The color of Lac Bleu comes from the lauza slate and volcanic stones covering its bed. The site also tells the story of the land’s former use: the lake occupies the site of the former Lauzier quarry at Les Balayes, which was worked for almost three and a half centuries. Here, natural and industrial history can be explored in the same place.
Access to Lac Bleu is free; dogs must be kept on a leash. Check the visitor information before your visit, as conditions may change.
Hiking: two routes with different profiles
The PR475 Autour du lac Bleu is an easy circular hike, 8 km long, with 158 meters of elevation gain and a stated duration of 2 hours and 9 minutes. It starts and ends in Les Balayes and is associated with the municipalities of Champclause and Araules. The parking area at Lac Bleu is recommended for the PR475. Les Balayes is 2 km east of Boussoulet on the D15.
Another option is the PR478 Les Bastiers, listed as a 7 km route starting from Champclause, with a stated duration of 2 hours and 209 meters of elevation gain. By the numbers, this route is one kilometer shorter but has 51 meters more elevation gain; its stated duration is nine minutes shorter. The PR475 is specifically rated as easy. When planning, you can therefore consider elevation gain and the stated time as well as route length.
Nordic activities in the Meygal
The Meygal Nordic area offers a total of 44 km of ski trails at elevations of 1,200 to 1,450 meters. Classic cross-country skiing, skate skiing and snowshoeing are available on marked and regularly groomed trails. Access depends on winter conditions, and operating details also vary by season. Check current conditions before planning a winter day.
Boussoulet is an access point to the Nordic area for visitors with a valid ski pass and their own equipment. This access information and the conditions on site can help you decide whether the seasonal offerings suit your stay.
Church and local history
The church of Boussoulet was established in a former farmhouse between 1836 and 1846. Its distinctive features include a monumental phonolite altar and a baptismal font carved from a stone from the Meygal. The stained-glass windows are signed by Jean-François Six. The church thus brings together several distinct aspects: its former use as a farmhouse, regional stone materials and the design of its windows.
The Parc des Miniatures is also linked to local history. It was created in part in memory of Antonin Royer, described as the last Lauzeron at Lac Bleu.
Plants and fishing
La Ferme de la Reine des Près offers guided medicinal-plant foraging and botanical outings. The farm also serves snacks made from wild plants. The program therefore includes both plant-related activities and a tasting.
The Moulin des Merles has two stocked fishing ponds: one with brown trout and brook trout, and the other with rainbow trout. The fish are sold by weight. Fishing with a float, spinning and fly fishing are available; beginners can get advice. Fishing equipment can be rented and bait purchased on site. No fishing license is required there. Fishing and equipment rental availability may change; check in advance if you are planning a visit.
Getting there and planning accommodation
The RD15 runs through Champclause, connecting Le Puy-en-Velay with Valence, and carries heavy traffic. Take this into account when planning your journey. This way, you can tailor your plans to the experiences that matter most during your stay.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Just-Malmont, Queyrières, Le Brignon, Lantriac, Monistrol-Sur-Loire, Autrac, Montagnac, La Chapelle-Geneste
For the regional travel overview: Haute-Loire.
