| Lac de Vassivière | |
|---|---|
| With one of the dams in the background | |
| Location | Limousin |
| Lake type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Maulde River |
| Primary outflows | Maulde River |
| Basin countries | France |
| Surface area | 9.76 km² |
| Max. depth | 32 m |
| Water volume | 106,000,000 m3 (86,000 acre·ft) |
| Surface elevation | 650 m |
| Islands | Isle of Vassivière |
The lac de Vassivière or Vassivière Lake (Vacivièra in Occitan) is one of France's largest lakes, in fact a large reservoir, about 10 square kilometres in area, situated on the Plateau de Millevaches, in the départements of Creuse and Haute-Vienne. It is the largest area of water in the Limousin region of France. It provides water supplies, hydroelectricity, and leisure facilities.
Contents |
The lake was constructed after World War II and opened at Christmas 1950. It is the product of two barrages in the valley of the Maulde River, an important tributary of the Vienne River.
The Maulde is the most important source of water for the lake. However, the lac de Lavaud-Gelade, a 285 hectare reservoir to the east, is able to top up it up via an underground canal.
The lac de Vassivière feeds water to a hydro-electric station at Mazet, to the west.
The lac de Vassivière is surrounded by more than 7600 hectares of land classified as of ecological or natural interest (ZNIEFF: Zone naturelle d'intérêt écologique, faunistique et floristique), level 1, grouped in 15 distinct areas. These present the full range of landscapes characteristic of the Plateau de Millevaches: peat bog, wetland, heath and forest. The bogs, in particular, are unique and fragile small ecosystems, composed of many strata of plant material, and forming a carbon sink. They are the sources of many of the streams and rivers that flow from the region.
The climate is heavily influenced by the elevated, inland location. Milevaches winters are proverbially cold, with heavy snowfalls - enough for some winter sports in the region. Spring is generally cool and wet, but summer is warm and pleasant, albeit with occasional fierce thunderstorms. Autumn often brings a period of considerable sun and warmth, with a spectacular display of gold and brown leaves.
The lac de Vassivière is the 16th largest lake in France by area, but sixth among the artificial lakes, and tenth among fresh water lakes. It is surrounded by many different communes, including:
As the lac de Vassivière is entirely inside the Millevaches Regional Natural Park, large parts of its shoreline are protected from excessive development, and form an important haven for wildlife, and wild flowers in particular.
However, with 45 kilometres of shoreline there has still been room for a good deal of tourist development, mostly at well-separated, small sites. This provides camping and picnic facilities, small-scale catering, hotels, artificial beaches, and small ports. There are demarcated zones for motor boating and water skiing, but most of the surface is dominated by small sailing boats. Much of the surrounding housing caters for tourists. There are numerous organised cycling and walking events. The lake has, in fact, become the most important area for sport, and especially water sports, in the region.
The Isle of Vassivière is an island at the centre of the lake with an area of 0.75 km². It is dominated by a château and features a number of exhibition and performance spaces, a landscape sculpture park and small menagerie. It is also the site of the lake's main lighthouse, designed in 1988 by Aldo Rossi.
The island is connected to the shore by a causeway. Only authorised vehicles are allowed, so it is normally accessed on foot or by road train.
The Lake is entirely encircled by roads and footpaths. The nearest railway station is Eymoutiers/Lac de Vassivière. As well as guided tours by boat, there is a free water taxi on the lake.