéry easy to reach?
Yes — the D983 road passes directly alongside the lake and a small car park is provided. Access by car from Clermont-Ferrand takes approximately 45 minutes via the D941 and D983. There is no public transport to the lake.
What other attractions are nearby?
The Roches Tuilière et Sanadoire lava spires are 3 km south along the D983. The Puy de Dôme summit railway is approximately 15 km north. Lac Chambon and the Château de Murols are around 12 km to the south.