A listed site near the Cirque of Mourèze in Hérault, Lake Salagou looks like something from the other side of the world, with its crystal waters at the heart of a red desert resembling a miniature Far West. A real oasis, the lake is the only aquatic area in this arid territory. It was created in the 60s in order to irrigate the valley and is now a delight for anyone into swimming, fishing, walking and the great outdoors.
Apart from enjoying all the fun of the water and maybe a spot of sailing, stand up paddleboarding or canoe-kayaking, people also go there to take advantage of the 27 kilometres of trails surrounding the lake, on foot or by mountain bike. The deep red earth, which gives the place all its magic, is due to the presence of an ancient volcano.
On the north-western shore of the lake, the small village of Celles, which was abandoned following the expulsion of its inhabitants when the dam was filled with water in 1969, has been gradually coming back to life since the arrival of new residents in 2019.
Lake Salagou is related to artificial reservoir fed by the river Salagou. The dam with a height of 60 m was built by the Hérault General Council from 1964 to 1968 and was put in water from 1969 to 1971 giving birth to the lake Salagou. In 750 hectares, it covers the towns of Clermont l'Hérault, Liausson, Octon Salasc, Celles and Le Puech.
The lake was created to be a useful reserve of water for irrigation, and to fight against floods in the Hérault. At these initial vocations today add various functions: tourism and recreational activities, low flow support of Herault, hydroelectric production, fight against fire, ecological and landscape function.
Known for its red soil, the result of a geological phenomenon, the lake is very popular with tourists and locals.
Basic Outdoor Salagou allows fans or water sports insiders to perform many activities including pedal boat, paddle, canoe. Many fishermen are present on the site. The lake only allows electric boats to navigate.
There are several beaches where you can swim. Swimming is supervised in high season on the beaches of Vailhès and Clermont.
Some nuggets around the lake as the hamlet Those whose houses foundations are lapped by the waves, and back to life after being abandoned by its inhabitants against their will by the way...
Octon also, with its lively square where everyone is given an appointment and departure of several excursions overlooking the lake and we offer exceptional views. Mount Liausson (550 meters) also allows to enjoy the view.
Chapels scattered as Our Lady of Roubignac worth visiting, and physical effort to achieve is richly rewarded.
The beauty of the site prompted the members of the crew of the film "RRRrrrr!" Alain Chabat to make the film within 50 km from the lake.
The year-round sunshine makes it a unique nature recreation ground for sailing lovers, hiking or mountain biking for family walks, or simply to relax.
Known in Europe for predator fishing and night carp, Salagou Lake is the ideal spot to treat yourself!
