Welcome to the sources of the Eyrieux, on the heights of the Ardèche plateau at an altitude of 1074 metres. Created by man to take advantage of the river’s springs, this reservoir, now a mountain lake, has gradually established itself as a pleasant natural leisure centre. Here’s a closer look at this unique site in the northern Ardèche.
The Devesset lake trail?
Started during the winter of 2016-2017, work on the Devesset lake pathway now provides easy, fun and educational pedestrian access around the lake, including a fauna and flora interpretation trail.
Easily accessible from the leisure centre and its car park, the trail takes you all the way around the lake, between the interpretation trail, forest, dyke and fishing or swimming area.
Depending on your pace, allow one to two hours to complete the tour.
And if you don’t know the Devesset lake in Ardèche, go to this presentation page:
The Devesset lake enhancement project
The Syndicat Intercommunal de Gestion du Lac de Devesset’s project to interpret and develop the area around Lac de Devesset aims to transform this natural site into an educational and recreational area.
Presented at a public meeting on 15 February 2017, this project is an approach structured in several stages, detailing the state of play, the diagnosis, the design, and the implementation of developments. Here is a summary of the main chapters.
- The document from the public presentation on 15 February 2017:
Site inventory and diagnosis
The first phase of the project involves a complete inventory and diagnosis of the site. The aim is to understand the history of the area before the creation of the lake, marked by predominantly agricultural activities and a harsh climate, as well as the discreet life of its inhabitants. Lac de Devesset has transformed this region into a tourist destination, while preserving a discreet natural environment and local agriculture.
Project definition
This phase consists of defining a detailed enhancement project. It is based on the specific features, identity and memory of the site.
The aim is to reveal the history of the site, before and after the lake was built, and to show how it has become a refuge for biodiversity as well as for people. The project aims to highlight the delicate balance between the human and natural histories that coexist in this landscape.
The common thread
The concept of the refuge mountain serves as a common thread running through the project, drawing a parallel between refuge for people and for biodiversity. This is reflected in themes such as hiding, protecting, adapting, resisting and fighting, but also joining forces and getting organised.
The aim is to show the solidarity that exists within nature and between people and their environment.
The hidden life of the lake
The project aims to reveal the hidden life of the lake and its immediate environment. It highlights local characteristics such as history, culture, geography and the environment. The planned facilities include educational and contemplative trails that will enable visitors to discover the secrets of the lake, its biodiversity, and the interactions between the different plant and animal species.
Tools and facilities
The tools proposed to enhance Lac de Devesset include areas set aside for contemplation, appropriate signage and artistic works. The involvement of visitors is also encouraged, for example by collecting and publishing their testimonials and stories on the site.
Theme stations
The route around the lake will be structured around different themed stations, each illustrating a particular facet of the site’s history or nature:
- History before the lake
This station marks the entrance with sound games and educational messages. - Back to basics
Explains the life cycles of amphibians and odonates. - Contemplative break
Offering vantage points for observing nature and the lake’s fish. - The hidden life of the meadow
Tells the tale of the azure, the gentian and the ant. - Rousset Farm
Highlights the history of this farm and its role during the Resistance. - Pike spawning grounds
The ecology and importance of fish, particularly pike. - Birds of the lake
Identification and role of the different species of birds. - The hidden life of the forest
Explains forest ecosystems and interactions. - History of the construction of the lake
Relates the creation and impact of the lake. - Boulevard des fables
An interactive space for visitors, linked to local cultural events.
Debate and public participation
The project ends with a call for public participation. Residents and visitors are invited to share their questions, memories, testimonials and historical documents. This collaborative approach aims to enrich the project and strengthen the link between the community and its natural and cultural heritage.
This ambitious project for Lac de Devesset aims to create an educational and recreational area while preserving and enhancing the site’s history and biodiversity. By involving the local community and visitors, it aims to forge links between people and nature, and reveal the hidden secrets of this enchanting landscape.
The route and layout of the path
Here you will find details of the itinerary for the interpretation and enhancement trail around Lac de Devesset, and the public document for the interpretation and enhancement project around Lac de Devesset in the Ardèche.
This project, led by the Syndicat Intercommunal de Gestion du Lac de Devesset, aims to create an educational and recreational trail to reveal the natural and cultural riches of the site. Here is a summary sketch.
Theme stations
Each station is designed to offer visitors an immersive and informative experience, highlighting different aspects of the local ecosystem and the site’s history.
Station 1: History before the lake
The first station on the trail focuses on the history of the site before the lake was built. The aim of this station is to mark the entrance to the trail with sound elements and educational messages reminding visitors what to do. It also presents the living conditions before the lake was built, marked by traditional agriculture and a harsh climate.
Station 2: Back to basics
This station explores the life cycles of amphibians and odonates*, focusing on the continuity and interconnectedness of ecosystems. Visitors will be able to discover information about the local fauna through raw chestnut desks, creating an authentic and immersive atmosphere.
Station 3: Contemplative pause
The third station offers a number of contemplative breaks where visitors can immerse themselves in the surrounding nature. Fishing pontoons and rustic furniture allow visitors to observe the shimmering waters of the lake and the silhouettes of the fish. This station aims to encourage contemplation and appreciation of the tranquillity of the lake.
Station 4: The hidden life of the meadow
This station highlights the ecological interactions in the meadow, particularly through the fable of the Azure, the gentian and the ant. It illustrates the concept of symbiosis and alliance in nature, explaining how these species depend on each other to survive.
Station 5: History of the Rousset farm
The fifth station tells the story of the Rousset farm, an emblematic site of local resistance during the Second World War. The aim of this station is to highlight the historical heritage of the area and to recall the acts of courage and solidarity that marked this period.
Station 6: Pike spawning ground
This station explains the crucial role of spawning grounds for pike reproduction and the balance of the aquatic ecosystem. Visitors will learn how these protected areas contribute to the lake’s biodiversity and health.
Station 7: Birds on the lake
The seventh station is dedicated to observing and identifying the lake’s birds. Interactive tools, such as a simplified identification roll, will help visitors recognise the different species and understand their habitats and behaviour.
Station 8: The hidden life of the forest
This station explores the forest ecosystems around the lake, focusing on the interactions between plant and animal species. For example, the Woodpecker Tree illustrates the different species of woodpecker and their respective ecological niches.
Station 9: History of the construction of the lake
The ninth station traces the construction of Lac de Devesset, explaining the motivations, challenges and impacts of this project on the landscape and the local community. It offers a historical perspective on the transformation of the site.
Station 10: Boulevard des fables
The final station is designed as a participatory space where visitors can interact with the site through digital tools and creative initiatives. Each year, a jury will select the best stories written by visitors, in conjunction with the local “Lectures sous l’arbre” festival.
The route around Lac de Devesset is an invitation to discover the many facets of this natural and historic site.
Through themed stations and carefully designed facilities, the project aims to enrich visitors’ experience and strengthen their connection with nature and the local heritage. This ambitious project promises to transform Lac de Devesset into a place of discovery, contemplation and sharing.
Trail route and layout
And to help you understand it better, here is some additional information, in map and document form.
Map, around Lake Devesset
Extracted from the official project document, here is the captioned plan of the Devesset lake path in Ardèche :
And to complete your discovery of the trail, here is the document relating to the project for the interpretation and enhancement of the tour of Lac de Devesset, which provides detailed information on the route and the theme stations planned around the lake:
Lake Devesset?
Presentation, activities and location of the Devesset lake in Ardèche :
- Odonates, Wikipedia