Lake Salagou is a stunning artificial lake located in the Hérault department in southern France, within the Occitanie region. It lies about 50 kilometers west of Montpellier, near the town of Clermont-l'Hérault and Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, not far from the villages of Lodève and Mourèze.
What makes it unique? It’s nestled in a basin of “ruffes,” the red rocks typical of the area, rich in iron oxide—a color that almost feels like stepping onto the planet Mars!
Are you staying for a while at our Vias Plage campsite? This is the perfect opportunity to spend a day or two exploring this breathtaking natural site!
A bit of history
Lake Salagou was created in 1968, near Montpellier, when the Salagou dam was built on the Salagou River. The dam was designed to regulate the flow of this French river, prevent flooding, and ensure a steady water supply for agriculture.
This spectacular lake covers 750 hectares (spanning the communes of Clermont-l’Hérault, Liausson, Octon, Salasc, and Le Puech) and reaches a depth of 70 meters. It is the largest lake in the Hérault department!
A Bucolic Walk Around Lake Salagou
Few lakes offer such a vibrant palette of colors. Lake Salagou, nestled in the heart of nature, enchants visitors with the blue of its waters, the red of its hills, the black of its volcanic flows, and the green of its vegetation.
To fully appreciate the beauty of this major tourist attraction in Hérault, classified as a Natura 2000 site, the best way is to walk around it. Want our advice? Book a guided tour of the lake with a passionate guide who knows all its secrets! Contact the local tourism office of Hérault’s municipalities for the details of service providers, such as the Salagou leisure center. During this 1-hour and 15-minute walk, you’ll discover the lake’s history and become familiar with the flora and fauna of this preserved area.
Looking for more thrills? Opt for a mountain bike or horseback ride around the lake instead!
Outdoor Activities for the Whole Family
It’s the perfect season, you’re on vacation, and the scenery is breathtaking—so make the most of it! At Lake Salagou, you can enjoy family-friendly water activities on its calm and clear waters. Prefer canoeing, windsurfing, or paddleboarding? Or maybe you’re more into pedal boats, catamarans, or fishing? All these activities are available!
And of course, if nothing satisfies you more than a refreshing swim in a tranquil body of water, go for it! Lake Salagou is perfect for family swimming and relaxing on its lakeside beach.
A Hike Above the Salagou Lake Heights
You’ll rarely be surrounded by a landscape as surprising and unique as that of Lake Salagou. So make the most of it! Embark on a hike across the hills surrounding the lake. Numerous marked trails allow you to explore the natural beauty of the lake and its surroundings.
Be sure to take the trail leading to Mont Liausson. This mountain, peaking at 535 meters above sea level, offers breathtaking views over Lake Salagou. Don’t forget your camera; this hike is an opportunity to capture stunning photos. The viewpoints are spectacular all along the way! You’ll enjoy panoramic views of Lake Salagou, the village of Mourèze, and its dolomitic circus.
Looking for more hikes beyond Mont Liausson? Contact the tourist offices around Montpellier; they’ll provide recommendations for other trails to explore.
Lake Salagou is undeniably one of the most stunning sites in the Languedoc region. Would you like to discover this exceptional natural setting? During your stay at our campsite in Vias, don’t miss a visit to Lake Salagou, one of the must-do activities in Vias and its surroundings! Swimming, outdoor activities, water sports, and hiking on foot or by bike in the heart of nature await you! Our recommendation? Spend at least a full day there!
And also plan to visit Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, the village of Lodève, and Mourèze, all located not far from our campsite!