Lake of Bourdon
Centre-Val de Loire
Lake of Bourdon is an artificial reservoir located in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France, within the Yonne department on the territories of Saint-Fargeau and Moutiers-en-Puisaye. Created in 1901 to supply water to the Briare canal, the lake covers an area of approximately 2.2 square kilometers and sits at an elevation of 215 meters. Its distinctive horse-like shape makes it the largest lake in the Puisaye region, surrounded by a forest road of about ten kilometers. The lake is fed by the Bourdon stream, which also supplies the water feature of the nearby Château de Saint-Fargeau. While motorized boats are prohibited to preserve the natural environment, the lake supports various recreational activities including sailing at the Centre Nautique de Bourgogne, fishing with species like pike, zander, and carp, and camping with a supervised beach area available in summer. It has hosted prestigious fishing competitions such as the French Carp Fishing Championships in 2015 and the Carp Fishing World Championships in 2016. Hiking trails form loops from Saint-Fargeau, inviting visitors to explore the surrounding landscape.
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Tipp: The best time to visit Lake of Bourdon is during the summer months when the camping site’s beach is open and supervised for swimming. Visitors are advised to purchase tickets or book accommodations in advance during peak season. Motorized boats are prohibited to maintain the lake’s natural tranquility, but sailing and fishing clubs offer equipment rentals and guided activities. Hiking the loop trail from Saint-Fargeau provides a scenic experience of the region’s natural beauty. Discounts may be available for group bookings or fishing competitions.
Interessante Fakten
- •The lake is shaped like a horse, making it unique among regional lakes.
- •It is the largest lake in the Puisaye region, covering about 220 hectares.
- •The lake hosted the French Carp Fishing Championships in 2015 and the Carp Fishing World Championships in 2016.
- •Motorized boats are banned to preserve the lake’s natural environment.
- •The northern dam features a geodetic marker from the NGF-IGN69 network at 218 meters altitude.
Geschichte
Lake of Bourdon was created in 1901 as an artificial reservoir to supply the Briare canal, an important waterway in the region.
The lake’s construction involved building a northern dam approximately 330 meters long and situated at an altitude of 218 meters.
Over the 20th century, the lake became a key recreational and ecological site, supporting local fishing traditions and water sports.
Its role evolved from purely utilitarian to a valued natural and leisure resource within the Puisaye area.
OrtsfĂĽhrer
Northern Dam1901
The northern dam is a key structural feature of the lake, approximately 330 meters long and standing at 218 meters altitude. It controls water levels and supports the reservoir's function for the Briare canal.
Centre Nautique de Bourgogne
A sailing club located at the lake offering sailing lessons, rentals, and organized events. It is a recognized institution for water sports in the region.
Camping Area with Supervised Beach
A large shaded camping site adjacent to the lake featuring a designated beach area where swimming is allowed and supervised during July and August.
Hiking Loop from Saint-Fargeau
A marked hiking trail forming a loop from the nearby town of Saint-Fargeau, allowing visitors to explore the lake’s natural surroundings and forest roads.
