Lac Pavin

Located in the Dore mountains of Auvergne, Lac Pavin is a fascinating volcanic crater lake that enchants visitors with its perfectly round shape and striking blue-green waters. Nestled in the lush landscape of central France, this natural gem is a delight for the eyes and nature enthusiasts.

Surrounded by dense forests, the lake offers a serene and almost otherworldly atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the unique beauty and tranquility of the region. Local legends whisper that the lake is bottomless and haunted by mythical creatures, adding an air of mystery to this already enchanting spot.

The lake does indeed have a bottom, reaching a little over 300 feet (92 meters) at its deepest point. Lac Pavin is meromictic, meaning it is a unique type of lake where the layers of water don’t mix. Typically, a lake’s warmer surface waters and the cold water from its depths mix at a specific time of year. But in meromictic lakes, the layers stay eternally separate.

The name “Lac Pavin” translates to “terrible lake,” which may be related to the legends about this body of water. Stories hold that something powerful hides in the depths of Lac Pavin. On rare occasions, that power bubbles up to the surface. French geologist Michel Meybeck has argued that these legends may be related to the lake’s unique properties. It’s possible that a degassing event, like what occurred at Cameroon’s Lake Nyos in 1986, could be the basis for the supernatural-sounding activity in Lac Pavin’s past.