Why you should visit?
If you love the great outdoors, why not head to Saint-Ferréol Lake near Revel in the South of France. This picturesque lake, once the largest reservoir in the western world and now a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a vibrant hub for outdoor activities. Enjoy hiking, biking, sailing, and kayaking, with a range of summer rentals available from the lakeside activity centre, Espace Sport & Nature. Whether you’re a nature lover or just looking to unwind in a stunning setting, Saint-Ferréol Lake offers the perfect escape.
Won’t you come for a wander with us as we show you around?
Saint Ferréol Lake
First, let’s tell you more about Saint Ferréol Lake, a reservoir with a great history.
Designed and built by Pierre-Paul Riquet between 1667 and 1680 to provide the headwater for the renowned Canal du Midi—one of the 17th century’s greatest engineering achievements—Saint-Ferréol Lake spans 67 hectares, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The lake gathers water from the Laudot River as it flows from the Black Mountains, feeding the canal’s numerous locks as it winds its way from Toulouse to the Mediterranean coast near Sète.
Where is Saint Ferréol Lake?
The lake is in the departments of Haute-Garonne, Aude, and Tarn, approximately 70 km from Toulouse in the South of France.
Espace Sport & Nature
Espace Sport & Nature offers a variety of sports equipment for rent during the summer months. They also provide year-round sports activity programs for individuals and groups, such as orienteering, mountain biking, and nature activities.
The centre has an impressive meeting room and a bar/restaurant called Les Ondines, which is open at weekends in the winter, weekends and Wednesdays in June and September, and every day in July and August.
Check out the Espace Sport & Nature website below for all the What’s On details.
Website: www.espacesportetnature-stferreol.com
Address: 144 Rte de Carcassonne, 81540 Soreze.
Espace Sport & Nature opening details
From October to May: Every day for groups by reservation
July August: Every day 10:00 a.m./6:00 p.m.
June and September: weekends and Wednesdays 1:00 p.m./5:00 p.m.
Water Sports
The lake is stunningly beautiful, surrounded by woods and grassland, with the Black Mountains in the distance. We were so happy to be there on a picture-perfect day before the main summer rush.
Kayaking and Canoeing
It was hard to decide which of the water sports on offer to try. However, after some discussion, we settled on a double kayak.
As we paddled across the tranquil waters, we knew we had made the right decision. The 780-metre-long and 120-metre-wide lake offers a reasonable workout and is a perfect way to explore it.
Sailing and Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Saint Ferreol Lake, with its steady winds and calm waters, is ideal for stand-up paddleboarding and sailing. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a beginner, the lake is big enough to enjoy a day of sailing.
The lake covers 170 acres, and you can reach most of it within an hour with decent paddling. Take care not to go too close to the dam wall, as the water will be pulled through the underwater gates on its way to the canal.
Land-Based Adventures
There are many choices for land-based activities, including mountain biking, elastic trampoline, and treetop adventure course (3-10 years old)
Hiking and Biking
The area around Saint-Ferréol Lake is crisscrossed with trails perfect for hiking and biking. These trails offer a variety of difficulty levels. From easy walks along the shoreline to more challenging routes through the surrounding hills.
We recommend walking around the lake’s perimeter. It’s an easy 4.7 km track with lots of shade, and it takes about an hour. To the north of the lake, there are places to stop and refresh.
You can find this trail and more with All Trails here.
Caroline and David, who run Espace Sport and Nature, were very friendly, helpful, and professional. Thanks to you both for a great visit!
Rock Climbing
The nearby cliffs provide excellent rock climbing opportunities for those looking to scale new heights, with routes suitable for beginners and experienced climbers alike.
Adventure Park
The on-site adventure park offers fun for all ages, with zip lines, rope courses, and other thrilling activities for the whole family.
Relaxation and Wellness
Swimming
Designated swimming areas ensure a safe environment for all. Take a refreshing dip in the lake’s clear waters.
Beach
The lake also has a beach area, which is very popular in the summer. Not surprisingly, really, as you can see, it is a beautiful place to lay out a towel, relax, and enjoy the stunning natural scenery.
