Lakes and supervised beaches
Swimming at Lake Vassivière: on the Creuse side... or a little further towards Haute-Vienne
A veritable inland sea in Limousin, covering more than 1,000 hectares, Lake Vassivière stretches across two departments. Lake Vassivière enjoys very good water quality with daily water quality checks in addition to the mandatory checks. The lake has never had its beaches closed due to cyanobacteria.
If you are staying in Creuse, there are two main beaches on the Creuse side, in the commune of Royère-de-Vassivière:
- Vauveix beach, the liveliest in the Creuse area, offers supervised swimming in season, water sports and a beautiful gently sloping beach ideal for families.
- Broussas Beach, which is more intimate, offers a pleasant natural setting with supervised swimming in summer and a more peaceful atmosphere.
These two sites allow you to enjoy the lake to the full without leaving the Creuse department.
If you extend your search slightly beyond the lake, there are several well-known beaches in Haute-Vienne, particularly in the municipalities of Peyrat-le-Château and Beaumont-du-Lac:
- Auphelle, the largest and most popular, has a vast supervised beach, water sports and well-developed tourist facilities.
- Nergout and Pierrefitte also offer supervised swimming areas during the season, in an equally pleasant natural setting.
All the lake's beaches will be supervised this year seven days a week from 4 July to 30 August, from 1.30 pm to 7 pm. Find out more about the beaches at Lake Vassivière.
Courtille leisure centre in Guéret
Located near the town of Guéret, Courtille beach is a family swimming area with lifeguards on duty in summer. It has areas for children, picnic areas and easy access from the town, perfect for a relaxing day by the water.
Lavaud leisure centre in Jouillat
This beach is part of the Lavaud leisure centre in Jouillat, about 10-15 minutes by car from Guéret. It offers a well-equipped and supervised beach, a children's playground, and canoe and pedalo hire. It is a very popular spot for families, where swimming and water sports can be easily combined.
Péchadoire beach in Anzême
Péchadoire beach, in the commune of Anzême, is also supervised in summer. It has safe swimming areas, picnic tables and playgrounds, in a green and friendly setting.
Barrage de l'Âge reservoir in Le Bourg-d'Hem
The Barrage de l'Âge reservoir, surrounded by nature, offers a lifeguarded beach in season and areas for water sports. Its peaceful setting makes it a pleasant place to swim and relax away from the hustle and bustle.
Châtelus-le-Marcheix beach
Located in a typically Creuse green setting, Châtelus-le-Marcheix beach is a small, pleasant lake where you can cool off in summer. Swimming is generally supervised during the summer season. There are shaded areas, picnic tables and a family atmosphere, ideal for a relaxing break away from the large water sports centres.
The Roussille pond in Châtelus-Malvaleix
The Roussille lake is more developed and has a sandy beach that is popular with families. Swimming is supervised in summer and the site offers suitable facilities: a playground, picnic tables and relaxation areas. It is a friendly spot, perfect for a full day by the water.
Wild and natural swimming
Lac de Lavaud-Gelade, on the Millevaches plateau
For those looking for a wilder experience, Lake Lavaud-Gelade offers swimming in the heart of nature. Access is via forest trails and there are no lifeguards on duty, but the setting is unspoilt and ideal for enjoying the clear, calm water.
Swimming in the Creuse between Crozant and Fresselines
In the Creuse gorges, between Crozant and Fresselines, you can swim in the Creuse river and its tributaries. These natural areas are not supervised and require caution, but they offer exceptional landscapes and small natural beaches where you can cool off away from the crowds.
Campsites for swimming in Creuse
To make the most of the lakes and rivers of Creuse, several campsites in Creuse allow you to stay close to swimming areas, whether supervised or more wild.
Camping de Courtille in Guéret
Located right on the shores of Lake Courtille, the Courtille*** campsite enjoys a privileged location with easy access to the leisure centre, 800 metres away. Ideal for families, it allows you to easily alternate between swimming, water sports and relaxation. Its proximity to Guéret town centre is an added bonus for shopping or cultural visits.
Château de Poinsouze Campsite in Boussac-Bourg
Set in lush green surroundings around the Château de Poinsouze, this 4-star campsite does not allow swimming in the lake, but it does have a beautiful water park for children and families. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy the campsite's no-kill pond, and holidaymakers can also hire pedalos or kayaks to explore the water. It is the perfect place to combine water-based relaxation and nature activities in a preserved environment.
Camping Le Moulin de Piot in Chéniers
Located on the banks of the Petite Creuse, Le Moulin de Piot*** campsite will appeal to those who enjoy swimming in natural surroundings. Direct access to the river allows you to enjoy the pleasures of the water in a wilder setting, in keeping with the unspoilt atmosphere of the department. It is an interesting base for exploring the Crozant area and the Creuse gorges.
Tips for swimming in the Creuse
To make the most of the lakes and rivers of the Creuse, it is best to choose supervised areas, especially if you are with your family.
Before swimming, remember to check that swimming is permitted and that the water quality is good, particularly in natural or wild bodies of water. When swimming, always keep an eye on children, even in supervised areas.
Finally, respect the environment and ecosystems, which can sometimes be fragile: use sunscreen that is suitable for swimming, avoid leaving litter behind and take care not to disturb the local flora and fauna.