Lake Salagou, a one-of-a-kind landscape on our doorstep

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, swimming is possible in Lake Salagou. Some areas are off-limits or regulated, particularly near the dam and in protected zones. The beaches at Les Vailhés and Clermont-l'Hérault are the main supervised swimming areas in summer.

Swimming is supervised during the peak summer season (usually mid-July to the end of August) on the developed beaches at Les Vailhés and Clermont-l'Hérault. Les Vailhés beach is also accessible to visitors with reduced mobility thanks to a beach wheelchair (tiralo).

Yes, the water quality of Lake Salagou is regularly tested and rated excellent. The Clermont-l'Hérault beach earned the Blue Flag label for the 10th year running in 2021, a guarantee of environmental quality and good facilities.

Yes, the beach on the Clermont-l'Hérault side has held the Blue Flag label since 2012, reflecting the excellent water quality, safety and facilities on offer.

The beaches at Les Vailhés (north shore, supervised in summer) and Clermont-l'Hérault (Blue Flag) are the most convenient. Countless coves and wild beaches also dot the lake's 28 km of shoreline.

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. They must not swim in the supervised swimming areas.

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.

Les Vailhés beach is equipped with a beach wheelchair (tiralo) allowing visitors with reduced mobility to get into the water. The car park and access to the main beach are also adapted. For wheelchair-accessible accommodation nearby, Gîte Garrigue at La Bergerie du Mas Delon is the best choice.