Le Buisson: Lakeside paths, nature and local history

Le Buisson offers a variety of reasons to explore the area: Lac du Moulinet in the Aubrac Regional Natural Park, trails through the countryside and historic buildings. The lake is on the Crueize River. When planning your visit, the main things to consider are the accessibility of the circular trail, seasonal water activities and the bus service on certain days of the week.

Lac du Moulinet: nature and fishing

The circular trail around Lac du Moulinet showcases the distinctive flora of the peat bogs and shoreline. The trail passes through two different habitats by the water. The lake is also a first-category fishing area. Rainbow and brown trout, pike, perch, tench, chub and small river cyprinids can be found there. Its status as a fishing area and its range of species give the lake an identity beyond its trails and summer leisure activities.

Circular trails with different features

The Tour du Lac du Moulinet circular trail has clearly defined accessibility: the first 660 m are accessible to people with reduced mobility; the rest of the route is for pedestrians only. The trail includes dirt paths, boardwalks and a suspension bridge. When planning your walk, keep in mind that the accessibility information applies to the first section, not the entire route.

La Devèze Grande starts at Lac du Moulinet and runs partly through beech and fir forests. Traditional houses can be seen along the route. The GR® de Pays Tour des Monts d’Aubrac also passes through Le Buisson. While La Devèze Grande starts at the lake, the GR is described as passing through the village—two different points of reference for planning your walk.

Summer activities and facilities by the lake

Aquaparc du Moulinet is located at Lac du Moulinet in Le Buisson. At the same lake, Aquafun du Moulinet offers an inflatable water park, paddleboarding and pedal boating in summer. These activities are available seasonally, so bear this in mind when planning your visit if the water activities are your main reason for coming.

There is free-to-use play equipment for children at Lac du Moulinet, as well as a volleyball court, tables, barbecue areas and restrooms. This makes it easy to distinguish between activities on the water and facilities on the shore when planning your trip. Which options are most important for your stay depends on whether you want to explore the lake on foot or enjoy the seasonal activities.

Sainte Anne Church and the Moulinet Dam

The present-day Sainte Anne Church was rebuilt in 1858 using materials from the former church. Its floor plan follows the shape of a Latin cross. The church forecourt offers an unobstructed view. A visit combines an appreciation of the architecture with a stop at a designated viewpoint.

The Moulinet Dam tells a different story: it was built on the Crueize in 1959. The Crueize is a tributary of the Colagne. The dam was designed to divert water via the Triboulin to the Truyère and generate hydroelectric power. A spillway dam, it is 5 m high and 141 m long. Its construction date, watercourse and dimensions give it a distinct place alongside Le Buisson’s nature and walking attractions.

Getting there and the seasonal bus service

By car, you can reach Lac du Moulinet via exit 37 of the A75; then follow the D809 towards Saint Sauveur de Peyre. In July and August, the tourist LiO line 260 Mende–Marvejols–Nasbinals serves the lake on Wednesdays and Fridays. Bicycles are allowed. Check the timetable before travelling, as schedules may change.

Discover more destinations: Fontans, Marchastel, Chanac, Balsièges, Saint-Michel-De-Dèze, Chirac, Montbrun, Vebron

For the broader travel overview: Lozère.