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Barrage de Mas Chaban

Charente  >  France

Big artificial lake with an area of 117 hectares near another big lake Lavaud. You can explore the shores around the lake or visit 2 observatories.

Added* by Jb
Most recent update 2 February 2023
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Description

The lake at the Barrage de Mas Chaban was created by the construction of a dam in 1999. This reservoir and the neighboring Lake Lavaud have a wooded and unspoiled environment. The reservoirs attract many species of birds such as water birds, shorebirds, ducks ( Eurasian Wigeon each winter), Common Crane in halt or migrations. See the birdlist below. Some facilities are also available (toilets, tables, benches).

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Français: Le lac du barrage de Mas Chaban se situe en Charente, limitrophe Haute-Vienne et non loin du nord Dordogne, en région Aquitaine. C’est un lac artificiel d’une superficie de 117 hectares, créé par la construction d’un barrage, mis en eau en 1999. Il est voisin à 3,5 kilomètres à l’ouest du lac de Lavaud, avec qui il forme les lacs de Haute-Charente. Bénéficiant d’un environnement boisé et préservé, ces deux retenues d’eau attirent de nombreuses espèces d’oiseaux telles que les limicoles, canards ou grue cendrées au passage ou en haltes migratoires. Ces oiseaux sauvages peuvent être admirés depuis les observatoires de Lavaud (Foucherie) ou de celui de Mas Chaban vers Valette. Des installations humaines sont aussi disponibles telles que des tables de pique-nique, bancs, toilettes, longue-vue permanente sur Lavaud ou panneaux d'affichage sur les oiseaux.

Details

Access

You can explore the lake by driving or walking around it (14 km, the route shown on the map below is only accessible by foot. By bike or car you have to make a wider loop because some small paths along the shores are not accessible by car and bike) and make stops along the shores. The birds can also be admired from the Valette bird hide. To find the hide go from the right bank road of Lake Mas Chaban, to the village of Valette and follow the panels leading to the wooden observatory. Free of charge wildlife exhibitions are planned each month since 10 years ago, see www.mare-nature.fr for event dates.

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Français: L'observatoire en bois à Valette est idéal pour observer les oiseaux sauvages. Pour accéder à l'observatoire, suivre les panneaux à partir de la route rive droite du lac de Mas Chaban au village de Valette. Des animations "nature" gratuites sont prévues chaque mois depuis 10 ans, le calendrier est à jour sur www.mare-nature.fr

Terrain and Habitat

Forest , Wetland , Lake , Mud flats , Agriculture , Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , River , Reedbeds , City/village

Conditions

Flat , Open landscape

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring , Autumn , Summer , Winter , Spring migration , Autumn migration

Route

Paved road , Wide path , Unpaved road

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Car , Wheelchair

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

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Comments & Tips

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