LacMenton

LacMenton is a freshwater lake in the Monts d'Écher region of Valdoria, near the village of Saint-Moré. It lies at an elevation of about 520 meters and covers roughly 14 square kilometers. The lake’s maximum depth is 52 meters, while the average depth is around 18 meters.

The lake has a glacial origin and a long, east–west oriented basin. It is fed by several small streams and springs, and its principal outflow is the LacMenton Outlet, which drains into the Rivière d’Arc and ultimately reaches the Valdorian Plain. Water levels vary seasonally, with higher levels in late spring after snowmelt.

The habitat supports brown trout, northern pike, and European perch, along with diverse aquatic plants such as charophytes. The surrounding shoreline is bounded by mixed forests, and bird life includes grebes and other waterfowl. Wildlife in the catchment includes deer and otter in riparian zones.

The lake takes its name from the Menton family, early settlers in the area, and is first shown on regional maps in the early 18th century. Today LacMenton hosts recreational fishing, boating, and hiking. A small micro-hydroelectric facility, completed in the 1980s, provides electricity to nearby communities.

LacMenton lies within the LacMenton Regional Reserve, established to protect water quality and habitats. The lake generally maintains high water quality, though pressures from agriculture and invasive species have prompted monitoring and management efforts. Access is via regional roads; a public boat ramp and day-use area are on the southern shore, with restrictions on motorized craft.