Hiking from Vareilles – Blue lake to the ruins of St-Germain

The explanatory panels, at the level of the district of Vareilles, accompany you to the blue lake, whose name comes from its turquoise waters. (swimming and nautical activities prohibited)

We learn that from 1344, the force of water was used by mills.
From the XNUMXth century, many textile and cotton factories were set up downstream from the lake's water reservoir.
It is this important past for the development of the hamlet that it is proposed to discover along the path bordering the Gardon stream.

Formerly called "Le Grand Foulon" or "l'Écluse", the water reservoir of the Gardon is now called blue lake, because of its sometimes turquoise color. It is a pleasant stopping point for the walk with its picnic tables.

All that remains is to continue along the path to the ruins of the Château de St Germain. (marked path from the blue lake, 1 hour to return to the entrance of rue de Vareilles).

On the spot, very complete panels will tell you the life and the architecture of this old medieval borough organized around the current vestiges of the castle. You will also learn more about the excavation and restoration site, which is still in operation.
Breathtaking view of the plain of Ambérieu at the back of the castle.
Picnic tables under the trees for a cool snack break.