Saint-Martial: Lake in a maar crater and hiking trails

Saint-Martial offers several reasons to visit: the artificial Lac de Saint-Martial in a maar crater, a circular hiking trail, scenic viewpoints and activities on the lake. Mont Gerbier de Jonc is nearby; other highlights include Suc de Lestrat, a brasserie and the Hameaux de la vallée du Pradal. If you are looking for a hotel in Saint-Martial, you can choose your destination based on whether the lake and volcanic landscape, hiking, scenic views or a place to eat are your priorities.

The lake and its volcanic origins

Lac de Saint-Martial is an artificial lake in the maar crater of a former volcano. The crater’s shape points to the former volcano, while the lake as it exists today was created later: it was filled with water in 1974, following the construction of a dam upstream from Moulinou. The year therefore refers to when the present-day lake was filled, not to the formation of the crater. Saint-Martial is one of the municipalities in the Natura 2000 and ENS Sucs Gerbier-Mézenc area; check the boundaries and designations when planning your visit, as management arrangements may change. If the protected-area designation is important to your plans, check the boundaries and designations, as management arrangements may change.

Circular hike and scenic views

The Lac de Saint-Martial–Suc de Lestrat circular hike starts and ends on the access road to the Saint-Martial leisure area. Use this road as a reference point when planning the start and end of the route. This circular hike is a different kind of plan from climbing a summit. Mont Gerbier de Jonc is near Saint-Martial. The marked ascent is free and takes about 30 minutes, offering 360-degree panoramic views. The approximate duration can help you plan your time. As access conditions may change, check them before your visit. The 950-metre-high volcanic Suc de Lestrat offers a beautiful view of the Sucs and the lake. The viewpoints offer different perspectives: Mont Gerbier de Jonc has a 360-degree panorama, while Suc de Lestrat looks out over the Sucs and the lake.

Fishing, dining and other visits

You can fish at Lac de Saint-Martial using a float rod. As regulations and dates may change, check the rules and times that apply during your visit in advance.

Brasserie La Chevrotine offers craft-brewed beers in pale, white, amber and seasonal varieties, as well as “les canailles” lemonade. So, as well as the named beer varieties, lemonade is also on offer. The “La Guinguette” restaurant area offers indoor and outdoor seating; check the current opening arrangements before your trip.

The Hameaux de la vallée du Pradal are open daily from January 1 to December 31, with free admission. Unlike fishing dates, which may vary, access is available year-round, every day and free of charge; check the access information again before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Saint Thome, Saint-Alban-En-Montagne, Étables, Largentière, Fabras, Jaunac, Valvignères, Saint-Marcel-Dardeche.

See the broader travel guide: Ardèche.