Vassiviere is one of the largest lakes in France and the most popular destination for holidaymakers visiting the area. With six sandy beaches, supervised swimming in the summer, organised children’s games and a multitude of water sports for all the family, it really is a perfect place to relax or have fun with all the family. This 1000 hectare, man made lake, also has 300 kms of woodland trails, ideal for cycling, walking and riding and there are plenty of hotels, restaurants and gites to stay in, or if you prefer, caravan and camp sites around the lake. For the more energetic you can sail, windsurf, canoe, water ski or simply fish, which is permitted all year round. There are also a number of classical concerts held in the local churches throughout the year and several open-air rock festivals in the summer months. The island in the middle of the lake is home to an ambitious Contemporary Art Museum designed by the late Aldo Rossi. Access to the island is by tourist train or boat. There are many pretty villages around the island including Royere de Vassiviere, Feniers, Peyrat, Nedde, Gentioux and you are just a short drive to both Bourganeuf and Aubusson. Limoges and Guéret are both around sixty kilometres away and further afield Clermont Ferrand is 130 and Paris 400. Guided tours are available around the lake and the island between July and August on Tuesdays and Thursdays or for other times you can contact the tourist information office 0033(0) 810 19 23 87 or visit the website www.Vassiviere.com

“The 3 Lakes country” (Pays de 3 Lacs) is the name given to a union of 6 communes in the Creuse valley and the territory formed by them: Anzeme, Le Bourg d’Hem, Champsanglard, La Celle Dunoise, Jouillat and Glénic. In 1982 the first dam was built followed by two similar constructions upstream and the three are used by Eguzon’s power electric station in the Indre rising in tiers over twenty kilometres along the Creuse valley from Guéret to La Celle Dunoise. The scenery is a mix of wild countryside, breathtaking gorges and undulating softness so if your passion is archaeology, flora and fauna or just pleasure this area will not disappoint you. Along the way there are many different areas for activities and leisure.

A commune of 550 inhabitants at an altitude of 330 m with a narrow windy access road from Bonnat but with fabulous views of the Creuse from the church square. There is a small caravan park at the beach area where you can swim, hire boats and in the summer months there is a small restaurant and bar.

With 250 inhabitants and altitude of 340m the village is built on a spur site of confluence dominating the Creuse valley.

With 200 inhabitants and altitude 400m the name indicates a space cultivated in the middle of fallow lands and today the village continues to be a tight knit farming community. The Champsanglard dam at the level of the hamlet of Chambon was the last to be built.

Commune of approximately 600 inhabitants at an altitude of 232m probably originating from a settlement for monks. The village is very picturesque nestling in the hollow of the valley, the houses rising in tiers on both sides of the river.

The bridge over the river Creuse dates from the fourteenth century and the church from the twelfth century and listed on the historic buildings inventory, its vault is covered with paintings from 1879.

With around 400 inhabitants and an altitude of 390m there is a listed castle from the fifteenth century and church from the twelfth century listed in the historic inventory and recently preserved frescos were discovered and restored.

Commune of 600 inhabitants at 360m, the origin of the name meaning” bank of a valley”. The village houses are centred on the village square and the church dating from the eleventh century positioned at the top of a rocky peak overlooking the valley. At the bottom of the hill on the road stands an imposing railway viaduct formerly the line between Guéret and La Chatre

The lake areas offer an assortment of sporting activities including fishing, walking, swimming, tennis, mini golf, sailing, pétangue, horse riding and cycling. At Jouillat there is a bar/restaurant open in the summer months and it is possible to rent a wooden chalet overlooking the lake. This is a lovely spot to unwind with a glass of wine and just relax. You may even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of deer swimming in the lake!

Picnic Area

Spectacular views

From the Three Lakes at Lavaud take the D6 to Bonnat and continue all the way to Aigurande. You are now in the department of Indre. Take the D990 Cluis road but turn left just outside Aigurande on the D36 to Eguzon. From here you pass Lourdoueix St Michel and La Betoule and within ten minutes you will see the signs for Les Fougeres and Bonnu. Follow the signs for the beach when you reach either of these villages and you will arrive at the lake of Eguzon where you can water ski, wind surf, canoe, fish, swim (supervised swimming in July and August) hire a boat, sail or play archery, tennis or mini golf. There are also chalets, bungalows and caravans to rent. For more information contact Camping de Fougeres, Plage de Fougeres. 36190 St Plantaire

Telephone 0033(0) 254 47 20 01

Closer to Guéret is the Courtille Leisure Park with a twenty-five hectare lake and sandy beaches all around. Here you can swim and take part in most water activities and it’s just a short walk from the town centre. It is popular with locals and tourists and also has a three star campsite which is open from June to the end of September. For more information and to make a reservation telephone 0033(0) 555 81 92 24

I have mentioned only a few of the beautiful lakes that you can visit whilst you are in Creuse. As you drive along you will pass many others by the roadside where you can simply stop to enjoy the views, picnic or fish at your leisure.