From La Bergerie du Mas Delon, you can quickly reach Lake Salagou for swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, hiking, mountain biking, fishing — or simply to admire the red ruffe landscapes, the blue water of the lake and the Hérault countryside.
Lake Salagou is one of the best-known places in the Hérault. It is famous for its natural contrasts: the blue water of the lake, the red ruffe earth, the dark volcanic rocks, the hills, the vines and the wide-open landscapes.
It is not just a place to swim: it is also a nature destination for walking, cycling, birdwatching, fishing, water sports and discovering iconic villages and natural sites such as Celles, Octon, Mont Liausson and the Cirque de Mourèze.
📷 Nathan.cima — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
The great advantage of staying at La Bergerie du Mas Delon is enjoying the lake without sleeping amid the bustle of its busiest spots. You are close enough to reach the shores quickly, yet far enough away to come back to peace and quiet, the heated pool, the air-conditioned gîtes and the wide-open spaces of the estate.
It is a practical set-up for families: a swim in the lake in the morning, back to the gîte for lunch, the pool in the afternoon, then sunset over the red landscapes of the Salagou.
Check availabilityThe lake has two officially declared bathing sites, supervised in summer — Les Vailhés and the Clermont-l'Hérault shores — and a series of beaches in between where swimming is never supervised. Here is how to choose, depending on who you are travelling with.
North shore of the lake, 5 minutes from the estate. It is one of the two declared bathing sites on the Salagou. In 2026, swimming here is supervised from 11 July to 23 August, from 11 am to 7 pm. A beach wheelchair (tiralo) gives visitors with reduced mobility access to the water during the supervised period, and the water sports centre is on site.
Outside those dates and those hours, swimming is not supervised.
This is the lake's sandy beach, Blue Flag awarded, with adapted access and a beach wheelchair (tiralo) for visitors with reduced mobility. Swimming is supervised in summer: the dates and times for the current season are posted on site. The neighbouring outdoor activity centre (Base de Plein Air) opens every day from 1 July to 31 August 2026, 9 am to 6.45 pm; its supervised activities start from age 5 and require you to be able to swim.
These shores are popular for swimming but are never supervised: you swim there at your own risk. The Relais Nautique at Octon is open from 1 June to 6 September 2026. At Liausson, access is forbidden to vehicles of 3.5 tonnes and over.
Choose a supervised site, during its supervision period: that is the only time a lifeguard is on duty at the lake. Bring water shoes — the shores are often stony — a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water. Lifeguards are never a substitute for your own watchfulness.
Lake Salagou is a natural playground for outdoor activities, as long as you respect the site, the weather and the regulations.
The Les Vailhés water sports centre, 5 minutes from the gîtes, offers pedalos, catamarans, canoes, kayaks and craft of all kinds, and its sailing club organises a range of activities. For equipment hire, call Brigitte on +33 4 67 44 31 01. Availability varies with the season, the weather and wind conditions.
If you bring your own craft, there is a launch point 200 metres to the right of the centre.
The Salagou is a recognised spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing: the water is open and the wind steady, from beginner to seasoned rider. Colourful sails against a backdrop of red ruffes are one of the lake's most iconic sights.
The lake is popular for sailing, catamaran and windsurfing. The wind can be an asset for experienced sailors, but always check the conditions before heading out on the water.
Combustion engines are forbidden on the lake. Craft with electric motors are allowed under the current regulations.
Fishing is possible with a licence. The Salagou is renowned for carp and is also home to pike, zander, perch and coarse fish. Everything about fishing at the Salagou.
The lake sits at the heart of a waymarked FFC mountain-bike area: the loop around the lake is 27 km, and shorter circuits make family outings possible. See the mountain-bike trails.
The full loop around the lake is long. For a family, it's best to choose a shorter walk to a viewpoint, to Celles, along the shores or up Mont Liausson depending on the season.
5 minutes from the gîtes, Julien and Marine of L'Attrape-Rêves offer guided rides around the lake, for all levels. Book directly with them on +33 6 63 06 62 00.
The Salagou is spectacular because it packs very different landscapes into a small area: red earth, black rocks, blue water, garrigue scrubland, vines and hills. The red ruffes, rich in iron oxide, give the site its unique visual identity.
The Salagou - Mourèze area is also renowned for its biodiversity. The Natura 2000 zone shelters many protected bird species and fragile Mediterranean habitats. One more reason to stay on the trails, respect the signs, avoid wild camping and take your litter home.
See the hikes
Lake Salagou is often the starting point for a wider stay in the Cœur d'Hérault.
Celles is one of the most emblematic places on the Salagou. The village, long marked by the story of the lake's creation, draws visitors for its atmosphere and its views over the shores.
Mont Liausson offers one of the finest panoramas over the lake, the red ruffes and the Cirque de Mourèze. The climb is best left to properly equipped walkers.
About 17 km from the gîtes, the Cirque de Mourèze offers a very different, mineral landscape, with its dolomite rock formations and trails winding between the natural shapes.
