Lac Pavin

Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise

Lac Pavin is a crater lake located between Besse and Super-Besse in the Auvergne. It has an almost perfect circle with a diameter of 800 metres and a depth of 92 metres.

Né il y a 6900 ans d’une explosion due à la rencontre d’une nappe phréatique et d’une montée de lave lorsqu’une partie du flanc nord du puy de Montchal (au-dessus) fut pulvérisée, devenant un ‘maar’ et se remplissant d’eau.
Altitude = 1197 m – Profondeur = 92 m – Superficie(…)

Spoken languages

Opening hours

From 01/01 to 31/12 daily.

Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.

Prices and payment methods

  • Free access.

Downloadable:

Comfort, facilities and services

  • Car park

Location

Environnements

Close to GR footpath

Updated on 18 March 2026 by Office de Tourisme du Massif du Sancy