Salagou is just a must do if you are in the region. Just don t go where tourists are, and avoid the local tourist shops, eateries and rental places and you ll find a great wild open ready for you to explore. Ha, but be careful, the wind is really strong at times.
This lake is in a lovely setting and is a camper/outdoors person's haven. Campers and cars are parked up all around it, but because it's rather large it's not at all busy (not during my visit on a Sunday in May anyway).As other reviewers have stated - there's lots to do here. You can take a picnic and your swimming costume to relax, absorb some sun and enjoy the surrounds. Or, if you're wanting to exert some energy, you can take part in activities on the lake or you can walk or cycle around.I opted for the 27km bike ride (number 1) that goes right around the lake. Having completed it (just about) I wish to offer some words of warning. I chose this option having seen a poster with some details of the route in Clermont l'Hérault. I thought it was going to be a jolly cycle around the lake. But noooo - not for a novice. it's primarily up, over, down, up, up, up, down, down, round, up, up, down (many, many lumpy mounds). You also go through some water (several times). It started off rather fun (even the hair raising descents) but with the sun beating down it soon became a bit of a challenge. Signposting (as always) lets you down on occasions and more in depth info on the topography of the route would have been insightful before departure. The 27km ended up feeling more like 40km. If you're up for the challenge still but haven't had much time on the saddle - I urge you to buy/wear some padded cycle pants. For beginners my advice is -go to the tourist office to find out if there are any routes suitable for you and/or the family. Additionally - after the first couple of easy km, I noticed that most cyclists were wearing helmets. I stupidly figured they were being overly cautious. They weren't. There are a lot of stones/boulders and slippery hills to manoeuver your way up/down/around, so a hat is a very sensible option.It's difficult to find places to hide in the shade when it gets hot so make sure you take sunscreen/hat/lots of water. There are a couple of places you can buy drinks in season but if you're walking or cycling you could find yourself some way from them and in desperate need of liquidsDefinitely worth a visit anyway - regardless of what you choose to do.
if you want a fabulous restaurant - visit La Reserve in the village of Cartels on the Lodeve side of the lake. It used to be a transport café but has been completely transformed - the interior is very chic but for a truly magical setting eat outside on the Terrace. The food, wine and staff are fabulous. We have been going here for about 2 years whilst on holiday and it is consistently lovely.
It was interesting for a brief trip but, given that it features quite heavily in 'things to do' we were a little disappointed. Not particularly attractive and/or able to occupy us for even a half day
a reservoir is not always beautiful, but the Lac de Salagou is. Lovely beaches, impressive rock formations, a splendid vegetation - worth a visit and worth spending a day there.
This is fine for families who want to to sit and play on the grass by a lake. Yes there were lots of colours but there were lots of big ants too! The activities included wind surfing, boating, kite surfing etc. Families had also brought fishing nets to pond dip. Don't forget to wear water shoes since the terrain is rough to get into and around the water's edge. There are quite a lot of picnic tables but these are taken early on, as are the trees for the shade. A pleasant way to spend a few hours but it's just another lake!
We drove out to this beautiful man-made lake,only to find the Auberge du Lac was closed for lunch so we continued past Octon and happened upon the Mas Riri (also offers camping on the shores of the lake). We enjoyed a wonderful lunch in the local style on the edge of the lake with extensive views, and would definitely recommend this as a lunchtime stop.
Two days ago I was sitting with my cousin, my french friend and my great-cousin on the shores of this incredible lake - perfect peace, stunning location with a spiritual vibe. Silent almost with the exception of one or two boats on the lake. a dream-like place which I will visit again - so if you are in the area take a picnic, a chair or two, swimsuits and just relax in this magical place
Visited on a warm sunny day in Spring. The reservoir was low and much of the iron rich reservoir bottom was visible contrasting brightly with the new growth of the deciduous and darkness of the evergreens, and the clear blue of the sky reflecting onto the reservoir. Whether you have come to participate in waters sports at the east end of the reservoir near Clermont l'Herault, fancy a bit of off roading in your hire car at the north of the lake (not somewhere you would take a campervan) or want the peace of the outdoors at the bottom west, there is a place for you somewhere on the lake. We barbequed in a cove at the bottom west of the lake and were startled by a passing water snake (or maybe we startled it). Watching the sun go down over the lake was special.
Spent a relaxing afternoon by the lake. Clean, good swimming and plenty of water sports. Parking could be a little better but this is generally a place for a good day out particularly with children.