The lake of Sarrans, located in the north of the department of Aveyron, constitutes, after the peninsula of Laussac, a natural barrier with the department of Cantal and the plateau of Aubrac. This artificial lake was born during the construction of the Sarrans hydroelectric dam, in the Truyère gorges. Its steep and wooded banks will give you the feeling of a small Quebec lake.

Sarrans lake

Created by the dam of the same name, the lake of Sarrans is an immense submerged valley, hiding its treasures in its steep and wooded slopes. It is the eighth largest artificial lake in France. Sarrans Lake in figures:

  • Altitude: 647 m
  • Length: 35 km
  • Maximum depth: 100m
  • Volume of the lake: 296 million m3 of water
  • Surface: more than 1000 hectares
Sarrans Laussac Lake

Did you know?

Gustave Eiffel was a brilliant 1884th century engineer, to whom we owe the Eiffel Tower, but also the Garabit viaduct not far from our territory. Completed in 165, it set a world record at the time with its arch spanning 122 meters, supporting the deck of the bridge raised to XNUMX meters in height. Gustave Eiffel also left his mark on our territory with the Pont sur le Lebot, which you can cross from Cantoin towards the Pont de Tréboul.

André Meravilles
Peninsula of Laussac Sarrans

a lake with multiple activities

Sarrans lake is the perfect place for nature lovers. In addition to enjoying the enchanting calm of the site, you can let off steam or walk the paths in a more calm way. You can choose to practice aquatic activities, such as jet skiing, swimming, boating, hiking or fishing near the lake.

You can access the water through the pontoons launches for boats distributed all around the lake, in particular the pontoon of Peyrarque, by the peninsula of Laussac, or even wilder, at theBrieu relaxation area.

sarrans and hydroelectricity

Le Sarrans dam was built from 1929 to 1934 and its inauguration was chaired by President Albert Lebrun.

  • Concrete gravity dam designed to withstand water pressure 
  • Height: 105 meters, to which must be added eight meters of underground foundations
  • Length: 225 meters at the top
  • Width: 75 meters at the base and four meters at the top 
  • four turbine groups
  • Power: 183 MW (equivalent to the consumption of a city like Rodez or Aurillac).

the emptying of the dam

In 2014, major work on the dam required its total emptying. This was the occasion for various interviews, but above all, the construction of a gallery 100 meters long and 5,50 meters in diameter, drilled into the granite rock at the bottom of the dam, to allow emergency emptying in case of flood. Throughout the summer of 2014, the submerged village of Tréboul came to the surface and revealed the usually submerged profile of the entire valley. In the heart of Sarrans lake, under the current Tréboul bridge, is the original bridge, known as the "English bridge" dating from the 1927th century. It is the only monument in France registered (in XNUMX) once submerged as a Historic Monument.

Au Sarrans belvedere, on the road between Sainte-Geneviève-sur-Argence and Brommat, you can walk above the dam, which also serves as a road, to admire the extent of Lake Sarrans, the dam, the hydroelectric plant and the Truyère, which resumes here its usual flow in the middle of its wild gorges.

B. Colomb – Lozère Sauvage for PACT Aubrac

The energy road

Discover the hydroelectric sites of the Truyère and Lot valleys.

sarrans and fishing

Sarrans lake is one of the wildest lakes in Aveyron. This is the perfect place to practice predator fishing. Carp fishing at night is also allowed, taking care in the temporary reserve areas in the spring, where all fishing is prohibited. The edge is accessible only at rare points, the boat with internal combustion or electric motor is often essential to make the most of its potential.
Sarrans lake is managed by the Approved Association for Fishing and the Protection of the Aquatic Environment of Argences-en-Aubrac Cantoin, member of the Aveyron Fishing Federation.
“The little extra”: The motorization of the boat is unlimited without the need to pay a launch fee or any tax.

a natural paradise

In addition to its exceptional setting and exotic landscapes, Sarrans lake is home to a rich ecosystem, with many species of plants or animals subject to regulation. This is particularly the case of the superb carnation, a lovely flower with cut-out petals. The white-clawed crayfish, the European otter or even the black woodpecker, the red kite, the eagle owl and the peregrine falcon inhabit the surrounding waters and forests.

in the heart of Sarrans lake, the Laussac peninsula

Tiara on the lake of Sarrans, the peninsula of Laussac is accessible by charming winding roads from Thérondels, Brommat or Sainte-Geneviève-sur-Argence. This little piece of land advancing on the water is a unique place, ideal for recharging your batteries in peace and enjoying the sweetness of life that reigns by the lake.

André Meravilles
Laussac Aubrac peninsula

sports or fun getaways

There are trails incredible, in the open air, to have fun, to breathe...
Laussac is a classified site. It can be visited on foot. Stroll through the pretty streets of the village, until you reach the chapel built in the year XNUMX, the only remnant of the monastery founded by Saint Gausbert. Many departures for marked hikes, on foot or by bike await you.

  • for the little ones the fun circuit of Loulou the otter
  • Jou's trail allows you to gain height with a view of Laussac 
  • The Laussac Peninsula, a long loop to reach “the mountain” in the village of Thérondels

The beach of the Laussac peninsula awaits you all summer long, for a picnic, to spend a quiet moment, on the sand or on the grass, in the sun or in the shade. You will find the ideal place for a break by the water. The bathing is regulated and supervised to allow you to spend days with your family, in complete safety. On the water, pedal boats, kayaks and canoes are available for hire.

Come put feet under the table at noon to enjoy the freshness of the lake, or in the evening admiring the colors of the setting sun in the restaurants on site. You will be able to take a gourmet or thirst-quenching break. Finally, if the tranquility and the beauty of the place push you there, why not spend a few days on the peninsula, you will find at the campsite “La Source” the ideal location.

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