Less than an hour and a half northeast of Gibanel, a campsite in Corrèze, Bort-les-Orgues is a charming town located on the border of Cantal, along the banks of the Dordogne River. The site is famous for its dam lake, one of the largest in France, and for the Orgues, which tower over the town at 430 meters high.
What to see in Bort-les-Orgues?
Bort-les-Orgues boasts a rich dual heritage, both natural and architectural. In the heart of the town, don’t miss the Saint-Germain church with its precious relics, the 19th-century grain hall, the birthplace of encyclopedist Marmontel, and the riverside quays along the Dordogne, a river designated as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. An impressive industrial structure, the hydroelectric dam of Bort-les-Orgues is the most significant along the Dordogne River, both in terms of performance and exceptional dimensions. Commissioned in 1951, it was one of the first gravity-arch dams built in Europe. Its 21-km-long reservoir is the largest water reserve in the Massif Central and the upper Dordogne region, ranking among the most beautiful lakes and water bodies in Corrèze. Surrounded by water since the dam’s construction, the Château de Val is one of the must-see landmarks in Bort-les-Orgues. This majestic castle, remarkably preserved since the 15th century, once stood on a rocky spur 30 meters above the Dordogne River but now stands at water level. Its reflection in the lake is iconic of Bort-les-Orgues. A famous natural site not to be missed, the Orgues overlooking the town are remnants of phonolitic lava flows that occurred more than 15 million years ago. These geological marvels create a magical backdrop for Bort-les-Orgues.
What to Do in Bort-les-Orgues?
The Bort-les-Orgues dam offers an exceptional viewpoint from its crest, showcasing both the dam itself and the lake. Nearby, you can freely visit the interactive EDF space, which is both educational and entertaining. Visiting the Château de Val is also a must-do in Bort-les-Orgues: explore a 15th-century chapel, rooms with 19th-century decor, and an entire floor dedicated to art. The rampart walk offers stunning views of the lake surrounding the building. At the Orgues cliffs, outdoor activities take center stage, with a climbing route at the foot of the cliffs, a hiking trail to the summit of the Orgues, several walking paths to explore the site and its natural wonders, panoramic viewpoints of the Auvergne mountains, and picnic areas. Lake Bort is a vast playground for leisure, sports, and relaxation: enjoy water skiing, canoeing, towed inflatables, or wakeboarding. The Château de Val beach is perfect for sunbathing and swimming and also features an Aqua-Leisure base with floating inflatable structures. The Vedettes Panoramiques company offers two guided lake cruises from April to October: one heading up the valley toward the Dordogne gorges, and the other toward the Bort dam. Bort-les-Orgues also boasts a water recreation center, a forest fitness trail, renowned fishing spots, mountain biking routes, tennis courts, and even an entire museum dedicated to tanning.