Meinettes and Ternay lakes

Lac du Ternay, a taste of Canada

In Ardèche, Lake Ternay is a gem to discover in every season . Well hidden behind the natural barrier of Lebanese cedars, it suddenly appears and its tranquility immediately captivates walkers.

A stroll around the lake 

At an altitude of 500 meters, Lake Ternay is perfect for relaxation. A true nature break in an idyllic setting. Look no further; grab your favorite book, a blanket, and settle down by the water. 

While swimming isn't permitted in the lake, it's still pleasant to stroll in the shade of the Cedars of Lebanon and a few sequoias. Allow about an hour to walk around this 30-hectare lake . It's ideal for a Sunday family outing or for joggers! However, some sections are shared with the road, so please be careful.

A restaurant borders the lake for those who are hungry.

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A circuit to gain height

From the Maison du Garde, on the edge of the Ternay dam, this circuit takes you to the shade of the cedars of Lebanon for an easy hike where peace and calm reign. Pretty viewpoints are to be discovered from the southern flank of the Crêt de Pierre Bertrand.

The 6.9km loop, which takes 2 hours on foot, can also be completed by bike. The elevation gain reaches 130 meters without difficulty.

Find the complete itinerary in our walking and hiking guide on sale at the Tourist Office (circuit no. 12) or on the free Rando Monts d'Ardèche application. 

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An artificial lake

The dam at the lake's entrance was built between 1861 and 1867 under the impetus of Etienne de Canson . Its purpose was to protect the town of Annonay from flooding and to supply waterways during droughts. Over the years, its use evolved to include supplying the town with drinking water.

How does it work ?

The dam stores water from the Ternay stream. A 2km pipeline supplies the treatment plant. The water is treated to make it potable and then distributed via 150km of pipes to supply the town of Annonay.

Meinettes lake and its educational walk

Created in the 80s in Ardèche to allow the irrigation of orchard lands, the Meinettes lake reservoir is fed by four streams: the Chovozo, the Ile, the Bruyères and the Ozon, whose mouth can be guessed thanks to a grove of pine trees.

The Lac des Meinettes surprises with the softness of its landscape and its clear sky. The landscape changes color with the seasons, creating an atmosphere that is sometimes peaceful, sometimes mysterious.

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A small pool of life

Joggers enjoy the walk around the lake. It's also the perfect setting for peaceful family strolls . People love to gather here for a picnic, a convivial moment accessible to all; the changing light adds a touch of poetry to this place, whose refreshing coolness is much appreciated in summer.

An educational walk

You can enjoy the educational panels about local flora and fauna along the 3.5 km marked trail. Beautiful panoramas of the Pilat mountains, and wide-open views to the north towards the hamlets of Ardet and Beaulieu.

Finally, in spring, the charm of the flowering orchards makes it an unmissable event. The very easy and pleasant circuit, covered in vegetation, is magical.

Shaded, it allows for a dynamic and gentle recovery with a little technique. The tour can be completed in 20 minutes by mountain bike.

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