Plan d'Eau de Cournon-d'Auvergne

Plan d'Eau de Cournon-d'Auvergne is a man-made recreational lake on the south-eastern edge of Cournon-d'Auvergne, right on the banks of the Allier river, just a few kilometres from Clermont-Ferrand in the Puy-de-Dôme department (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region). The whole landscaped site covers roughly 18 hectares of green space and water, making it one of the larger leisure complexes near the Auvergne regional capital.

What can you do on the water?

The designated swimming area covers about 5,000 m² and is typically watched over by lifeguards during the summer season (broadly July and August). For visitors who want more than a spot on the sand, wakeboarding is on offer, along with a canoe and kayak rental point for paddling out onto the calm water. A fishing pier along the bank caters to anglers.

And if you're not here for the water?

The grounds around the lake work as a family-oriented sports and leisure complex in their own right. There are tennis courts, a mini-golf course, an outdoor fitness area, sports pitches, a skate park and children's playgrounds. Pétanque players will also find a dedicated pitch. Those who prefer to stay on foot can follow several marked walking trails looping around the lake and along the Allier, while more puzzle-minded visitors can try orienteering courses, with maps available from the town hall. A small animal park on site is a popular stop for families with children.

Accessibility and facilities

The beach and the fishing pier have both been adapted for visitors with reduced mobility. A free car park with roughly 200 spaces sits at the entrance, making the site easy to reach by car. An on-site restaurant covers meals, and a three-star campsite, Le Pré des Laveuses, stands right next to the complex — useful if you're planning to stay more than a day.

Good to know before you go

Water quality can vary from one season to the next, and swimming is sometimes suspended temporarily because of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) blooms, with notices posted on site and on the town's website. When that happens, the splash pools and water play areas for children usually remain open, so it's worth checking current conditions before planning a swim.

FAQ

Can you always swim at Plan d'Eau de Cournon-d'Auvergne? Not always — the swimming zone is occasionally closed for sanitary reasons, such as cyanobacteria blooms, so it's best to check current conditions before your visit.

How big is the site around the lake? The whole area covers roughly 18 hectares along the Allier river, with a designated swimming zone of about 5,000 m².

Is there somewhere to eat or stay overnight? Yes, there's an on-site restaurant, and a three-star campsite, Le Pré des Laveuses, sits right next to the complex.

Is the site accessible for visitors with reduced mobility? The beach and the fishing pier have both been adapted for reduced-mobility access.

How do you get there and where can you park? The site sits on the south-eastern edge of Cournon-d'Auvergne, close to Clermont-Ferrand. A free car park with about 200 spaces is available on site.

What can you do besides swimming? Tennis, mini-golf, wakeboarding, canoe and kayak rental, fishing, pétanque, a skate park, walking trails, orienteering courses and a small animal park.