Visit Lake Salagou: a comprehensive guide

Do you want to discover the wonders of Occitania and the hinterland? So don't miss visiting Lake Salagou!

If there is a must to see in the Occitanie region, it is Lake Salagou. Near Montpellier, in the heart of the Hérault, this artificial lake extends over 750 hectares. Edged with a ochre land, the “ruffle”, it offers a spectacular and unique painting in the region. Would you like to discover and visit the Lac du Salagou without a glimpse? To help you, we have prepared a complete guide to discover this little treasure.

Lake Salagou in a few words

When we observe it, the Lac du Salagou seems to be there forever. It is in fact an artificial restraint created 50 years ago.In the 1960s, the Conseil Général de l’Hérault decided to set up a water reserve. The goal? Irrigate the surrounding cultures and regulate the Herault floods. A 60-metre dam is designed, and in 1971 the Lac du Salagou appears.

His dimensions? 139 meters of altitude, 7km2, 50 meters of depth and 125 million m3. The all-rounded town of Clermont L’Hérault, Liausson, Octon, Salasc and Puech. Today, it is a popular tourist destination. It’s good to go around and have fun with the activities set up around it.

1. Hiking

One of the best ways to visit Lake Salagou is certainly on foot. The setting is absolutely exceptional, and many trails. Ranked "Natura 2000", the Salagou site contains a diverse and preserved fauna and flora, to be admired, discovered and felt, without moderation.

To have the most beautiful view of the lake, direction the Mont Liausson . At 535 metres above sea level, it dominates the site. A beautiful signposted hike of 7km allows you to reach its top to admire a high color view. Don't miss discovering the charming medieval village de Mourèze and its famous dolomitic circus, located nearby.

2. Orientation course and treasure hunt

The Lac du Salagou leisure base offers an orientation race or a treasure hunt, accessible to all ages. Indexes, tags, puzzles and other treasures are hidden all around Lake Salagou, to be discovered as soon as possible. An original idea to spend a pleasant time with your children in a fantastic setting.

Terms and rates

• Visit the Lac du Salagou as an orientation race and an activity that lasts about 2:30.
• His price is 13,50€ per person.
• Activity is accessible 5 years, and teams are trained according to the ages of participants.
• A comfortable summer outfit is recommended, basketball, shorts, t-shirt, cap, not to mention sun cream and water bottle.

3. Bike or mountain bike

To visit Lake Salagou, another very pleasant solution is the bike. Indeed, this is the ideal playground for mountain bike fans. You will discover the edges of the lake, the paths that disperse around to reach picturesque little villages, or breathtaking views.

And there's something to do! The surrounding area has no less 17 marked circuits, from 3km to 38km . Whether you’re looking for a sporting moment, or simply a convivial one, visiting the Lac du Salagou by bike is often unanimous!

Terms and rates

• To visit Lake Salagou by bike, there are several solutions. If you own your own bike, you can without any problems discover the site independently, with family or friends.
• But you can also, if you wish, rent bikes at the leisure base. You will be accompanied by a passionate guide who will make you discover the corner as a person! You'll have to pay. 31€ for 2h30 ride, bike provided.

4. Escalade or via ferrata

Not far from the lake, within 20 minutes, discover the peak of Vissou, a climbing spot recognized among the climbers. The site offers about 50 tracks, which can be suitable at several levels. By taking height, you will have a different view of the region, which is certainly not the most unpleasant.

If you are not accustomed to this practice, do not take a risk. Be accompanied by a monitor, which will help you discover this exceptional sport.

Terms and rates

• If you want to be accompanied, prices start from 50€ per personincluding equipment.
• You will be accompanied by a graduated state monitor, who knows the region and its cliffs perfectly.
• "Great Ways" are organized. Count 150€ per half day, and 250€ per day.
• Provide a bag with bottles of water, a snack, a suitable clothing depending on the weather and good walking shoes. Plus, one. sport profile is recommended.

5. Equestrian walk

Another original way to visit Lake Salagou is on horseback. During the walk you can discover the flamboyant landscape around the lake, the shaded paths, as well as an exceptional fauna and flora.

For horse riding lovers or novices, walks are accessible to everyone and supervised by well-known professionals.

