A lake made by a dam

The Sarrans dam, built from 1929 to 1934, rises 105 metres above the bed of the Truyère. Behind it lies a lake 35 kilometres long and about 1,000 hectares in area, up to 100 metres deep, shared between Aveyron and Cantal: it is the eighth-largest artificial lake in France. In 2014 it was completely drained for works, for the first time since 1979. The old Tréboul bridge, from the 14th or 15th century, and the remains of the drowned village reappeared, and more than a hundred thousand visitors came to see them.

The Saint-Michel chapel

On the peninsula stands a 12th-century Romanesque chapel with a single nave, listed as a historic monument since 1974. Tradition credits it to the monk Gausbert, who is said to have founded a priory there, though this has not been proved. When it is closed, an opening in the door lets you see inside. Nearby, an old cross stands out against the lake.

Swimming at Laussac

The only official bathing spot is at the tip of the peninsula. The swimming area covers about 120 m², is no more than 3 metres deep, and yellow buoys separate it from the boats. Around it there is a lawn with shade and picnic tables. In 2026, swimming was supervised from 11 July to 16 August, Tuesday to Sunday, 2 pm to 7.15 pm. The commune also warned of a strong risk of drawdown (the water level dropping) during the season.

La Source campsite hires out pedalos and canoes, and there are two restaurants on the peninsula. A word of warning for drivers: access is closed in the afternoon, from 2.30 pm to 6 pm, boat launching included. You can always drive out, as the barrier opens in that direction.

Walking around the lake

  • The "Loulou la loutre" trails: about a kilometre along the shore and 650 metres in the village, for younger children.
  • The Laussac peninsula loop: 14.7 km from the town hall in Thérondels, about 4 hrs 45 and 429 metres of climb, graded difficult. It passes through the hamlet of Jou and a viewpoint over the reservoir and the peninsula, goes round the peninsula (you can swim on the way) and climbs back via the Devèze bridge.

Our tip

Keep Laussac for a hot day, with lunch on the grass. Arrive in the morning to drive all the way down, or park higher up and walk the last part. With a small detour, stop at the viewpoint over the Sarrans dam to get a sense of its size: it is the same river as in the Truyère gorges, below Valon.