Lake Causse, THE place to know near Brive

Lissac-sur-Couze
Sport

Today we invite you to discover a truly magical place just a few minutes from Brive-la-Gaillarde : Lac du Causse ! It's a protected natural environment, a large lake for sports and leisure, nestled in a setting of verdant hills. Over 200 hectares of enjoyment to be had all year round. In the warmer months, it's the perfect place for swimming and relaxation, a truly ideal holiday spot for everyone! Shall we go?

A lake for swimming and having fun

We are here in the Couze valley, a small river which meanders and which was given a great responsibility in 1976: to supply the 100ha area (+ 100ha of space around) developed by the surrounding municipalities, to make this place a natural and recreational space for the people of Brive, locals and tourists.

It's a success; the lake attracts thousands of visitors every year who come to relax and enjoy water sports and activities. The lake and its surroundings are very clean and well-maintained, making it pleasant to walk around and swim in. A sandy beach has been created along part of the lake's perimeter to make swimming enjoyable. Remember that we're on a lake; when swimming out far, you might encounter some algae (which can be a bit prickly, so be aware of the areas to avoid them) and some silt at the bottom. The shoreline remains clear and free of vegetation.

Sports activities to do at Lac du Causse

First of all, families will be pleased to know that swimming is supervised by a lifeguard in July and August. The swimming areas are located to the east of the lake. There is a large free car park in the town of Lissac-sur-Couze for parking vehicles and a path providing access to the beaches and equipment rental shops.

For food lovers, there's a guinguette (open-air café) and other summer dining options on site. Children can enjoy the available playgrounds, as well as building sandcastles and sand pies.

You can visit the Maison de l'Eau et de la Pêche (House of Water and Fishing), which is located in a former mill. Fishing courses for adults and children, as well as fly fishing introductions, can be booked there.

For sports and leisure activities, you can go water skiing and the leisure centre (which is located further west of the lake, near the campsite) allows you to rent windsurfing boards, optimist dinghies, rowing boats, canoes, stand-up paddleboards and pedal boats all year round.

The loop around Lake Causse, which is about 7km long, is easily doable on foot or by bike. Speaking of two wheels, there are numerous marked trails and paths for mountain biking around the lake. You'll see that it promises a good workout for your calves, as the lake is situated in a valley that is quite steep in places!

Climbers will be pleased to know that climbing is possible at two sites near the lake: Le Cirque de Ladou and Le Fournet Achez. Contact the Tourist Office for information on nesting seasons and guidebooks for your usual climbing areas. Please be respectful of the local wildlife, flora, and homes while climbing. Do not park haphazardly and be sure to take all your trash with you when you leave!

Fishing at Lac du Causse

Fishing is permitted on Lake Causse. A fishing license is required, as the lake is classified as a second-category fishing area. It contains perch (including pumpkinseed), carp, roach, pike, zander, and more. Lake Causse is designated a family-friendly fishing area, and also contains black bass and catfish.

Food and accommodation at Lac du Causse

Lake Causse can easily become your holiday base camp. It's a leisure and tourist destination with plenty of accommodation options. There are gîtes available with or without a pool, bed and breakfasts, and campsites.

The towns directly bordering the lake are Lissac-sur-Couze and Chasteaux ; you can then venture a little further towards Saint-Cernin-de-Larche and Larche. Brive and Saint-Pantaléon-de-Larche are approximately 5 to 10 km away, depending on the location of your accommodation.

For meals, there aren't a huge number of options. You can go to the Guinguette near the mill, or the Bar du Chemin, which offers tasty snacks and drinks in a pleasant atmosphere. There are also restaurants in the surrounding villages, and you can eat at the campsite (even if you're not staying there). In the summer, food trucks set up on the beach next to the mill. Consider bringing a picnic and enjoying the designated areas.