Looking for a beautiful getaway without too much driving? We’ve got just the thing for you! Just an hour from Bordeaux, Lac de Guizengeard invites you to immerse yourself in a spectacular setting worthy of a fantasy film. Nestled between pine forests and golden cliffs, this lake with its unreal blue waters is a former clay quarry reclaimed by nature! Incredible, isn’t it?
An enchanting landscape born of industry
Once mined for its kaolin (a white clay used in the manufacture of porcelain and cosmetics), the Guizengeard quarry was abandoned in 2013. Since then, rainwater has filled the deep pits, forming an artificial lake with a brilliant turquoise hue that’s more than Instagrammable! This unique color is due to the absence of aquatic life: the acidic soil prevents algae, fish and plants from settling in. The result? Crystal-clear, luminous water that perfectly reflects the sky!
A walk with breathtaking panoramas
The site can be explored via an easy, accessible 4-kilometer loop! From the village of Guizengeard, you can follow the “Sentier de découverte de l’argile” (clay discovery trail), which comprises two circuits: the Grand Bois du Marais and the Guêpiers. These two walks allow you to explore this fascinating landscape, and believe us, you’re going to love walking! Along the way, educational panels reveal the industrial history of the site and its ecological conversion. You may even come across European genets, colorful bee-eaters, dragonflies and deer along the way!
Lac de Guizengeard is much more than just a blue lake: it’s a remarkable example of ecological conversion. Between raw beauty and biodiversity awareness, this hike is an enchanted interlude, ideal for Bordelais in search of nature and discovery! A word of advice? Keep your eyes wide open and your feet on the marked trails!
A preserved site to preserve this natural wonder
A victim of its own success, the site is now subject to strict protection measures. As a result, swimming, camping, drones, fires and even access to the riverbanks are prohibited in order to preserve this fragile ecosystem. Fortunately, you can still enjoy the incredible views, and our dog friends are allowed to join in the fun (but only on a leash)!