Lacapelle-Viescamp is a commune in the Cantal department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, 18 km west of Aurillac.
Its territory of 15.6 km² is located between the Aurillac country and the Châtaigneraie country, and it is bordered to the west by the Saint-Etienne-Cantalès lake.
Covered by agricultural land (45% of its surface area) and forests (29%), bordered by the Cère to the south and crossed by the course of the Authre (the town being located on its "southern" bank), Lacapelle-Viescamp changed its face at the end of the Second War.
In 1945, the construction of a dam on the Cère dedicated to the production of electricity was completed, located in Saint-Etienne-Cantalès, in the northwest. This was followed by the impoundment of the eponymous lake, 562 hectares large, with very jagged banks, giving even more character to the surrounding hilly and wooded landscapes.
Since then, thanks to the site of the Puech des Ouilhes peninsula, to the southwest of the town, which includes camping, beach and nautical base, the town has become a popular tourist hub.
With its heritage and preserved environment (notably the Cassan marshes, to the north), this will appeal to lovers of green tourism!
The town has several heritage sites of interest. First of all, mention the Sainte-Madeleine church, perfectly restored, with its typical materials of the region (stones of volcanic origin), and the beautiful comb bell tower attached to a round tower. The building preserves two objects classified as objects: a ciborium and a chalice.
On the right (or “north”) bank of the Authre, the Château de Viescamp is listed in the Inventory. Raised on a spur now dominating the waters of the lake, it has been the possession of great lords of the region since the Middle Ages (the Gosselin, de Parlan, La Panouze, La Valette). During the Revolution, it was owned by Jean-Charles de Lasserre, a cavalry officer. This family, originally from Limousin, remained at the head of the estate in the 19th century. We notice a 15th century keep with its machicolations and battlements (still dating from the 13th century!) and after a fire in 1752, a more comfortable main building, in neo-classical style with a Mansard roof, was added. Troubadour style decorations (revisiting the canons of the Middle Ages) were created in the 19th century. Inside, period fittings have been preserved. The estate is still private property, and it is not open to visitors. The majestic and partly medieval silhouette of the castle can nevertheless be admired from the outside.
To the southwest of the town, the Ribeyrès viaduct was built in 1866 so that the railway line linking Figeac (Lot) to Arvant (Haute-Loire) via Aurillac could cross the Cère. The structure is 300 m long, and its metal pillars, which risked being weakened when the lake was filled with water in 1945, were replaced by concrete piers.
Finally, an oven and elements of small heritage will still mark walks in the town and its surroundings.
On the cultural side, shows and community events are offered regularly in the village hall and in the one later established on the Puech des Ouilhes peninsula. Information at the town hall on +33 4 71 46 31 71.
For “nature” leisure activities, head to the Puech des Ouilhes peninsula. A path built partly on stilts and in a wooded setting allows you to go around it. In the evening, in season, this path is the subject of "sound and light" type activities to give more picturesqueness to this walk between land... and lake. Lovers of relaxation have a sandy beach with a playground, deckchairs, beach volleyball court, etc. Swimming is supervised in summer and floating structures are also installed (games, paddling pool).
The beach is next to the campsite and above all a nautical base run by a sailing club (initiation and practice) dedicated to boarding, paddle, dinghies and catamarans. Contact +33 4 71 46 39 15. It is also possible to rent pedal boats, canoes or even motorized boats (for the latter, contact +33 7 68 34 38 41).
Finally, the fishermen are also celebrating. Information on regulations and suitable sites on +33 6 85 44 96 08.
Games for children and a snack bar which offers themed evenings complete the leisure offerings at this very popular hub but large enough to enjoy the amenities of the lake in complete peace and quiet…
All that remains is to explore the territory via a number of hiking trails. These partly follow the banks of the lake, the banks of the Cère or the Authre, but also include incursions into the forest or into certain very specific natural areas, such as the marshes in the north of the locality. Itineraries of varying difficulty may include incursions into neighboring towns. In addition, secure loops are available for mountain bikers.
Maps and information from the intercommunal tourist office on +33 4 71 48 46 58.
