Top 9 Lakes around Mende
Best lakes around Mende are situated in the Lozère department of Southern France, an area characterized by its diverse natural landscapes. The region features a mix of artificial reservoirs and natural ponds, providing various outdoor recreation opportunities. Mende serves as a central point for exploring these bodies of water, which are often nestled amidst forests, bogs, and heathland. These lakes offer a range of activities from tranquil walks to active watersports.
Best lakes around Mende
- The most popular lake is Lake Charpal, an artificial reservoir that supplies Mende with drinking water. It is known as France's largest "no-kill" pike fishing lake and features a 9-kilometer trail for hiking.
- Another must-see spot is Lac de Villefort, a vast body of water with an imposing dam. Visitors can expect activities such as hiking, fishing, canoeing, windsurfing, and pedal boating, with supervised beaches available in summer.
- Visitors also love Lake Naussac, a large lake with supervised beaches and hiking trails. It is appreciated for its clear blue waters and offers various recreational options.
- Mende is known for its artificial reservoirs, natural ponds, and large lakes. These bodies of water provide a variety of settings for outdoor activities and nature observation.
- The lakes around Mende are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 100 upvotes and 60 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Lake Charpal
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This strange project never took place, because the lake was not deep enough and did not allow the immersion of the powder.
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Lac de Villefort
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Its banks also host an imposing castle as well as many activities such as hiking, fishing, canoeing, windsurfing, pedal boats, and supervised beaches.
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Auradoux Pond
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Lac Ganivet.
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Lake Naussac
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Descent to Villefort Lake
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View of the Lake
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View of the Lake in Cévennes National Park
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View of Lac des Salhiens
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Tips from the Community
Lac de Charpal lies at an altitude of 1,360 meters amidst raised bogs, forests, and heathland. This artificial reservoir, built in the 1930s, supplies Mende with drinking water. Today, it is a tranquil retreat, popular for hiking, nature observation, and its protected flora and fauna.
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Lac de Charpal lies at an altitude of 1,360 meters amidst raised bogs, forests, and heathland. This artificial reservoir, built in the 1930s, supplies Mende with drinking water. Today, it is a tranquil retreat, popular for hiking, nature observation, and its protected flora and fauna.
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Great view
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Pleasant hike with beautiful viewpoints and magical places.
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Don't hesitate to go and see the viewpoints which deviate slightly from the path.
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A dam on the Colagne river created this Charpal lake. It supplies the town of Mende with drinking water. The Charpal site was originally chosen in 1925 to create an underwater munitions depot. This strange project never took place, because the lake was not deep enough and did not allow the immersion of the powder.
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A beautiful hike that can only be recommended
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of activities can I do at the lakes around Mende?
The lakes around Mende offer a wide range of activities. You can enjoy hiking, fishing, canoeing, windsurfing, and pedal boating. Some lakes, like Lac de Villefort and Lake Naussac, also feature supervised beaches for swimming and sunbathing during summer.
Are there family-friendly lakes near Mende?
Yes, several lakes are well-suited for families. Lake Naussac and Lac Ganivet are particularly popular, offering supervised beaches and various recreational options like pedal boating and canoeing. Auradoux Pond is also noted as family-friendly.
Which lakes offer swimming opportunities?
For swimming, Lac de Villefort, Lake Naussac, and Lac Ganivet are excellent choices. These lakes feature equipped or supervised beaches during the summer months (typically July and August), making them ideal for cooling off and enjoying the water.
Are there good hiking trails around the lakes?
Absolutely. Many lakes offer scenic hiking trails. For instance, Lake Charpal has a marked 9-kilometer trail encircling it, perfect for nature observation. Lac de Villefort also features hiking trails around its perimeter. You can find more detailed hiking routes in the Mountain Hikes around Mende guide.
Can I go fishing in the lakes near Mende?
Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Lac de Charpal is renowned as France's largest 'no-kill' pike fishing lake, attracting anglers from May to December. Lac de Villefort is also home to various fish species, including brown and rainbow trout, and permits fishing.
What are the natural features and landscapes like around these lakes?
The lakes around Mende are set amidst diverse natural landscapes. Lac de Charpal is nestled among raised bogs, forests, and heathland, offering tranquil, almost Canadian-like scenery. Other lakes are surrounded by forests and provide stunning viewpoints, such as the View of the Lake in Cévennes National Park.
How long does it take to walk around Lac de Villefort?
A full circumnavigation of Lac de Villefort is approximately seven kilometers. It's considered a beautiful hike that can be completed without specialized hiking boots, offering a pleasant experience for most visitors.
Are there options for cycling around the lakes?
Yes, cycling is a great way to explore the area. For example, there's a dedicated road cycling route called the Tour of Lac de Naussac. You can also find various mountain biking trails, such as the Lake Naussac loop from Naussac, in the nearby cycling guides.
What makes Lac de Charpal unique?
Lac de Charpal is unique for several reasons. It's an artificial reservoir that supplies Mende with drinking water and is known as France's largest 'no-kill' pike fishing lake. Its high-altitude setting (1,326 meters) amidst raised bogs, forests, and heathland gives it a distinctive, tranquil landscape often compared to Canada.
Are there any historical or notable structures near the lakes?
Yes, Lac de Villefort is notable for its imposing dam and the castle located on its banks, adding a historical element to the scenic landscape.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Mende?
Visitors particularly appreciate the tranquil atmosphere, the diverse range of outdoor activities available, and the natural beauty of the landscapes. The clear blue waters of lakes like Lake Naussac and the opportunities for hiking and nature observation are frequently highlighted.
Is it possible to find less crowded lakes near Mende?
While popular spots like Lake Charpal and Lac de Villefort can attract visitors, the region offers many smaller ponds and less-trafficked areas. Exploring trails away from main access points or visiting during off-peak seasons can help you find more secluded spots for a peaceful experience.
Are there any lakes suitable for paddleboarding near Mende?
Lakes with calm waters and easy access are generally suitable for paddleboarding. Lac de Villefort, with its nautical base and rental options, is a good candidate, as are other larger lakes like Lake Naussac, which offer ample space for water sports.
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