Best lakes around Saissac are situated in the Montagne Noire region of France. This area is known for its natural beauty, offering a combination of recreational activities and historical significance. The surrounding lakes provide opportunities for water sports, hiking, and exploring diverse ecosystems. Saissac acts as a central point for discovering these natural features.
Last updated: June 17, 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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8.5 km, 2 hours of pleasant, shaded hiking
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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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Lac de la Galaube, at the southwestern end of the Haut-Languedoc PNR, is like many others in the Montagne Noire a reservoir. It was built recently (1999-2001) even if a dam had already been imagined by Pierre-Paul Riquet during the creation of the Canal du Midi. Indeed, it is located on the Rougeanne (Alzeau), whose water intake a few hundred meters downstream supplies water to the Canal du Midi.
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The lakes around Saissac offer a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling on numerous trails. For example, there are MTB trails like the Lac des Cammazes – Lampy Basin loop, and running routes such as the Bassin du Lampy Neuf loop. Water activities like swimming, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing are also popular at several lakes.
Yes, several lakes are ideal for families. Lac de Saint-Ferréol is perfect for swimming and picnics, with campsites nearby. Lac des Cammazes features a sandy beach, a dedicated play area for children, and ample picnic spots. Lake Galaube also offers spacious parking and is well-suited for picnics amidst nature.
Near Lac de Laprade, you can explore a unique wetland area known as 'sagnes' (peat bogs). Specially constructed footbridges allow you to traverse these delicate ecosystems and observe diverse flora, including protected carnivorous plants like the droséra rotondifolia, while preserving the natural environment.
Lac des Cammazes is popular for its exceptional natural environment, surrounded by forests and meadows. It offers swimming in a supervised area, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. You can also hike or cycle a complete 16-kilometer tour around the lake. Its vital role as a drinking water reserve and connection to the Canal du Midi's historical water management system also add to its appeal.
Lake Galaube provides opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. You can also explore hiking trails around its perimeter, enjoying the lush green landscapes and panoramic views, including distant glimpses of the Pyrenees mountains. It's a great spot for peaceful walks and picnics.
Many lakes in the Montagne Noire, including Lac des Cammazes and Lake Galaube, play a crucial role in supplying drinking water and regulating flow for the historic Canal du Midi. Their construction and management are part of an intricate water management system, with plans for some, like Galaube, dating back to the 18th century to support the canal.
Yes, there are several easy walking options. The path around Lac de Laprade is suitable for families, often referred to as a 'lace tour' through preserved forest. A complete tour of Lac des Cammazes is approximately 16 kilometers and can be done on foot. Lake Galaube also offers pleasant, shaded hiking trails, with an 8.5 km loop taking about 2 hours.
The lakes are enjoyable throughout the warmer months, particularly from spring to autumn. Summer is ideal for swimming and water sports. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with beautiful foliage changes. Always check local weather forecasts before your visit.
While specific cafes and accommodation directly on the lake shores might be limited, the surrounding towns and villages in the Montagne Noire region, including Saissac, offer various options. Lac de Saint-Ferréol, for instance, has campsites and bivouac spots nearby.
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. You can tour Lac des Cammazes by mountain bike, gravel, or hybrid bike, with a full circuit spanning about 16 kilometers. Lac de Laprade also has paths suitable for cycling, including mountain biking. For more cycling options, explore the MTB Trails around Saissac or Road Cycling Routes around Saissac guides.
Absolutely. The lakes are set within stunning natural environments. Lac des Cammazes offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Lake Galaube boasts breathtaking panoramas, including magnificent views of the Pyrenees mountains on clear days. The path around Lac de Laprade also provides scenic views through preserved forest.
Visitors particularly appreciate the peaceful natural settings, the variety of recreational activities available, and the opportunity for relaxation. Many enjoy the well-maintained trails for hiking and cycling, the supervised swimming areas, and the picnic spots. The historical connection to the Canal du Midi and the unique ecosystems, like the peat bogs at Lac de Laprade, also add to the overall appeal.


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