A few views to help you plan your stay between the lake, the red ruffes, nature and the villages of the Hérault.
Useful answers to plan your holiday, choose your activities and understand what makes Lake Salagou such a special place.
Lake Salagou is an artificial lake created by a dam on the River Salagou. It is 7 km long, covers 750 hectares and holds around 125 million cubic metres of water. What makes it unique are the ruffes, iron-rich clay sediments that give the land and shores their distinctive red colour, sometimes compared to a Martian setting.
Lake Salagou is in the Hérault, in Occitanie, about 40 km north-west of Montpellier. La Bergerie du Mas Delon is in Le Puech, about 4 km from the lake.
Yes, La Bergerie du Mas Delon is about 4 km from Lake Salagou, so you can reach the shores quickly by car.
Lake Salagou is a man-made lake, created by a dam on the River Salagou whose construction began in the 1950s. It finished filling at the end of the 1970s, submerging parts of the villages of Celles, Octon and Clermont-l'Hérault.
Lake Salagou covers 750 hectares and holds around 125 million cubic metres of water. It stretches 7 km in length, with a shoreline of about 28 km.
Lake Salagou reaches a maximum depth of around 50 metres in some areas, with great variation from one zone to another.
The red colour comes from the ruffes, clay rocks rich in iron oxide. These red landscapes are one of the Salagou's best-known signatures.
Ruffe is a red clay sedimentary rock, rich in iron oxide, more than 250 million years old. It is what gives Lake Salagou and its shores their very distinctive colour, contrasting with the blue of the water and the green of the vegetation.
Yes, the remains of the old village of Celles can be seen on the lakeshore. When the lake was filled, the village was partially abandoned. When water levels are low, the village's submerged church can sometimes be glimpsed.
Yes. Lake Salagou has two officially declared bathing sites, supervised in summer: Les Vailhés beach, on the north shore, and the Clermont-l'Hérault shores. Elsewhere, on the beaches in between at Octon, Liausson or Mas de Riri, swimming is never supervised and is at your own risk. It is permanently forbidden in the area around the dam.
Only at two sites, and only in summer. At Les Vailhés, swimming is supervised from 11 July to 23 August 2026, from 11 am to 7 pm, with a beach wheelchair (tiralo) for visitors with reduced mobility during that period. At the Clermont-l'Hérault shores it is also supervised in summer, on dates and at times posted on site. On every other shore of the lake, swimming is not supervised.
The water quality of the two declared bathing sites, Les Vailhés and the Clermont-l'Hérault shores, is tested by the ARS (the regional health agency) during the bathing season, from 15 June to 15 September 2026. Results are posted on site. The Clermont-l'Hérault shores beach also holds the Blue Flag label.
Yes, the Clermont-l'Hérault shores beach holds the Blue Flag label. Awarded each year, the label recognises the water quality, the safety and the facilities of the beach.
With young children, choose a supervised site during its supervision period: Les Vailhés, the closest to La Bergerie du Mas Delon, or the Clermont-l'Hérault shores, the only sandy beach on the lake, Blue Flag awarded and equipped for visitors with reduced mobility. The beaches at Octon, Liausson and Mas de Riri are wilder, but they are never supervised. The full beach-by-beach guide.
Yes, a temporary closure remains possible during the season, in particular if cyanobacteria develop: the lake has already seen this happen. On site, the notices posted by the commune and by the site manager are the authority: check them before you swim.
At the height of summer, the water temperature in Lake Salagou is around 28°C, which makes it particularly pleasant for swimming. Bring water shoes, as the shores can be stony.
Dogs are allowed on a lead around Lake Salagou, muzzled depending on the dog's category, but they are not allowed on the supervised beaches. Our gîtes, for their part, do welcome pets.
Lake Salagou is suitable for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, pedalos, sailing, catamaran, windsurfing, kitesurfing, wing foiling, electric boats and fishing. Combustion engines are forbidden there.
Yes, paddleboarding is one of the water sports possible on Lake Salagou, with your own board or through the providers operating around the lake.
Yes, kayaking and canoeing are possible on Lake Salagou. The Les Vailhés water sports centre offers rentals depending on the season and the weather.
The Les Vailhés water sports centre, on the north shore of the lake, hires out kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, pedalos, electric boats and catamarans. Several other providers operate around the lake in season.
Yes, sailing, catamaran, windsurfing and other water sports can all be enjoyed on the lake, thanks in particular to the water sports centre and the wind conditions.
Yes, Lake Salagou is a popular spot for windsurfing, kitesurfing and wing foiling thanks to its steady winds. The Les Vailhés water sports centre offers equipment hire as well as lessons.
Combustion engines are forbidden on Lake Salagou. Only electric motors are allowed.
Yes, fishing is possible in Lake Salagou, but you must hold a fishing licence and follow the current regulations.
Yes, Lake Salagou is one of the most renowned carp fishing sites in France and Europe. Catches regularly exceed 20 to 25 kg, with a record approaching 30 kg. Night carp fishing from the shore is allowed from 1 February to 31 October.
