Saint-Gérons: Suspension Bridge, Lake and History

Two themes come together during a stay in Saint-Gérons: Lac de Saint-Étienne-Cantalès and the history of the town. The lake’s shores, a suspension bridge and a range of water sports shape the activities, while the dam and church add a historical dimension. If you’re looking for a hotel in Saint-Gérons, you can first consider whether you’d like to spend more time walking and enjoying activities on the water, or exploring the town’s history. This lets you tailor your stay to your interests without needing to plan a set itinerary.

The lake, lakeside trail and suspension bridge

The Tour de la presqu'île de Rénac walking trail runs along the shore of Lac de Saint-Étienne-Cantalès. From here, you can enjoy views of the lake, the rocks and the EDF dam. You may spot waterbirds, black kites or cormorants along the way, but sightings are not guaranteed. The lake is 13 kilometres long, covers 563 hectares and fills the former valley of the Cère. It is the second-largest artificial lake in Auvergne. The lakeside trail therefore combines views across the water with sights of the rocks and the dam.

The 124-metre-long Himalayan suspension bridge offers a different perspective: it crosses the lake and connects the beaches of Espinet and Rénac. While the trail follows the shore, the bridge passes over the water. It is open free of charge every day, year-round. Check local conditions before setting out.

Water sports and activities

Jetskiing, beach volleyball and supervised swimming are available at Lac de Saint-Étienne-Cantalès. Lifeguard supervision is seasonal; check swimming conditions before your trip. Rénac Beach has a marina, a snack bar and water sports facilities. These amenities may vary by season.

Rénacland offers a range of rentals at Rénac Beach: pedal boats for four people, with or without a slide; individual and multi-person stand-up paddleboards for up to eight people; and two-seat canoes and kayaks. The options also include jet skis, which require a licence, and boats that may or may not require a licence. Check which rentals are available seasonally before your trip.

At Rénac Aventure, two ziplines on the Tyro-Lac course cross the lake; each is more than 135 metres long. The adventure park on the peninsula at Lac de Saint-Étienne-Cantalès has ten courses with a total of 140 activities. It is open to children and adults at least 90 centimetres tall. Check current opening conditions before visiting.

The dam and church of Saint-Gérons

The inauguration of the Saint-Étienne-Cantalès dam in 1945 fundamentally changed the appearance of the town of Saint-Gérons. This shapes the historical perspective on the lake: alongside its size and water-based activities, the transformation of the landscape is also part of the town’s history.

Saint-Gérons Church was once a priory church and has retained its original layout. This includes a rectangular nave, a bell tower porch in front and a choir with a flat end. The main altar also has a historical connection of its own: the altarpiece dates from the 17th century and contains a statue of Saint Gérons, which can still be admired there today. In Saint-Gérons, the landscape transformed by the dam and the church’s older history offer two distinct points of interest.

Discover more destinations: Laroquebrou, Champs-Sur-Tarentaine-Marchal, Condat, Chaudes-Aigues, Ytrac, Marcolès, Le Monteil, Clavières

For the regional travel overview: Cantal.