Best lakes around Cahuzac are found across various regions of France, often associated with the Montagne Noire and its historical water systems. These areas feature a mix of natural and artificial lakes, many of which are integral to the Canal du Midi's engineering. The landscape typically includes forests, meadows, and hills, providing diverse settings for outdoor activities. This region offers a range of aquatic environments, from large reservoirs to smaller, specialized fishing lakes.
Last updated: June 26, 2026
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The Cammazes Dam is located in the Montagne Noire massif in the Tarn department. It provides a drinking water reserve for the municipalities around Revel. Built between 1954 and 1957 and commissioned in 1958, the Cammazes Dam is located on the Sor River, between the municipalities of Cammazes and Sorèze in the Tarn department, and the municipality of Saissac in the Aude department. It forms Lake Cammazes, which also receives excess water from the mountain channel via the Conquet spillway. The structure is intended for drinking water supply and irrigation. It supplies 200 municipalities, representing over 170,000 inhabitants. The surface area of the body of water is approximately 90 hectares. Its reservoir volume is 18.8 million cubic meters; the watershed area is 30 km². The operator is the Montagne Noire Water Institution. The water is piped to the Picotalen treatment plant. It also serves as a reserve for the Canal du Midi via a water intake feeding the mountain channel (water rights of 4 million cubic meters) (Wikipedia)
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Superb and impressive, one of the 6 (main) lakes of the Montagne Noire, do not miss following the forest track which runs along its right bank.
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Listen to the silence around the channel.
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The way Riquet thinks about his work around the Canal du Midi remains in harmony and in no way destroys the natural beauty of the Black Mountain.
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Each lake of the Montagne Noire has its "personality: that of the Cammazes and all in length and depth.
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Nice connection by beautiful clear tracks, in the undergrowth or on the paths. The six lakes of the Black Mountain each have their own "character", that of La Galaube offers a magnificent view of the Pyrenees. The final path which joins Laprade Basse is a little stony but superb.
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Visitors frequently enjoy Lac de Saint-Ferréol, known for its historical significance and recreational opportunities like swimming and picnics. Another favorite is Lac des Cammazes, appreciated for its peaceful setting and trails for biking or walking. The Gravette Dam is also popular as a man-made monument integrated beautifully into the Montagne Noire landscape.
Yes, Lac de Saint-Ferréol is an excellent choice for families, offering supervised swimming in summer and fine sandy beaches. Similarly, Lac des Cammazes has a specially designed sandy beach for children and supervised swimming areas. Further afield, Lavaud Lake, part of the Lakes of Haute-Charente, also features two pleasant fine-sand beaches with supervised swimming during summer.
Many lakes offer a variety of water sports. At Lac de Saint-Ferréol, you can enjoy canoeing, paddleboarding, pedal boating, windsurfing, and catamarans. The Lakes of Haute-Charente, including Lavaud and Mas Chaban, are also popular for fishing, sailing, canoeing, and windsurfing.
Absolutely. Lac de Saint-Ferréol is a UNESCO World Heritage site, designed in the 17th century as a reservoir for the Canal du Midi. You can explore the former engineer's house and the 17th-century dyke. Near Lac des Cammazes, you can find the impressive Vauban Vault, another 17th-century structure for water transport. For unique natural beauty, Lac Bleu de Guizengeard features intensely turquoise waters in former white clay quarries, surrounded by a rich ecological habitat.
Both Lac des Cammazes and Lac de Saint-Ferréol offer excellent trails. Lac de Saint-Ferréol has a 4.5 km trail perfect for walking, cycling, and roller skating. Lac des Cammazes is also superb for touring by bike (mountain bike, gravel, or hybrid) or on foot, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Yes, Cavagnac Lake (also known as Etang de Bournazel) is renowned as a premier carp fishing destination, home to many large carp. It also stocks other species like pike, perch, roach, and tench. Lac des Cammazes also offers opportunities for fishing.
The region's lakes are rich in wildlife. At Lavaud Lake, an ornithological observatory at La Foucherie provides opportunities to observe migratory and resident birds. Lac Bleu de Guizengeard is a protected habitat for diverse wildlife, including European bee-eaters, beavers, and otters, making it an excellent spot for nature observation.
Yes, Lac de Saint-Ferréol has restaurants with lake views, perfect for a meal or a coffee. Cavagnac Lake, known for fishing, also provides a lodge with a dining room for visitors.
The area around Cahuzac offers numerous routes for various outdoor sports. You can find challenging MTB trails, including loops around Gravette Dam and Lac des Cammazes. For runners, there are several running trails, such as the Oppidum Berniquaut Loop. Additionally, gravel biking routes like the La Rigole de la Plaine loop are popular.
The Lakes of Haute-Charente, including Lavaud and Mas Chaban, are notable for their role in regulating the Charente River and offering a wide range of water-based leisure activities. Lac Bleu de Guizengeard, in particular, stands out with its intensely turquoise waters, formed in former white clay quarries, creating a unique and ecologically rich landscape within a pine and oak forest.
Visitors frequently highlight the natural beauty and tranquility of the lakes, often noting how well the man-made structures, like the Gravette Dam, blend with the environment. The opportunity for diverse activities, from peaceful walks and cycling to water sports and family picnics, is also highly valued. Many appreciate the historical context, especially at Lac de Saint-Ferréol, and the distinct 'personality' each lake offers.
Summer is ideal for water activities like supervised swimming, canoeing, and paddleboarding, especially at Lac de Saint-Ferréol and Lavaud Lake. The pine forests surrounding many lakes also provide pleasant shade for walks and bike rides during warmer months. Spring and autumn offer milder temperatures, perfect for hiking and cycling without the summer crowds, and for observing migratory birds.


Still not found your perfect lake around Cahuzac? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.