The Causse corrézien lake
15 minutes from Brive, in a green setting in the Couze valley, there's a lake... born some forty years ago from the desire of local councillors to make it a tourist attraction. With its 200 hectares of landscaped land (100 hectares of water and 100 hectares of natural areas), the Lac du Causse site has become the identity card of our region and naturally features in our top 14 places to visit.
It's also an ideal base camp for water and land sports, a peaceful spot to recharge your batteries and a popular bathing spot for locals and visitors alike.
Lac du Causse: a bold and responsible destination!
- Take part in outdoor sports at*THE* spot in the region: This is the Nouvelle-Aquitaine East Coast!
- Use the Libéo shuttle buses during the summer and avoid taking your car
- Take part in the summer events: shows and open-air dances, and sample local produce at the farmers’ market. It sounds brilliant!
- Want to make the most of your stay? There’s plenty of accommodation all around the lake.
- And to give your calves a workout, hire a bike and explore the many routes on offer (mountain bikes or hybrid bikes)
What is the history of the mill on the shores of Lac du Causse?
Its history dates back to 1700, when it was first mentioned as the Moulin de la Mothe. It was held in joint ownership until 1758, when it became the sole property of the Lord of Lissac.
Although its primary purpose was to grind grain, the mill subsequently housed a paper mill around 1825, then a spinning mill and finally a vinegar factory.
At the start of the last century, it returned to its original function: a flour mill. It was then converted once more, this time into a sawmill, and finally into a walnut oil factory. The millstones ceased turning for good in the early 1960s.
A few years after the lake was filled in the mid-1970s, a wing of the building, which was in a very poor state of repair, was demolished and the millstones dismantled. However, they can still be seen in an orchard by the beach.
In the 1990s, the building then housed a restaurant. On the first floor, the Maison de l’eau et de la pêche (Water and Fishing Centre), a departmental branch, welcomes visitors all year round for courses and information.
What sports and outdoor leisure activities can we enjoy at Lac du Causse?
This lake and water sports centre is our seaside resort. A whole host of water-based activities are on offer: swimming, sailing, pedalos, not to mentionrowing, stand-up paddleboarding and canoeing…
Furthermore, the lake’s surroundings, the rolling countryside and the multitude of trails make for an ideal playground for hikers, mountain bikers and trail runners.
Lake Causse has therefore been approved to host French and international delegations as they prepare their teams for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games!
Discover the history of Lac du Causse
Lac du Causse will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026.
To mark the occasion, the association Les Amis du Causse wanted to share the history of this site through a photo exhibition at the Moulin de Lissac, on the shores of the lake.
You can visit the exhibition on:
- 16, 23 and 30 July from 10.00 am to 12.00 pm and from 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm.
- Free entry
Practical information
Where can you park at Lac du Causse?
There are several car parks around the lake. To mention the main ones, which offer direct access to the beach, we recommend the Moulin car parks, situated below the lake towards the charming little hamlet of Le Soulier.
The second car park is Les Peupliers, part of which is equipped to accommodate motorhomes. It offers a front-row seat with unbeatable views of the lake!
To access water sports, head to the campsite!
And for fishing, there are two options: the car park next to the multi-purpose hall in Saint-Cernin-de-Larche, or the Moulin car park, just a stone’s throw from the Maison de l’Eau et de la Pêche.
How can you get to Lac du Causse without a car?
Check out our “Visiting without a car” section , which regularly updates a downloadable document (calendar, timetables and transport options from Brive to other destinations).
Looking for the toilets?
Dry toilets are available on the beach, next to the Water Sports Centre and near Port-Couzage (opposite the Centre). You’ll also find them at the lifeguard station on Peupliers Beach.
Supervision of the swimming area and water quality
The bathing area is supervised every day during the summer holidays from 11.00 to 19.00 by lifeguards.
The water is tested regularly to certify its quality and ensure safe swimming.
Check the bathing water quality at Lac du Causse here.
Life jackets must be worn during water sports
Please note that you must wear a life jacket for all water sports: stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, rowing, etc.
We invite you to read the Guide to Freshwater Water Sports published by the Ministry of the Sea to help you prepare safely for your visit to Lac du Causse.
Tip All schuss at the Lac du Causse
Paddle, canoe or pedalo: there's no rest for the water sports enthusiast at Lac du Causse! And if you're more of a slacker than a surfer, don't worry: in July and August, the lake is also the place for exhausting sunbathing sessions. And at nightfall on Sundays, you can join the enticing wooden tables of the Guinguette du Causse for an evening by the water.
Base Nautique, Lissac
Lac du Causse, 19600 Lissac
Tel: 05 55 85 42 93
July and August
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