Kir Lake

Kir Lake is a small artificial lake located in Dijon, France. It was created in 1964 by damming the Ouche River to provide a recreational area for the city's residents. The lake is named after Félix Kir, the mayor of Dijon from 1945 to 1968.

Geography and Features

Kir Lake covers an area of approximately 30 hectares (74 acres). The lake is surrounded by parkland, including beaches, walking and cycling paths, and picnic areas. The Ouche River flows into and out of the lake. The lake's depth varies, with the deepest parts reaching approximately 5 meters.

Recreation

Kir Lake is a popular destination for recreation, offering a variety of activities including:

• Swimming: Supervised swimming is permitted during the summer months in designated areas.
• Boating: Small boats, including paddle boats and canoes, can be rented. Motorboats are generally prohibited.
• Fishing: Fishing is allowed with a permit. Common fish species include carp, pike, and perch.
• Walking and Cycling: A paved path encircles the lake, providing a scenic route for walking, running, and cycling.
• Picnicking: Numerous picnic areas with tables and benches are located around the lake.
• Playgrounds: Playgrounds are available for children.

Environment

Efforts are made to maintain the water quality of Kir Lake and protect its ecosystem. Monitoring programs are in place to track water quality parameters. The surrounding parkland provides habitat for various plant and animal species.