A stroll around Lake Guizengeard and its 50 shades of blue

When Lake Guizengeard is first mentioned, one often thinks of an imaginary place, straight out of a Lord of the Rings setting or the creation of artificial intelligence. Yet, this mysterious place truly exists, nestled in the heart of a forest on the border of Charente-Maritime and South Charente. A lake whose water color is as intense as it is surprising, guaranteeing a complete change of scenery less than an hour's drive from La Rochelle.

The essentials at a glance

Discovering Lake Guizengeard

To quench even the most sensible thirst for adventure, nothing beats a beautiful hike in the Double Saintongeaise forest, in the Charente hinterland. The site, sometimes called "the blue lakes" or "the Blue Lake Walk," is marked on Google Maps near the village of Guizengeard.

To get there: take the D58 exit towards Oriolles from the N10, then follow signs for Guizengeard. At the hamlet of Chez Thomas, head towards Boresse for 1 km and follow the signs for the "Clay Discovery Trail". You can park in the car park near the cemetery, where there is also a picnic area, to reach the trail that leads to the sparkling waters in the heart of the forest.

Two routes allow you to discover the site: the Grand Bois du Marais circuit and the Guêpiers circuit. Allow approximately 20 minutes of walking through the pine forest before discovering the first panoramic view of this unexpected oasis.

A landscape shaped by Man, reclaimed by nature

Between 1975 and 2013, the extraction of white clay by the company AGS significantly transformed this forest environment. This former kaolin quarry produced a white clay used in the manufacture of porcelain, tiles, bricks, and cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. To extract it, the operators dug to depths of up to 40 meters.

Since mining operations ceased, vegetation has reclaimed the land, and the vast open-pit quarry has filled with rainwater, creating the artificial lake we see today. The acidity of the soil still prevents the development of aquatic life (algae, fish, amphibians): the water remains crystal clear, with no suspended matter to absorb light. This light is fully reflected, giving the lake its array of blues, from turquoise to azure.

In 2018, the site was acquired by the Conservatoire d'espaces naturels de Nouvelle-Aquitaine (Conservatory of Natural Areas of Nouvelle-Aquitaine ) as part of environmental compensation measures related to the construction of the South Europe Atlantic high-speed rail line (LGV SEA). Lake Guizengeard is now classified as a Sensitive Natural Area (ENS) in the Charente department.

Golden cliffs and fragile biodiversity

Golden cliffs, remnants of past mining activity, rise before visitors. Reaching heights of up to thirty meters, only 10 to 15 meters are visible above the water. Unstable, they are subject to erosion and retreat over time, under the effects of rain and runoff.

These cliffs are home to colonies of European bee-eaters, migratory birds that nest there by digging galleries in the soft rock. Trampling at the top of the cliffs, excessive visitor traffic, and the use of drones disrupt their nesting. This is one of the reasons why access to the site is regulated.

Around the lake, you can also observe European genet, roe deer, black-winged stilts, multicolored dragonflies, and kingfishers. The forest, currently dominated by maritime pine planted by the former quarryman, is being progressively reworked by the Conservatoire to allow more space for deciduous species (oaks, chestnut trees), a long-term objective, as the forest evolves slowly.

Access, rules and safety: what you need to know before you leave

Since June 4, 2021, the Guizengeard quarry site has been protected by a prefectural decree for biotope protection (APPB 16-2021-06-04-00001). This decree does not close the site: it allows visitors to enjoy it while establishing rules designed to protect wildlife and soil.

• stay on the marked trails;
• do not approach the edge of the cliffs;
• no nautical activities;
• no campfires;
• drones are prohibited;
• Swimming is strictly prohibited : the slippery clay bottoms and the instability of the soil at depths of 30 to 50 meters make any rescue impossible.

Occasionally, particularly during peak summer season, temporary time restrictions may be implemented by prefectural decree to limit disturbance to wildlife (for example, access permitted only in the morning). These measures change from year to year. Before setting out, it is recommended to check the latest information with the South Charente Tourist Office or on the website of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Regional Nature Reserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Charente Guide wishes you a beautiful walk around the blue lakes of Guizengeard : an invigorating hike, with magnificent landscapes, which leaves an unforgettable memory!

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