Eguzon-Chantôme: Lac d’Eguzon, Culture and History

Eguzon-Chantôme can be explored through a range of interests: water sports and other activities take centre stage at Lac d’Eguzon, while the museum, castle remains and hydroelectric dam offer their own cultural and industrial history themes.

Lac d’Eguzon: Lake Size and Activities

Lac d’Eguzon covers 312 hectares, is 17 kilometres long and is the largest lake in the Centre-Val de Loire region. Activities on the lake include sailing, windsurfing, pedal boating, water skiing, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding and rides on towable tubes. Hiking, climbing and mountain biking are also among the activities at Lac d’Eguzon. Before travelling, check which activities are available seasonally.

The activities offered by the Base de plein air Lac Eguzon overlap in climbing, orienteering, mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, sailing, stand-up paddleboarding and pedal boating. Archery is also available. This provider’s current programme and booking conditions may change; check them before making your plans. A free FFCO orienteering course run by the Base de plein air d’Eguzon is located in the village of Chambon, right beside Lac d’Eguzon, and is available via the centre’s website.

Hiking and Routes

The GR de Pays Val de Creuse is accessible year-round. Information boards and maps are available along the route. Check trail conditions and signage before setting out. The GRP Val de Creuse long-distance hiking trail is 116 kilometres long and runs between Saint-Marcel and Fresselines.

Museum and Château History

The Musée de la Vallée de la Creuse is a museum of art and popular traditions. It is housed in the former stables of the Château d’Éguzon. Its focus is everyday life and craft traditions in Bas-Berry from the late 18th century to the first half of the 20th century. Art and traditions are thus presented alongside a specific historical perspective on everyday life and crafts in the region.

The Vestiges du château date back to a fortress founded in the 12th century. The remains include the enclosing walls; two of the towers have retained their roofs. By decree of 17 May 1974, the Vestiges were listed as a historic monument. The surviving structures and the history of the former fortress offer distinct points of interest: the visible walls and towers on the one hand, and its former function as a fortress on the other.

The Éguzon Hydroelectric Dam

The Éguzon hydroelectric dam was built between 1922 and 1926 and was then the largest dam in Europe. It is 61 metres high, 54 metres thick at the base and 5 metres wide at the crest. Comparing the two widths highlights the difference in the structure’s thickness at the base and crest. Together with the construction dates, these measurements offer another way to explore Eguzon’s industrial history.

Fête de la Châtaigne in Autumn

The Fête de la Châtaigne is an annual event held in autumn. The programme includes three days of hikes along the valley paths, a hiking fair, a market in the town centre, meals, a concert and woodturning demonstrations. Dates and programme vary each year. If you would like to plan your trip around the event, check the dates for the relevant edition.

Discover more destinations: Luçay-Le-Mâle, Issoudun, Prissac, Varennes-sur-Fouzon, Sarzay, La Chapelle-Sur-Loire, Lurais, Mézières-en-Brenne

For the main travel overview: Indre.