The Lac du Causse, THE place to know near Brive

Today we invite you to discover a truly magical place just a few minutes from Brive-la-Gaillarde: Le lac du Causse! It is a preserved natural environment, a large sports and leisure lake, nestled in a setting of green hills. More than 200 ha of pleasure, to be enjoyed all year round. In summer, it is a perfect place for swimming and relaxation, a real ideal holiday spot for everyone! Here we go?

Photos of the report: Corrèze guide

A lake for swimming and having fun

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

It is a success, the lake attracts thousands of visitors every year who come to relax and practice water sports and activities. The lake and its surroundings are very clean and well maintained, it is pleasant to walk around and swim in it. A sandy beach has been laid out on part of the perimeter of the lake, to make swimming pleasant. Don't forget that we are on a lake, when you swim far, you sometimes encounter some algae (a little prickly, mark the areas to get away from it) and a little mud at the bottom. The edge remains clear and without vegetation.

Sports activities to do at Lac du Causse

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

For gourmets, a guinguette and other summer catering outlets are on site. Children can have fun on the play areas available to them in addition to building castles and sand pies.

You can visit the House of Water and Fishing, which is located in an old mill. You can book fishing courses for adults, children and the discovery of fly fishing.

On the sports leisure side, you can go water skiing and the leisure center (which is located further west of the lake, on the campsite side), allows you to rent windsurfing boards, optimists all year round, rowing, canoeing, stand-up paddles and pedal boats. You can book in advance and online through the Brivois Tourist Office website.

The tour of the Causse lake which is about 7km is easily doable on foot or by bike. Speaking of two wheels, there are plenty of marked tracks and trails for mountain biking around the lake. You will see that this promises a good solicitation of the calves, because the lake is in a rather steep valley in places!
To download: The Lac du Causse mountain bike trail map, by the Brive Tourist Office

Good to know: Climbers will be happy to know that it is possible to climb on two sites near the lake: Cirque de Ladou and Fournet Achez. Information from the Tourist Office for nesting periods and topos on your usual sites. Be respectful of the local fauna, flora and dwellings while practicing rock climbing. Do not park anywhere and pick up your waste when you leave!

Fishing at Lac du Causse

You can of course go fishing on the Causse lake. You will need to bring a fishing license, the lake is classified in the second fish category. You will find perch (including sun perch), carp, roach, pike, zander... The Causse lake is classified as a family course, there are also black bass and catfish. For more information, check the Corrèze Fishing Federation website.

Eat and stay at Lac du Causse

The Lac du Causse can easily become your holiday base camp. It is a place of leisure and tourism, well provided with accommodation. There are gites available with or without a swimming pool, bed and breakfasts, campsites.

The communes which are directly on the edge of the lake are Lissac-sur-Couze and Chasteaux, you can then move a little further towards Saint-Cernin-de-Larche and Larche. Brive and Sdaint-Pantaléon-de-Larche are about 5 to 10km away depending on the location of the accommodation.

To restore you, there are not many possibilities. You can go to the Guinguette near the Moulin, the Bar du Chemin which offers gustatory festivities and aperitif in a good atmosphere. Then there are restaurants in the surrounding villages, the possibility of eating at the campsite (even without staying there). In summer, Food Trucks set up on the beach next to the Mill. Remember to bring your picnic and take advantage of the landscaped areas.

Our little secret: Go up to Chasteaux to admire the sunset, a small drink in hand with a magnificent view of the lake...