Le Reservoir Museum of Canal du Midi
If you’re fascinated by history and engineering marvels or enjoy discovering unique cultural sites, visiting the Reservoir Museum of the Canal du Midi is a must.
Nestled just behind and below the dam wall of Saint-Ferréol Lake, this museum offers an in-depth look at one of the most remarkable engineering achievements of the 17th century. Here, you can explore the rich history and intricate mechanics of the Canal du Midi, gaining a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity that went into creating this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Whether you’re an engineering enthusiast or just curious about the past, the museum and its surrounding garden provide a captivating glimpse into the legacy of this monumental waterway.
For opening hours, check out the website below:
Website: www.lereservoir-canaldumidi
Address: 1 Avenue Paul Riquet Saint-Ferréol 31250 REVEL
Canal du Midi Tourist Office
There is also an Aux Source du Canal du Midi Tourist Office here to help with all your ongoing visits to the area. A small gift shop offers regional gifts.
Where to eat
Surrounded by stunning natural beauty, the lake offers various dining options ranging from bring-your-own picnic spots to casual lakeside cafés to charming restaurants serving delicious regional cuisine.
Picnicking
The lush green areas around the lake are perfect for a picnic. With plenty of shaded spots, picnic tables, and scenic views, it’s an ideal way to relax and enjoy the area’s natural beauty.
Restaurant LE 20
We had a memorable lakeside lunch at Restaurant Le 20. After kayaking and walking around the lake, we were hungry, and Le 20 was a perfect lunch spot. The Menu du Jour with an Entree/Plate/Dessert was €39.
This restaurant offers a lovely view across the lake, fresh local ingredients, and beautifully prepared dishes. There is indoor and outdoor seating. We highly recommend it.
Address: 20 Boulevard Pierre-Paul-Riquet Saint-Ferréol. 31250 REVEL
Website: www.restaurantle20.com
When to visit?
A Year-Round Destination
While summer is the most popular for visitors, Saint-Ferréol Lake is great at any time of the year. In the autumn, the surrounding forests burst into vibrant colours, making it a perfect time for hiking and photography. Winter brings a quieter, more peaceful atmosphere, ideal for those looking for peace and serenity within nature.
The details
Espace Sport & Nature at Saint-Ferréol Lake is easily accessible from major cities like Toulouse and Carcassonne, making it a convenient day trip or weekend getaway.
Address: 144 Route de Carcassonne, 81540 SOREZE (27 km southwest of Castres)
Website: www.espacesportetnature-stferreol.com
Final Thoughts
Saint-Ferréol Lake is a beautiful French lake offering multiple leisure opportunities and facilities. Through Espace Sport & Nature, you can rent water-based activity equipment or hire mountain bikes, giving you many options to enjoy the lake—how about renting a pedalo with its own slide, for instance?
The Saint-Ferréol Lake is a dream for outdoor enthusiasts, so add it to your future plans if you are in the Haute Garonne area. Get ready to discover the natural beauty and endless activities that await you at Saint-Ferréol Lake!
Disclosure: Little Wandering Wren was a Destination Occitanie guest exploring this region with Haute Garonne Tourism. All opinions are my own. A grand merci beaucoup from us!
Follow us on Social Media: Find more photos of my travels and stories on Instagram @littlewanderingwren.
If you are looking for more in the Haute-Garonne region, check out Domaine Bois de Devres, a Vigneron crafting fine French wines to his own unique beat.
7 comments
Would love to go paddle boarding on the lake!
Oh that would be so much fun, maybe we can meet you here one year?! It looks a nice protected place to paddle board, which is good for me, as I like it calm!
Happy travel planning!
Wren x
Beautiful views of the lake! What a lovely spot for a vacation. Take care, enjoy your day!
Thank you – it was such a delight to spend time at Saint Ferreol Lake as you say, it is a beautiful lake, I can see why the French enjoy staying here. Have a great day too.
It looks beautiful.
All the best Jan
Thank you Jan, it is such a pretty lake. Thank you for stopping by to enjoy a virtual visit!
Have. a great week.
Wren x
What a great place to visit! I definitely want to spend some time in the south of France to see the lavender fields, and hopefully get to some the places you wrote about. Luberon and Aix and so much more!
Thank you!