Lac d’Issarlès lies at an altitude of 1,000 metres and fills an ancient maar crater. Covering 97 hectares and reaching depths of up to 108 metres, the lake forms the striking natural landscape of Le Lac D'issarlès. Several options can shape your travel plans: a signposted path by the water, a route to the heights of Volcan du Cherchemuse, activities on the lake, as well as caves and church architecture.
Lake, Crater and Volcano Trails
A shaded, signposted walking path about 3.6 kilometres long circles Lac d’Issarlès. Volcan du Cherchemuse rises above the lake and is a Strombolian volcano. Another signposted hiking trail leads to its heights. The two trail options are therefore clearly different: one follows a loop by the lake, while the other leads to the heights of the volcano.
From the summit of Volcan du Cherchemuse, there is a 380-degree view across the Montagne d’Ardèche. Near Lac d’Issarlès, the Belvédère du Col du Gage also offers a view of the entire lake after a 15-minute walk. Alongside the trails themselves, these two viewpoints are among the area’s scenic experiences.
Caves and Church Architecture
A well-maintained 300-metre path leads to the troglodytic caves. Near Lac d’Issarlès, the caves were created in the ejecta from the maar crater eruption. Recently restored and made accessible, the caves can be visited and offer a sense of how the dwellings of the time were designed.
The Église du Lac d’Issarlès adds another perspective on history through its architecture: the Romanesque-Gothic church dates from the 11th century. Its porch is flanked by two towers. The caves and the church thus offer contrasting cultural highlights—here, the design of earlier dwellings; there, a church with a distinctive portal.
Water, Fishing and Swimming
Lac d’Issarlès is a first-category fishing lake. Fish species include brown and rainbow trout, Arctic char, salmon, minnows, gudgeon and coregonids. Fishing is therefore a distinct focus alongside activities directly on the water.
You can rent pedal boats, canoes and stand-up paddleboards at the lake. Rentals are seasonal; check before travelling whether they are available on your dates. Swimming is supervised in July and August. Check this seasonal arrangement before your visit as well.
Visit to Ferme de La Louvèche
Ferme de La Louvèche can be visited by prior reservation. Cheese, charcuterie and pork are produced on site. If you would like to include the processing of agricultural produce in your stay, alongside the lake, trails and historic sites, this offers another activity of a different kind.
Discover more destinations: Colombier-Le-Vieux, Accons, Vernoux-En-Vivarais, Saint-Marcel-Lès-Annonay, Chalencon, Villeneuve-De-Berg, Privas, Ardoix.
For the broader travel overview: Ardèche.
