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Carrière de Touverac: A Natural Oasis

Discover the stunning turquoise lakes and unique landscapes of this former clay quarry in Touvérac, France.

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The Carrière de Touverac, located in Touvérac, France, is a unique landscape formed by former clay quarries. Over time, rainwater filled the excavation sites, creating a series of stunning turquoise and emerald lakes surrounded by diverse vegetation, offering visitors a serene natural environment for exploration and relaxation.

A brief summary to Carrière de Touverac

Local tips

  • Wear waterproof shoes, especially during winter visits, as melting snow can flood certain paths.
  • Bring your own waste bags, as there are no trash facilities on site.
  • Keep dogs on a leash to ensure the safety and comfort of all visitors and protect the local wildlife.
  • Stay on the marked paths to avoid disturbing the fragile natural environment.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Carrière de Touverac is located near the village of Touvérac. From the D131, follow signs for 'Lacs Bleus de Touvérac'. A small parking lot is available at Aux Grands Champs. Arrive early, especially in the afternoon, to secure a parking spot. Parking is free.

  • Walking

    From the center of Touvérac, follow the D131 towards the Carrière de Touverac. The walk is approximately 1.5 kilometers and well-signposted. Follow the signs for 'Lacs Bleus de Touvérac'. The entrance and parking area are located at Aux Grands Champs.

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Discover more about Carrière de Touverac

The Carrière de Touverac, or Touvérac Quarries, presents an intriguing blend of industrial history and natural reclamation. From the late 1960s until 2000, this area was actively mined for kaolin, a fine white clay prized for its purity and used in ceramics, chemical industries, and biotechnology. The extraction process left behind a series of open-air pits that have since filled with rainwater, resulting in a chain of lakes with strikingly colored waters. Today, the Carrière de Touverac is managed by the Conservatoire d'Espaces Naturels de Nouvelle-Aquitaine (CEN). The site has become a haven for biodiversity, with various plant and animal species finding refuge in the diverse habitats created by the former mining activity. Visitors can explore the area via marked trails, offering invigorating walks amidst protected natural spaces. The trails wind through forests and along the edges of the lakes, providing breathtaking panoramas and opportunities to connect with nature. The landscape is characterized by steep slopes and cliffs formed by the quarrying, as well as gentler areas where the light-colored soil has been shaped by erosion. Pine trees, planted by quarry workers to stabilize the soil, add to the area's unique charm. The lakes themselves display a range of colors, from turquoise to emerald, depending on the mineral composition and depth. While swimming is strictly prohibited to protect the fragile environment, viewpoints have been set up for safe observation.

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