DEHUROENFR

Plizio Visual Lab

Lac du Salagou

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Lake
—°10
Lac du Salagou (France)

Weather…

Lake Salagou is an artificial reservoir in the Hérault department of southern France, created following the completion of a dam in 1969. It is most famous for its surreal landscape, characterized by the striking contrast between deep blue water and the spirited red sedimentary rocks known as 'ruffes' (Permian shale). Spanning roughly 750 hectares, the lake primarily serves local agricultural irrigation and has become a major hub for water sports and hiking. The region's unique geological features, including volcanic remains and unusual rock formations, have earned the area protected status. On the lakeshore lies the photogenic village of Celles, which was originally slated for flooding but was partially preserved and is now seeing a slow revival.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C771013172225242016118
Rain mm523948594930202551827347

📋 Practical info

🧭
Getting there
The lake in the Hérault department is most easily accessed via surrounding country roads by car or motorcycle, often based from Clermont-l'Hérault.
📅
Best season
Late spring and early autumn are absolutely excellent for hiking and cycling; during the summer, the warm water strongly attracts many bathers.
⛰️
Terrain & paths
The surroundings are defined by striking red soil hills (ruffe) and rocky trails, making the area a highly popular but rugged mountain biking region.
🎒
What to bring
Good hiking shoes or a solid mountain bike are highly recommended for exploring the red soil; swimwear should not be forgotten in the summer.
🅿️
Parking
There are several mostly unpaved parking areas situated directly along various sections of the shoreline, used as convenient starting points for tours.
⚠️
Safety
In summer, it can become extremely hot with very little natural shade; during high winds, you should avoid venturing too far out on boats on the lake.
⏱️
Time needed
Many visitors spend a half day here for swimming, or opt for an extensive full-day tour to completely cycle around the striking perimeter of the lake.

Geography

Coordinates
43.63330, 3.33330

Facts

  • The Salagou dam was completed and the lake filled in 1969.
  • The lake covers a water surface area of approximately 750 hectares.
  • The maximum depth of the reservoir is about 45 meters.
  • Renowned for its 'ruffes', red sedimentary rocks dating to the Permian.
  • The village of Celles was evacuated for the flood but remained above water.
  • The site is designated as part of the 'Grand Site de France' network.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Lac du SalagouLac du Salagou4 km · NEExplore →
📍Clermont-l'Hérault8 km · EExplore →
📍Lodève11 km · NExplore →
📍Saint-André-de-Sangonis14 km · EExplore →
📍Bédarieux14 km · WExplore →
Mont Saint-BaudilleMont Saint-Baudille15 km · NEExplore →
Baidoa FarmBaidoa Farm18 km · WExplore →
📍Gignac18 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Lac du Salagou (10)

Menhir dit la Pierre Droite de l'Ouïsse

Standing stone, a menhir in the landscape of Lake Salagou, date unknown.

Mont de Sainte-Scholastique

Peak with a view over Lake Salagou and the surrounding hills.

Ancienne pompe à eau "éolienne"

Ruin of a historic wind-powered water pump.

Bassin en ruine

Ruined water basin, remnant of an earlier use.

Église Saint-Geniès-d'Arles

Church in the Hérault department, France, dedicated to Saint Geniès.

Château de Mourèze🏰 castle

Castle ruin above the village of Mourèze, surrounded by rock formations.

Église Sainte-Marie

Church in the Hérault department, France, dedicated to Saint Mary.

Ermitage Saint-Jean d'Aureillan

Ruin of a hermitage, located in a remote natural setting.

Cirque de Mourèze

Natural limestone amphitheater, a popular hiking destination.

Château de la Marguerite🏰 castle

Castle ruin on a hilltop with views of the area.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is the soil red at Lac du Salagou?
The red color comes from 'Ruffes', a 250-million-year-old sedimentary rock rich in iron oxide.
Can you swim in the lake?
Yes, there are supervised beaches at Clermont-l'Hérault and Octon. The water is very warm in summer.
Are motorboats allowed?
No, motorboats with combustion engines are prohibited. Electric boats, sailboats, and canoes are allowed.
Is there a trail around the lake?
Yes, a trail of about 28 km circles the lake, good for mountain bikers and long-distance hikers.
What is the abandoned village of Celles?
Celles was supposed to be submerged when the lake was created but remained on the shore. It is now being slowly revived.
Lac du Salagou: where is it located?
Lac du Salagou is located in Occitanie, France.
Lac du Salagou: what is there to see?
Highlights include Menhir dit la Pierre Droite de l'Ouïsse, Mont de Sainte-Scholastique, Ancienne pompe à eau "éolienne".
Lac du Salagou: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
Lac du Salagou: why is it worth visiting?
Lake Salagou is an artificial reservoir in the Hérault department of southern France, created following the completion of a dam in 1969.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → Most beautiful beaches → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in France →

Nearby cities

Montpellier — Lac du Salagou (France)
Montpellier
Montpellier is a dynamic city in the south of France, known for its medieval streets, its university, and the sunny Place de la Comédie.
Nîmes — Lac du Salagou (France)
Nîmes
Nîmes preserves France's Roman heritage with its arena, temple, and a strong southern identity.
Perpignan-Nord — Lac du Salagou (France)
Perpignan-Nord
Perpignan-Nord is an extension of the city with industrial and residential areas.
Perpignan — Lac du Salagou (France)
Perpignan
Perpignan sits near Spain and blends Catalan flair with a Mediterranean climate and a lively old town.
Perpignan-Sud — Lac du Salagou (France)
Perpignan-Sud
Perpignan-Sud is an area for housing and local infrastructure in the south.
Béziers — Lac du Salagou (France)
Béziers
Béziers sits near the Mediterranean and is known for the Canal du Midi, vineyards, and its distinctive old town.
Albi — Lac du Salagou (France)
Albi
Albi is a red-brick city and UNESCO site with a powerful cathedral and a charming old town.
Narbonne — Lac du Salagou (France)
Narbonne
Narbonne is an ancient Roman city near the coast with a cathedral, canals, and a southern Mediterranean feel.
Castres — Lac du Salagou (France)
Castres
A picturesque Occitan city famous for its colorful houses lining the Agout river and its major pharmaceutical industry.
Alès — Lac du Salagou (France)
Alès
The gateway to the Cévennes, a city with a deep mining heritage and a key industrial hub in Occitanie.
Sète — Lac du Salagou (France)
Sète
Sète is a harbor city between lagoon and sea, known for its canals, fishing traditions, and seafood cuisine.
Rodez — Lac du Salagou (France)
Rodez
Rodez sits on a hill in Aveyron and combines a medieval old town with modern culture.
Onet-le-Château — Lac du Salagou (France)
Onet-le-Château
A dynamic suburb of Rodez with an impressive medieval castle and a modern cultural life.
Lunel — Lac du Salagou (France)
Lunel
A historic city between Montpellier and Nîmes, famous for its sweet Muscat wine and vibrant Camargue bull-running traditions.
Agde — Lac du Salagou (France)
Agde
An ancient Mediterranean city known as the 'Black Pearl' for its dark volcanic stone buildings and the famous seaside resort of Cap d'Agde.

History & landmarks

Carcassonne — Lac du Salagou (France)
Carcassonne
A magnificent double-walled medieval fortress and UNESCO World Heritage site in Occitanie.