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The lakes of the Upper Charente
» What to See » The lakes of the Upper Charente » The lakes of the Upper CharenteThings to see, things to do
The lakes of the Upper Charente lie in the Charente Limousine, the land of water, trees and grass Not forgetting the cows, standing splendid in the fields. The pastures are lush, dotted with tall trees. It is a succession of hedged fields and rolling valleys with cool streams running through coppices of sweet chestnut and forests of oak.
The river Charente takes its source here. Two lakes have been formed in order to control its capricious nature : the lakes of Lavaud and Mas Chaban. Almost 400 hectares of fresh water, set in the heart of the valleys, are ideal for fans of the open air. Rambling, mountain bike, bathing, canoeing, sailing, fishing, climbing from tree to tree
Water sports centre des Lacs - Lake Lavaud
Sailing (optimiste, dinghy, catamarans), sailboard, canoeing are all available on almost 40 hectares of water. There are no outboards here, just smooth sailing through the waterways. and so much the better, for here you can see the moorhens playing hide and seek in the irises, savour the smell of the wild mint which thrives on the banks.
Useful information
Monitors and qualified professionals are on hand for beginners or others seeking to progress (groups or individuals).
A landing stage has been specially equipped to enable people with restricted mobility to have access to the boats.
Info : Maison des Lacs
+33 5 45 65 26 69
office.tourisme@lacshautecharente.com
Bathing at La Guerlie and Videix - Lake Lavaud
Bathing is just the thing at La Guerlie (Charente) and Videix (Haute Vienne) on either side of lake Lavaud. Two beaches have been installed, the sand rubs shoulders with soft grass, oaks and willows provide shade and a cool spot when the sun is at its hottest. Shopping and restaurant facilities are available.
Useful information
Supervised bathing in the summer season.
For the disabled : the beach has facilities to enable people with restricted mobility to bathe :
- two Tiralo (floating beach chairs on wheels) are available.
- the Audioplage guidance system provides genuine autonomy for the blind or visually impaired.
Info : Maison des Lacs
+33 5 45 65 26 69
office.tourisme@lacshautecharente.com
Fishing - Lake Lavaud
The lakes are both classified in the 2nd category. A fishing permit is required. Daily permits are available.
Lake Lavaud
- The fish : pikeperch, bream, pumpkinseed sunfish.
- The regulations : fishing is open all through the year except for specific opening periods.
- Fishing is done solely from the shore except for the banks of the dam. It is not allowed from boats and is forbidden in the areas remain at a constant depth (indicated on site).
- Night fishing for carp : one run on the river Coudert, left bank.
- Fishing forbidden : Black Bass.
Useful information
Access to the landing stage for people with restricted mobility. Two landing stages for disabled anglers have been installed, as well as car parks at "Les Ormeaux" (lake Mas Chaban) and Le Saule (lake Lavaud).
For more information, visit the website of the Fish Federation of the Charente.
Info : Maison des Lacs
+33 5 45 65 26 69
office.tourisme@lacshautecharente.com
Fishing - Lake Mas Chaban
The lakes are both classified in the 2nd category. A fishing permit is required. Daily permits are available.
Lake Mas Chaban
- The fish : a good variety : pike, pikeperch, roach, perch, tench, carp.
- The regulations : fishing is open all through the year except for specific opening periods and then only near dam walls.
- Fishing is done solely from the shore and is not allowed from boats. Night fishing for carp : one run on the river Contie, right bank and on the Servolles, left bank.
- Fishing forbidden : Black Bass.
Useful information
Access to the landing stage for people with restricted mobility. Two landing stages for disabled anglers have been installed, as well as car parks at "Les Ormeaux" (lake Mas Chaban) and Le Saule (lake Lavaud).
For more information, visit the website of the Fish Federation of the Charente.
Info : Maison des Lacs
+33 5 45 65 26 69
office.tourisme@lacshautecharente.com
Rambling at Lavaud and Mas Chaban
All round the two lakes, footpaths, trails and tracks have been cleared. Walking is generally easy.
