Le Lac-du-Salagou travel guide
Visit Le Lac-du-Salagou (Occitanie, France)
Photo Gallery Book a visitThe Lac du Salagou is a large lake near to Clermont l'Herault in the Herault department of Languedoc Roussillon. Well known in the area for the vivid colours of the lake and its surroundings it is very popular for various water sports, walking and cycling.
Explore Lac-du-Salagou
The Salagou lake was created in 1968 when a barrage was erected across the river Salagou in order to allow a diversification of local agriculture and regulate the river Salagou which was very prone to flooding in autumn.
The lake covers 750 hectares and has become a popular tourist spot.
The earth surrounding the lake is extremely rich in iron giving it its distinctive orange-red colour. This combined with the deep blue of the lake and the greens of the surrounding trees and fields forms a wonderful patchwork of colour which takes on different forms and combinations around each different curve of the lake.
It is possible to drive round Lake salagou to see the many different views but if you have the chance use the 'route forestiere' to walk or cycle round the lake and really have the time to admire it. Unfortunately my trip in November didn't allow me to capture on photo the wonderful colours that shine out in the sunshine usual to this part of France.
If you are driving to the lake pass first by Moureze to see the very different scenery of the Cirque de Moureze. Even if you haven't time for one of the walks amongst the dolomites the drive from Moureze to Salasc on the southern side of Lake Salagou takes you through part of the dolomite-filled landscape.
Salasc, like the other villages around the lake, offers a pretty stopping point for lunch or a coffee if you have forgotten to bring a picnic to eat on the edge of the lake.
Continue around the lake to the unusual village of Celles. Thought to be in the zone to be flooded the village of Celles was evacuated but the lake stopped short of the village.
Celles became a 'ghost town' though now its church and marie appear to have been renovated and contrast bizarrely with the surrounding abandoned houses whose roofs have collapsed and whose walls are gradually falling. Perhaps the village is in the process of being re-populated.
The views from the patio area in front of the renovated church and marie are very nice.
There is a forestry track round the lake which is very popular with walkers and cyclists and the lake itself is a popular fishing and sailing spot. There are various beaches around the edges offering the chance to sunbathe and swim.
Celles is one of the popular parts of the lake for swimming and you can just wander round the lake's edge until you come to an empty stretch if you wish.
Sailing boats and wind-surfs can be hired from the beaches near to Clermont l'Herault on the south side of Lac-du-Salagou or from the campsite at the north of the lake.
Places to visit nearby
The Cirque de Mouréze is a beautiful area full of dolomites. There are several well marked walks through the cirque allowing you to really enjoy this unusual scenery.
You can find more travel ideas in the Herault guide and the Languedoc-Roussillon guide.
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Map of Le Lac-du-Salagou and places nearby
Visit near Le Lac-du-Salagou with France This Way reviews
Cirque de Moureze
The Cirque de Moureze is one of the loveliest scenic spectacles in northern Languedoc-Roussillon
Cirque de Moureze guide
Villeneuvette
Villeneuvette is a pretty small village, interesting because it was originally built as a cloth factory with housing for the workers
Villeneuvette guide
Clermont-l'Herault
Clermont-l'Herault is a pleasant place to take a break if you are exploring the scenery of the region such as the Lac du Salagou and the Cirque de Moureze
Clermont-l'Herault guide
Lodeve
It is undoubtedly the Saint-Fulcran cathedral that will form the centre of your visit to Lodeve
Lodeve guide
Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert
Even as you approach Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert along the Gorges de l'Herault you can see it is rather special - and you certainly aren't disappointed when you arrive!
Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert guide
Lunas and area
Lunas is one of the villages in the attractive 'Land of Mountains and Springs' region of Herault
Lunas and area guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Herault
Address: Celles, Clermont-l'Hérault, Lodève, Languedoc-Roussillon, 34800, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 43.655833, longitude 3.365278
Plan your visit to Le Lac-du-Salagou, Herault
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Valle du Salagou: grand site of france
- Cirque de Mourèze: site of natural beauty (4 km)
- Cirque du Moureze: site of natural beauty (4 km)
- Lodeve: recommended detour (9 km)
- Céressou: site of natural beauty (12 km)
- Grotte de la Clamouse: site of natural beauty (16 km)
- Saint Jean de Fos pont du diable (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (16 km)
- Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert: most beautiful village (17 km)
- St Guilhem le Desert ancienne abbaye (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (17 km)
- Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert / Gorges de l'Herault: grand site of france (17 km)
- Parc et jardin du château de Margon: remarkable garden (19 km)
- Pezenas: recommended detour (22 km)
The French version of this page is at Le Lac-du-Salagou (Francais)