Farming and tourism under threat as winter drought dries up France's Lake Montbel

A view shows cracked and dry earth of the partially dry Lake Montbel at the foot of the Pyrenees Mountains as France faces records winter dry spell raising fears of another summer of droughts and water restrictions, March 13, 2023. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier

Set at foot of the Pyrenees mountains, Lake Montbel is famous in south-west France for its turquoise waters, massive size and thriving aquatic life.

    But as spring nears, the postcard landscape has largely turned into a muddy wasteland, with the boats of the local sailing club left stranded on its banks, as France's driest winter in 64 years kept the lake from filling up.