Lanobre: Discover the château, lake and activities

Lanobre can be discovered from several perspectives: the municipality borders part of the Bort-les-Orgues reservoir, which it describes as the region’s largest hydroelectric reservoir. A viewpoint, Château de Val and activities at Plage de Val also offer practical starting points for planning a trip. The landscape, history and seasonal activities each have their own appeal.

Scenery and viewpoints in Lanobre

The Site du Fraysse is a viewpoint in Lanobre that is open year-round and free to access. It offers panoramic views, and there is also an orientation and picnic table. The site combines views of the landscape with the option of using the table to get your bearings or take a break. The time of year is also relevant for planning: this viewpoint is open year-round and free to access, while some other activities in Lanobre are limited to the summer months.

Château de Val: visits and events

Château de Val is in Lanobre, in the Cantal. It stands on a rock more than 30 metres high and is now situated on a small peninsula on the shore of the lake. The château is one of the best-preserved and most remarkable historic monuments. The exterior visit includes the courtyard of honour, the chapel and the exhibition room. Unguided and guided visits of the interior are available; dates may vary by season. The visit is not accessible to wheelchair users or pushchairs. Check in advance which type of visit is scheduled for the day you plan to go.

The Festives’Val take place in the courtyard of honour in July and August and are also known as “Les mercredis du Château”. The programme includes a range of concerts, aperitif concerts and performances. Dates may vary, so it is worth checking the events calendar before making plans.

Church and permanent exhibition

Lanobre’s church, dedicated to Saint James the Greater, was built in the 12th century. The Chapelle Saint-Blaise houses a permanent exhibition about the construction of the EDF dam. Lanobre thus brings together different historical themes: the medieval church and the story of the construction of a dam. Visitors interested in construction history will find a dedicated perspective on the subject in the exhibition.

Water activities and treetop courses

There is a canoe, kayak and rowing centre at Plage de Val. The Parc Aqualoisirs Auvergne offers lake activities, an inflatable water park, canoe and pedal boat hire, stand-up paddleboards, and motorboats that can be rented with or without a licence. The lake activities are open in July and August, weather permitting. During these two months, Plage de Val is also supervised by a lifeguard.

Val Aventure offers a different activity in a three-hectare forest above Château de Val and the Bort-les-Orgues reservoir. There are treetop courses. Val Aventure has four recently built courses suitable for families with children aged four and over; the configuration may change. If this visit is important to your trip, check the details in advance.

There is a clear difference when choosing when to travel: the Site du Fraysse is open year-round and free to access, while the lake activities and lifeguard supervision are limited to July and August. The Festives’Val also take place during these months, although the dates of individual events may vary. The lake activities are also weather-dependent. Check the relevant dates and conditions for the activities you plan to visit.

Discover more destinations: Arpajon-Sur-Cère, Cassaniouze, Vieillevie, Marcenat, Saint-Amandin, Saint-Cirgues-De-Jordanne, Lafeuillade-En-Vézie, Lavigerie.

For the broader travel overview: Cantal.