Yes, a fishing licence with the appropriate stamp is required. As the lake belongs to the interdepartmental angling club (Club halieutique), the interfederal licence is accepted.
Lake Salagou is home to pike, zander, black bass, perch, catfish, carp (common and mirror), tench, roach, bream, bleak and eels. Records have been set here: a 21 kg pike, a carp approaching 30 kg, a 14 kg zander.
Yes, it is possible to walk around Lake Salagou, but the loop is long — around 27 to 28 km depending on the route. Allow about 9 hours of walking. It is best suited to trained walkers or trail runners.
Yes, the loop around Lake Salagou is a legendary and much-loved mountain-bike route. The varied terrain, the red ruffe landscapes and the lake views make it a must for mountain bikers. Bikes (standard or electric) can be hired on the lakeshore.
The full loop around the lake is too long for most children. For a family outing, it's best to choose a short walk around a beach, a viewpoint or a village such as Celles.
Mont Liausson rises to 535 metres and offers an exceptional 360° panorama over Lake Salagou, the Cirque de Mourèze, the vineyards and, on a clear day, as far as the Pyrenees and Mont Ventoux. The climb from the shores at Liausson is about 8 km with 464 m of ascent.
Yes, the Lake Salagou site is classified Natura 2000 for its exceptional biodiversity and unique geology. Around twenty uncommon Mediterranean birds can be seen here, including Bonelli's eagle, the little bustard, the European roller and the eagle owl.
Wild camping is forbidden on the Grand Site Salagou - Cirque de Mourèze. You need to use authorised accommodation: campsites, designated areas or gîtes such as La Bergerie du Mas Delon.
Yes, the Salagou is very popular for cycling, mountain biking and e-mountain biking. The ruffe terrain and the hills offer beautiful routes, to be matched to each rider's level.
Close to Lake Salagou you can discover the village of Celles, the Cirque de Mourèze, Mont Liausson, Octon, Clermont-l'Hérault, Lodève, Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert and the Hérault gorges.
Yes, Celles is one of the emblematic places of Lake Salagou. The village, long marked by the story of the lake's creation, is now a fascinating lakeside spot to visit.
Spring and autumn are lovely for hiking, cycling and the landscapes. Summer is ideal for swimming and water sports, but it can be hot and busier.
Yes, summer days can be very hot. Bring water, a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses, and plan your outings for the morning or the end of the day.
Yes, Lake Salagou is well suited to families, as long as you choose appropriate swimming areas, keep an eye on the children and favour the developed beaches in summer.
The lake is about 4 km from the estate. Walking is possible depending on the route and the season, but the car is often the most practical option, especially with children, beach gear or in high heat.
La Bergerie du Mas Delon lets you sleep in peace on a 176-hectare nature estate, just 4 km from Lake Salagou, with a heated pool, air-conditioned gîtes, family-friendly spaces and quick access to the Hérault's major sites.
Several car parks are available around the lake, notably at Les Vailhés (the main north-shore car park with access to the beaches), at Liausson, at Octon and on the Clermont-l'Hérault side. In high season, the car parks fill up early: arriving before 10am is recommended if you want to park easily. Some car parks charge a fee in July and August.
Lake Salagou poses no particular danger beyond the usual risks of open-water swimming. It is advisable not to dive from the rocks, not to stray from the marked swimming areas, and to watch children closely. Swimming is forbidden near the dam. In strong winds, some water sports can become more technical.
As with any lake, care is needed. The bottom can be muddy and slippery in places, and the depth drops off quickly. The supervised beaches remain the safest places for children and less confident swimmers. Water shoes are recommended for getting into the water.
Yes, there are food outlets around the lake in season (snack bars, refreshment stands), notably at Les Vailhés and on the Clermont-l'Hérault side. For a proper sit-down meal, the town of Lodève (7 km) has several restaurants. Picnics by the water are very popular.
Morning (before 10am) is ideal: the car parks are still empty, the low light on the red ruffes is magnificent for photos, and the crowds are thin. In summer, the afternoon can be very hot — go in the morning or at the end of the day, after 5pm, for golden light and gentler heat.
Bring: sunscreen and a hat (the sun is intense), water shoes (the shores can be stony), plenty of water, a picnic if you plan to eat on site, a beach towel, swimwear, and possibly wind protection if you are sailing. In season, you may have to pay for parking, so keep some change or a card handy.
Both supervised bathing sites are equipped with a beach wheelchair (tiralo) allowing visitors with reduced mobility to get into the water: Les Vailhés during its supervision period, and the Clermont-l'Hérault shores, where the access routes are adapted. For wheelchair-accessible accommodation nearby, Gîte Garrigue at La Bergerie du Mas Delon is the best choice.
La Bergerie du Mas Delon welcomes you in its 11 gîtes, just 4 km from the lake, with a heated, secured pool, wide-open spaces, air conditioning and advice on choosing the right gîte.