The circuits form a network which offer walks to meet all tastes (from 3 to 80 km). The routes wander round the lakes between distaff and hazel, through the forests of oak and sweet chestnut, past the fields of pasture where the magnificent Limousin cows frisk about, linking hamlet and village.
Set off early in the morning to see the steam rise on the lake in the first rays of sunlight. All the residents of the lakes will be there, too nesting birds, deer
The green trails (small minor roads and white stone paths) are a way to explore round the lakes and the surrounding area. They are signposted and accessible to people with restricted mobility.Info : Maison des Lacs
+33 5 45 65 26 69
office.tourisme@lacshautecharente.com
Aventure Parc
At Massignac, on the shores of the lake at Mas Chaban, enthusiasts take to the trees in search of adventure. There are four courses on increasing difficulty where they move from tree to tree using a variety of rope bridges, taggle ropes and aerial runways... 63 activities in the air under the supervision of monitors. Bungee jumping for the more hardy.
For the under 8s, the climbing activities are in the mini park.
Equipment supplied. Catering facilities on site.
The ornithological observatory - lake Lavaud
Two large lakes, nearby forests of oak, sweet chestnut, hornbeam, thick hedges, wild grass and pastures ideal territory to encourage the birds.
Almost 170 species have been listed.
Nesting species, migratory species, wintering species which use the lakes as a resting point, a source of food
In the observatory at Foucherie, early in the morning, you will see, the great crested grebe or the little grebe, the coot, the mallard, the heron, the widgeon, the teal, the greenshank
Meanwhile, the carp are making ripples in the water as they wait for mosquitoes.
Useful information
Open all the time.
Bird watching with commentary in the hide by appointment.
Remember to bring your own binoculars.
Info : Maison des Lacs
+33 5 45 65 26 69
office.tourisme@lacshautecharente.com
Maison des Lacs
"Maison des Lacs", local tourist board.
Info : +33 5 45 65 26 69
Accommodations
Camping des lacs - lake Lavaud
On the edge of lake Lavaud the campsite covers some 15 hectares.
Breathe the country air from large individual sites.
Facilities on site : bathing, children's playground.
Useful information
Equipment supplied. Restaurant facilities on site.
Info / Booking : Relais Soleil Aquitaine
+33 5 56 70 15 00
aquitaine@relaisoleil.com
Hameau du Cruzeau - Mas Chaban
Le Cruzeau is a rural hamlet to the south of lake Mas Chaban.
The old farm buildings made of the local hard stone, granite, covered with local red tiles, have come alive again all through the year.
14 houses from the 18th century have been renovated in keeping with the architecture of the Charente Limousine. 3 gites have the "Tourism and handicap" label.
Useful information
Houses for 4 to 10 people.
3 star accommodation, individual houses with garden furniture and barbecue.
The swimming pool is for the sole use of the residents of the hamlet and there is access for people with restricted mobility.
Book your stay !
Service Loisirs Accueil
+33 5 45 69 48 65
reservations@lacharente.com
Chambre d'hôtes
Mme Michaud and Van de Velden - 3 épis
Château de la Redortière
Lésignac-Durand
+33 5 45 65 07 62
vandervelden@tiscali.fr
Restaurant facilities
- Les Tournelles - Domaine des Etangs **** - Restaurant -
Massignac
+33 5 45 61 85 00
Domaine des Etangs website
- Château de la Redortière - Farm inn -
Lésignac-Durand
+33 5 45 65 07 62
vandervelden@tiscali.fr
- La Côte de Boeuf - Snack restaurant -
Pressignac
+ 33 5 45 89 35 97
- L'auberge des lacs - Snack restaurant -
Massignac
+33 5 45 65 03 76
- La Casa Nat - Snack restaurant -
Videix (Haute Vienne)
+33 5 55 48 63 60