Terms and rates

• Would you like to visit the Salagou Lake on horseback? Know that you can book a hike accompanied in one of the equestrian clubs in the surrounding area.
• Hiking is accessible at all levels and children from 10 years.
• For 2h, the price is 38€ and for a day, count 80€.

6. Paragliding

The lake of Salagou seen from the sky, is it tempting you? For lovers of strong sensations, you can make the big jump by offering you a baptism in paragliding biplace.

Accompanied by a graduated state instructor, you will discover under your feet, the whole Salagou valley, its lake, and the Mourèze circus. A wonderful way to discover this site, of which you will remember for sure!

Terms and rates

• For an overview of Salagou Lake in paragliding, the rate is 90€.
• Baptism in biplace is accessible to all, from 5 to 85 years.
• The duration of the flight is 20 minutes about.
• Several departure locations are located near Salagou Lake, and depend on wind direction.
• Pair of sneakers or hiking shoes, and windscreen with sweater are advised.

7. Water activities

Lake Salagou is obviously a swimming place, in an exceptional setting. But it is also a place where nautical activities go good train. Catamaran, canoe, paddle, veil... A wide choice is offered to you. There will be absolutely for all tastes, ages and desires!

Sailing and Catamaran

To visit Lake Salagou, you can rent a sailing boat for 1 hour or for a half day (3h). You will have the choice between caravelle, drifter or catamaran, ranging from 1 to 5 places.

Internships for children and adults, with graduate instructors, are also organized throughout the summer.

Rates

• Price from 25€/hourup to 100€ per half dayaccording to the chosen boat.
• The courses included 5 sessions, for a price ranging from 148€ to 184€.
• Custom courses are possible upon reservation, at 60€ per person for 1 hour.

Canoë-Kayak

Sail on the calm waters of Lake Salagou, on a kayak or canoe for 2 or 3 people. Ideal to enjoy the lake at the pace that suits you, easily from one shore to another.

Rates

• Kayak: 30min 10€ / 1h 13€ / 3h 35€
• Canoeing 2 places : 30min 11€ / 1h 16€ / 3h 39€

Stand Up Paddle and Pédalo

For a moment in harmony with yourself, you must absolutely test Stand up Paddle! Careful, it’s more complicated than it looks. But once you have found your balance, it is a pure moment of pleasure that awaits you on Lake Salagou.

And if you're with your family, we advise you to rent a pedalo, with toboggan for even more fun!

Rates

• Paddle 1 person: 17€/hour
• Paddle Giant 4 people : 40€/hour
• The Giant Paddle 5 to 6 people: 50€/hour
• Pedalo without a slide: 19€/hour
• Pedalo with slide: 21€/hour

Fishing boat

Finally, other soothing activity: rent a boat for a pleasant fishing part. Or the summum of tranquility. For that, you need one fishing permit mandatory.

Rates

• 2 seater: 70€ per day

8. Flight to glider

Would you like to visit Lake Salagou in an original and surprising way? So, take a glider's fly! This is one of the flagship activities of the hurried hinterland, starting at the Saint-Martin-de-Londres aerodrome.

Observe from the sky: Lake Salagou, the circus of Navacelles , Pic Saint Loup and the Château de Montferrand. A suspended and unforgettable moment awaits you!

Terms and rates

• Baptism in glider costs 90€ for about 30 minutes Flight.
• Once on site, an experienced monitor will explain the safety rules. Wait a minute, and take a seat for an exceptional moment!

9. Hiking in quad or buggy

Lake Salagou offers an ideal pitch for a quad ride. It is an original and fun way to discover the place, which will delight lovers of speed and sensations. However, in this sensitive natural space, quad hikes can only be practiced with a squadron and on open roads.

A great time with family or friends, which will allow you to learn more about the place, its history, its fauna and its flora.

Terms and rates

• 1⁄2 day hiking (3h) : 120€ the driver, 30€ the passenger.
• A day of hiking (5h) : 220€ the driver, 60€ the passenger.
• The driver must be over 18 years of age, and possess a Permit A or B.
• Passenger authorized from 8 years.

So, what are you waiting for to visit Lake Salagou?