Salagou Lake - Grand Site de France in Lodévois Larzac

Welcome to Mars

A breathtaking setting! The Salagou Lake offers a stunning experience, both through the power of its contrasting landscapes and through immersion in the heart of its famous red lands, almost desert-like in appearance.

From the moment you arrive, your gaze is captured by this soil rich in iron oxide, whose blazing red hue gives the site the appearance of Martian lands! A unique color that reinforces those of the Mediterranean vegetation and the lake with its blue-green waters, forming a spectacular natural tableau.

Made into a reservoir in 1969, the Salagou Lake is an artificial lake that has, over time, become an emblematic natural site of Hérault. Today classified as a Grand Site of France, it is recognized for its exceptional scenic, geological, and environmental value.

At the bay of Vailhés, on the Lodévois and Larzac side, a preserved environment awaits you to discover the emblematic activities of the region and explore the lake in different ways: hiking, fun walks, mountain biking, and of course, numerous water activities offered by the Salagou Nautical Base!

During the summer period, dining is offered on-site and swimming is supervised at the Vailhés beach. The site is truly ideal for enjoying a refreshing day.

Finally, due to its geological richness, the Hérault Earth Geopark, which includes the lake, is a candidate for recognition as a Global Geopark by UNESCO.

Embark on a Nature Escape Without Car by exploring the 3 Grand Sites of France in the Heart of Hérault and enjoy our all-inclusive offers!
Leave your car behind and traverse the Salagou Cirque de Mourèze, the Cirque de Navacelles, and the Gorges de l'Hérault on foot and at the pace of breathtaking landscapes!

The Must-Sees

The sites to discover

Discover the red ruffs, the lands made up of clay, sandstone, and iron oxide that give this very particular hue.
The spectacular contrast between the blue waters of the lake and the arid landscapes.
The Cirque de Mourèze, a true mineral labyrinth with surprising shapes.
Visit the village of Celles, abandoned during the creation of the lake and now experiencing a renaissance.

Hiking and Trail

On a peaceful walk or in more sporty strides, explore the shores of Salagou Lake. Many marked trails, accessible at all levels, are available to you. An ideal playground for lovers of pedestrian activities, solo, with family, or friends.

Hiking Trail

Activities

Discover the nature activities of Salagou Lake. Between water sports, mountain biking, gravel biking, and guided walks... An emblematic place in Occitanie for all profiles, between red lands and calm waters.

Activities

Biodiversity

Salagou is a Natura 2000 classified area that is home to many species of fauna and flora:

Observe rare species like the Bonelli's Eagle or the Eurasian Eagle-Owl
Explore varied landscapes where agriculture, pastoralism, and nature intertwine harmoniously
Walk through a typical Mediterranean ecosystem where each stone tells a story
Keep your eyes open! You might spot protected birds or unique fossils.

Where to eat?

On the shores of the lake: Share a meal at restaurant Le Mas de Riri, at the snack at Camping Onlycamp les Vailhés (in season), or have a picnic in the specially arranged areas.
In the surroundings: Enjoy local dishes at restaurants, picnic with producers, shop at the market, or taste the products from the shops and food stores of producers. Find good addresses below.

All dining options

Where to sleep?

On the shores of the lake: At the hotel and camping Le Mas de Riri, at the camping and camper van area Onlycamp Les Vailhés. Note that bivouacking and vehicles used as accommodation are prohibited between 10 PM and 8 AM.
In the surroundings: in one of the many lodges, guest rooms, campsites, or hotels nearby. Find the list below.

All accommodation options

Where to swim?

Supervised swimming

At the Vailhés bay, in Lodévois and Larzac, swimming is supervised in July and August according to defined dates and times. The calendar will be available soon.