Lac de Saint-Front, source de la Gagne

Saint-Front

The Lac de Saint-Front, isolated on a basalt plateau, is given at 1,250 m above sea level and presented as the highest lake in Haute-Loire. The PR 61 hiking entry describes it as a maar born from the meeting of surface water and rising magma: violent explosions opened the crater within a few months, at first about 100 m deep, and only 8 to 10 m remain today, the infilling continuing. The Haute-Loire tourism website indicates 30 ha, a perimeter of about 3 km, 7 m of depth and more than 47 m of sediment accumulated over time. The lake is fed by springs and gives rise to the river Gagne. It falls under Natura 2000. A hiking loop of 14.8 km starts from the village and passes through several hamlets. The two sources do not give the same current depth, and neither reports any legend or cult: this entry is therefore mainly naturalist.

Getting there: About 2 km from the village; PR 61 loop of 14.8 km, 344 m of ascent, about 4 h, starting from the place de la Mairie in Saint-Front; free entry (Haute-Loire). Mountain hike, check the weather. Coordinates: Nominatim, single source.

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound