Bort les Orgues: a village, a dam and above all, its organs!

Bort-les-Orgues is a designated "Green Resort," a delightful holiday destination thanks to its diverse natural environment. There's plenty to discover, and the town is ideally located for exploring the region and enjoying a variety of sightseeing , sporting, and water sports activities. Bort-les-Orgues takes its name from its striking rock formation overlooking the village, known as "les orgues " (the organs). These octagonal columns resemble organ pipes. Come and discover the charms of Bort-les-Orgues in the Dordogne Valley with us.

Photos from the article: Corrèze Guide

The Village, the organs of the bort

The village of Bort-les-Orgues has all the necessary amenities, with two or three shopping streets and a pleasant square where you can enjoy a refreshing drink or a coffee. You might not spend hours wandering around, but you can discover the interesting Tannery Museum, a testament to a once-flourishing industry. Leatherworking flourished in Bort-les-Orgues, as did silk production, the making of leather and wooden clogs , and hat making.

Take your car and head to Avenue Gambetta to enjoy a lovely view of the Orgues (the basalt columns) from afar. Then, set off up onto the plateau to get a closer look at these curious basalt columns, which date back 15 million years. The road winds its way along, offering glimpses of the heart of the village, before you reach the plateau. Park your car ( parking is free ). The Orgues are located at an altitude of 790 meters and stretch for over 2 kilometers ! From there, you'll enjoy a magnificent view of the Massif Central. A panoramic viewpoint indicator will help you identify the peaks to admire, between the Cantal and Puy-de-Dôme mountains.

Once at the top, you can enjoy a snack or a refreshing drink at the bar overlooking the view. Picnic tables are available, as well as two walking trails for exploring the natural surroundings. Climbing enthusiasts will find around thirty interesting routes on this site, some of which are two-pitch multi-pitch climbs.

The Bort-les-Orgues dam and the reservoir near the Château de Val

Have you finished your hike? Looking to relax and cool off? Head to the Château de Val site to go for a swim at the Bort-les-Orgues reservoir beach. Several beaches are available along this gigantic 21 km long reservoir (the third largest in France).

The castle, dating from the ^15th century, once overlooked a valley from a height of 30 meters, which is now submerged to supply the hydroelectric dam built in 1951. It is an elegant castle with six towers that now serenely watch over tourists enjoying the lake's attractions. During the season, visitors can discover art exhibitions and the "Wednesdays at the Castle " program.

The reservoir is an unparalleled water sports area! You can swim, sunbathe, jump on inflatable structures, take a boat trip, practice water skiing, rent canoes/kayaks, motorboats (even without a license) and on the beach, children enjoy games and trampolines.

If you still have some energy left after all these adventures, we recommend a visit to the very informative EDF information center at the Bort-les-Orgues dam. Free of charge, it allows you to understand the issues surrounding the construction of hydroelectric dams in general, and the Bort-les-Orgues dam in particular. With models, interpretive panels, archival photos, games, information on the preservation of flora and fauna, and technical information on how the dam works, it's a comprehensive and accessible experience for the whole family.

We wish you a wonderful holiday in the Bort-les-Orgues region!

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