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Swimming from Gannat: from the Gour de Tazenat to the Saint-Clément lake

Published 25 August 2021

From Gannat, several natural swimming spots are between twenty minutes and an hour's drive away: the Gour de Tazenat, the Plage des Célestins in Vichy, the Lac des Fades-Besserve and, further away in the Montagne Bourbonnaise, the Plan d'Eau de Saint-Clément. Here is what each one offers, so you can choose according to the time you have.

The Gour de Tazenat, about half an hour away

This is the closest of the natural sites. This almost circular crater lake, at the northern end of the Chaîne des Puys, is in Charbonnières-les-Vieilles. Swimming is allowed in two marked areas, and access to the site is free. Private boats and inflatables are banned to protect water quality, but canoes and pedalos can be hired in season. Park only in the designated car parks: parking along the road is prohibited. Our article A walk around the Gour de Tazenat describes the circuit round the lake.

The Plage des Célestins in Vichy, about twenty minutes away

On the shores of the Lac d'Allier, the town of Vichy sets up a free beach every summer. Swimming is supervised every day from 11 am to 7 pm, from 1 July to 31 August, subject to water quality. It is the simplest option for a late-afternoon swim, combined with a stroll in the parks. Seasonal information is published by the town of Vichy.

The Lac des Fades-Besserve, about fifty minutes away

To the south-west, in the Combrailles, this large reservoir on the Sioule has several beaches. The one at La Chazotte, in Saint-Jacques-d'Ambur, was supervised in 2025 from Tuesday to Friday, at weekends and on public holidays, from midday to late afternoon, from early July to the end of August; outside these times, swimming is unsupervised. The 2027 days and times will be set in the spring: check before you go. The site combines well with an outing to the Sioule gorges.

The Plan d'Eau de Saint-Clément, about an hour away

Located at Le Mayet-de-Montagne, in the heart of the Montagne Bourbonnaise, this forest-fringed lake is the furthest on the list, but also the best equipped:

• Swimming: an area supervised in fine weather during the summer season, free access.
• Water sports: hire of canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, rowing boats and pedalos.
• Adventure park: nine treetop courses from age 5 and seventeen zip lines, including two of 300 and 400 metres over the lake.
• Walking and fishing: a loop of about 6 km around the lake; predator fishing all year round with a permit.

Activities depend on the weather and mainly open in summer: check the lake's website for opening times. You can extend the outing up to La Loge des Gardes, higher up in the Monts de la Madeleine.

Practical tips

• Check water quality before you go on the French Ministry of Health website dedicated to bathing water.
• Outside supervised hours, you swim at your own risk: keep a close eye on children.
• On very hot days, set off early: the Tazenat car parks fill up by late morning.

For other family outings, see Gannat with the family.

Staying near the water in summer

After a day of swimming, having a pool on hand makes the pleasure last: our gîtes in Saint-Bonnet-de-Rochefort and those at La Grande Varenne, facing Charroux, have a shared swimming pool. In the town centre, our Gannat apartments are close to the A719 for a quick trip to Vichy. All can be booked from one night, cleaning and linen included.