Set in a magnificent woodland environment at the heart of wild, green gorges, the Grandval artificial lake is one of the three dam lakes created on the Truyère, in Cantal.
The longest dam lake in Auvergne, it's a sought-after tourist destination due to its many advantages: impressive sites like the famous Garabit Viaduct, created by Gustave Eiffel in the 19th century, and the Grandval Dam, built between 1955 and 1960; reminders of Auvergne's medieval past, with the romantic site of Alleuze Castle, an old 14th-century fortress perched on a rocky spur majestically overhanging part of the lake; power boating activities at the Garabit centre, where you can hire boats and jet skis; sailing, canoe-kayak and swimming at Mallet water sports centre…
To discover the Truyère gorges from a different angle, there are boat trips on Lake Grandval from May to October, departing from the Garabit site.
Don't miss the Mallet belvedere, in the municipality of Fridefont, for its outstanding views of the dam. These views can also be enjoyed from the restaurant terrace near the belvedere.
