Naussac can be explored through two distinct themes: Lac de Naussac and the history of the village. The artificial lake covers an area of 1,050 hectares and lies at an altitude of 1,000 metres; as a large inland mountain lake, it has a purpose-built beach. The historical trail and several architectural landmarks trace the historic changes to the area.

At Lac de Naussac

The purpose-built beach provides a specific point of access to the lake. In July and August, Lac de Naussac has a supervised swimming beach. If you plan to swim where lifeguards are on duty, this period is key; check current swimming conditions before your trip. There are also numerous fishing spots, offering another way to make the lake the focus of your stay. If you are deciding between swimming and fishing, you can take the seasonal lifeguard supervision into account.

At the Base Nautique de Naussac, the operator offers pedal boats with slides for up to five people, single or large paddleboards, canoes, and electric boats that do not require a licence. The pedal boat is specified as having capacity for five people and a slide; other options include various types of paddleboards, canoes, and electric boats. Availability depends on the operator. Check before your trip which options are available.

Village history and historic traces

The Parcours historique de Naussac is accessible year-round, open to everyone, and free of charge. It traces the history of the village of Naussac and the surrounding villages, which were demolished and rebuilt during the construction of the reservoir. The trail also illustrates how the settlements changed in connection with the reservoir project. Check the current conditions on site.

You can choose between a 1 km route and a 1.6 km loop. The loop is 600 metres longer than the route, so you can compare the two options based on the stated distances. The walk thus combines a practical planning consideration with its historical theme: the history of Naussac and the surrounding villages during the construction of the reservoir.

Near the cemetery stands a Renaissance-era tower that belonged to an estate of the Abbaye des Chambons de Borne. Stone crosses are also part of the village’s historic traces: six carved crosses were rebuilt stone by stone in the streets of Naussac. The way they were reconstructed is part of their history, alongside their material and design.

Lake or village history?

For planning purposes, the two options also differ in their timing requirements: if supervised swimming is important, plan around July and August and check the current swimming conditions. The trail, by contrast, focuses on history and tells the story of the reservoir project and the villages’ reconstruction. This lets you choose whether to focus on the lake, with its swimming and fishing spots, or on the history of the area.

Discover more destinations: Fournels, Bagnols-Les-Bains, Vebron, Saint-Michel-De-Dèze, Marvejols, Saint-Martin-De-Boubaux, Chanac, Barre-Des-Cévennes

See the broader travel guide: Lozère.