Meinettes and Ternay lakes

Lac du Ternay, a taste of Canada

In Ardèche, Lake Ternay is a nugget to discover in every season. Well hidden behind the natural barrier offered by the cedars of Lebanon; suddenly, it appears and its tranquility immediately seduces 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 the lake isn't suitable for swimming, it's still pleasant to stroll in the shade of the Cedars of Lebanon and a few redwoods. It takes about an hour to walk around this 30-hectare lake. It's ideal for a Sunday family stroll or for joggers! However, some sections are shared with the road, so 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 entrance to the lake was built between 1861 and 1867 under the impetus by Etienne de CansonThe aim is to protect the town of Annonay from flooding and to supply watercourses in the event of drought. Over the years, its use has evolved to supply the town with drinking water.

How does it work ?

The dam stores water from the Ternay stream. A 2km pipeline supplies the station. The water is made potable and retransmitted via 150km of pipelines to supply the town of Annonay. 

Meinettes lake and its educational walk

Created in the 80s in Ardèche to allow the irrigation of arboreal land, the retention of water from the Meinettes lake is fed by four streams: the Chovozo, the Ile, the Bruyères and the Ozon, the mouth of which can be seen through 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 going around the lake. It is also the ideal setting for family walks and serene. We like to meet there for a picnic, a friendly moment accessible to all, the changing light brings a touch of poetry to this place where we appreciate the breath of fresh air in summer.

An educational walk

You can enjoy educational panels on the local flora and fauna along the 3.5 km of developed trail. Beautiful panoramas of the Pilat mountains, large open viewpoints 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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