THE BOUZEY LAKE

Bouzey Lake - A natural setting only a stone's throw from the city of Epinal, the Bouzey Lake is a multi-faceted destination/site, ideal for relaxing and clearing your head. Its green surroundings offer a total change of scenery and it is the perfect place to practice various sports and leisure activities. An immersion in the heart of idyllic landscapes - for exercising, swimming or simply sunbathe on the beach!

Historically, the Bouzey Lake is an artificial reservoir which supplies Vosges Canal yet it has undeniable ecological qualities because a remarkable ecosystem has developed there! Numerous animals have taken up residence in this bucolic setting: birds such as swans, mallards, coots and other species such as the muskrat or the garter snake.
Nature enthusiasts will be delighted: there are many surprises and delicious discoveries along the way. Near the lake is the Etang de la Comtesse peat bog, a protected natural area where flora and fauna flourish.
Breathe in peace and quiet in a protected natural setting, during a leisurely walk, a morning jog or a family outing. You can walk around the lake in 1.5 hours, using the 7 km of footpaths for pedestrians.
Lovers of water sports, land sports and fishing will not be left out, since many activities are offered around the lake, depending on the season: pedal boats or sailboats for sailing on the water, safe cycling around the lake, supervised swimming during the summer period, jogging along the banks to stretch your legs... Handicapped fishing pontoons have also been specially fitted out for fishermen with reduced mobility.

Several picnic tables are also set up around the lake, so that on warm summer evenings you can take a gourmet break while enjoying the magnificent sunsets.
The Bouzey Lake is a place accessible to all, for a sporting interlude or to recharge your batteries at the water's edge.
A bit of history: the reservoir was created in 1882, to supply the Vosges Canal, a working tool for Voies Navigables de France. In April 1895, the dam broke, with tragic consequences. A monument on the banks of the lake, on the side of the dam, recalls this sad event.
Anecdote: the Bouzey Lake is the largest lake in the Vosges, ahead of the lake of Gérardmer! At its full level, the lake covers 140 hectares, against 116 for the lake of Gérardmer.