Best lakes around Labécède-Lauragais are found in a region known for its diverse natural settings, including rolling hills, forests, and meadows. This area is historically significant, particularly with its connection to the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The landscape offers a variety of outdoor activities, from leisurely walks to more vigorous hikes and water sports. Several lakes provide opportunities for recreation and appreciating the natural environment.
Last updated: July 10, 2026
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Very beautiful view of the large Castelnaudary basin.
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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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Beautiful view of the small old town, here the Canal du Midi is a large basin.
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Situated along the Canal du Midi, at the point where the Gran Bassin is located, it is the place where the Canal was inaugurated in 1681. Along the canal there are some restaurants or bars for a pleasant break.
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Listen to the silence around the channel.
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For swimming and water sports, Lac de Saint-Ferréol is ideal, offering designated swimming areas and picnic spots. Lac des Cammazes also provides supervised swimming at its sandy beach. Additionally, Lac de la Thésauque offers supervised swimming and rentals for canoes, pedal boats, and paddleboards, along with an inflatable water park. Lac de Ganguise is renowned for wind sports like windsurfing and catamaran sailing, with two schools providing lessons and rentals, and swimming is permitted in designated areas.
Yes, Lac de Saint-Ferréol is a UNESCO World Heritage site, historically built to supply the Canal du Midi. You can also explore the nearby geyser and waterfall. Gravette Dam is part of the Montagne Noire's water system, showcasing the engineering that supports the Canal du Midi.
Many lakes offer family-friendly options. Lac de Saint-Ferréol is great for picnics and has campsites. Lac des Cammazes features a dedicated sandy beach with supervised swimming for children. Lac de la Thésauque provides pedal boat rentals, an inflatable water park (Aquaparc Lauragais), and mini-golf. Lac de Ganguise also has picnic areas and offers various water sport rentals suitable for families.
The region offers numerous opportunities for hiking and cycling. Around Lac de Saint-Ferréol, you'll find picturesque, shaded paths for strolls or vigorous hikes. Lac des Cammazes is excellent for exploration on foot or by bike, with trails like the GR7. Lac de la Thésauque has a 5 km path encircling it, perfect for walking or cycling. For more detailed routes, you can explore the hiking guide or the cycling guide for Labécède-Lauragais.
Yes, for easy walks, the 5 km path around Lac de la Thésauque is suitable for all year round. Lac de Saint-Ferréol also offers picturesque, shaded paths that are great for leisurely strolls. You can find an easy 6.4 km loop around Lac de Saint-Ferréol in the hiking guide.
The lakes are enjoyable year-round, but summer is particularly vibrant for water activities, with supervised swimming and rentals available at Lac de la Thésauque, Lac des Cammazes, and Lac de Ganguise. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling around the lakes, with beautiful scenery.
Yes, Lac de la Thésauque is a popular spot for anglers, with a variety of fish including carp, pike, and perch. Specific permits may be required, so it's advisable to check local regulations before fishing.
Lac de Ganguise, often called 'the small sea of Aude,' is the premier destination for wind sports. It boasts approximately 300 windy days annually and is equipped with two sailing schools offering lessons and rentals for windsurfing, catamaran, wing foil, and more.
The diverse natural settings around the lakes provide opportunities for wildlife spotting. Lac de la Thésauque is a haven for birdwatching, where you might see species like coots, mallards, and grey herons.
Yes, there are mountain biking trails available. Lac de Ganguise offers designated mountain biking paths. For more options, you can consult the MTB Trails guide for Labécède-Lauragais, which includes routes like the 'Lake des Cammazes – Gravette Dam loop from Bassin de Saint-Ferréol'.
The lakes around Labécède-Lauragais are primarily artificial and historically significant, often connected to the Canal du Midi's water system. They are set amidst diverse natural landscapes including rolling hills, forests, and meadows, offering a wide range of outdoor activities from leisurely walks to water sports.
Visitors appreciate Lac des Cammazes for its exceptional natural environment, featuring views of mountains, forests, and meadows. It's known for its length and depth, offering a serene experience for walking or cycling, and its monitored water quality for swimming.


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