Top 8 Lakes around Dourgne
Best lakes around Dourgne are found in the Occitanie region of France, nestled at the foot of the Montagne Noire. This area features several lakes, many of which are integral to the historic Canal du Midi water supply system. The region offers diverse natural beauty and various recreational opportunities. These lakes provide a range of features for visitors to explore.
Best lakes around Dourgne
- The most popular lake is Lac de Saint-Ferréol, a lake that serves as the primary reservoir for the Canal du Midi. This UNESCO World Heritage site spans 67 hectares and features a 786-meter-long dike. It is a hub for outdoor activities, including supervised swimming and various water sports.
- Another must-see spot is Lac des Cammazes, a lake known for its calm, deep waters and natural setting. Visitors can enjoy swimming in designated areas, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The lake's surroundings are suitable for walking, hiking, and cycling, with a 16 km circuit available.
- Visitors also appreciate Lake Galaube, a reservoir built between 1999 and 2001 to improve the water supply to the Canal du Midi. It is popular for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. The area offers shaded walking paths and historical points of interest.
- Dourgne is known for its historic reservoirs, natural lakes, and man-made monuments. The area offers a variety of lakes, from those integrated into the Canal du Midi system to those providing tranquil natural settings.
- The lakes around Dourgne are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 40 upvotes and 12 photos contributed by users.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Lac des Cammazes
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Lac de Saint-Ferréol
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Lake Galaube
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Gravette Dam
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Lac des Cammazes
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the historical significance of the lakes around Dourgne?
Many lakes in the Dourgne area are integral to the historic Canal du Midi water supply system. For example, Lac de Saint-Ferréol and Lac du Lampy are both UNESCO World Heritage sites, engineered centuries ago to feed the Canal du Midi. These sites offer a glimpse into the region's rich engineering and natural heritage.
Which lakes near Dourgne are best for swimming?
Several lakes around Dourgne offer supervised swimming during the summer months (typically July and August). These include Lac de Saint-Ferréol, Lac du Lampy, Lac des Cammazes, Lac des Montagnès, and Lac de la Galaube. Lac de Laprade also offers supervised swimming in summer.
Are there family-friendly lakes with activities around Dourgne?
Yes, several lakes are excellent for families. Lac de Saint-Ferréol is a vibrant hub with supervised swimming, water sports, and a 4.5 km perimeter trail accessible for strollers. Lac des Montagnès is a versatile leisure center with supervised swimming, water games, mini-golf, and an accrobranche (tree-climbing) park. Lac des Cammazes and Lake Galaube also offer family-friendly activities like walking, cycling, and designated swimming areas.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the lakes?
The lakes around Dourgne offer a wide range of outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, cycling (road and mountain biking), swimming, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing. For specific routes, explore the Hiking around Dourgne, Road Cycling Routes around Dourgne, and MTB Trails around Dourgne guides.
Are there hiking trails around the lakes near Dourgne?
Absolutely. Many lakes feature well-maintained trails. Lac de Saint-Ferréol has a 4.5 km perimeter trail. Lac des Cammazes offers a 16 km circuit around the lake. Lac des Montagnès has a 2.7 km sports and botanical path, and the GR7 hiking trail also passes through Lac du Lampy and Lac des Montagnès. Lake Galaube offers 8.5 km of shaded hiking. For more options, check the Hiking around Dourgne guide.
Which lakes offer unique natural features or viewpoints?
Lac de Saint-Ferréol is known for its scenic pine forest, English-style park, and waterfalls. Lac du Lampy features a preserved natural environment, including a surrounding peat bog with unique biodiversity. Lac des Montagnès is classified as a Natural Zone of Ecological, Faunal, and Floral Interest due to its peat meadows. Laprade Lake Boardwalk is unique for its footbridges over peat bogs, allowing exploration of this sensitive ecosystem.
Is it possible to cycle around the lakes in Dourgne?
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. Lac de Saint-Ferréol has a 4.5 km perimeter trail suitable for bicycles. Lac des Cammazes offers a 16 km circuit around the lake. Lac du Lampy has well-maintained cycling paths, and the GR7 trail is also suitable for mountain biking. For more cycling routes, refer to the Road Cycling Routes around Dourgne and MTB Trails around Dourgne guides.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Dourgne?
The lakes are enjoyable year-round, but the best time depends on your preferred activities. Summer (July and August) is ideal for swimming and water sports, as many lakes offer supervised bathing. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with beautiful foliage in the surrounding forests. The region's natural beauty can be appreciated in any season.
Are there options for fishing in the lakes near Dourgne?
Yes, fishing is a popular activity at several lakes. You can fish for zander, perch, or carp at Lac de Saint-Ferréol. Lac du Lampy, Lac des Cammazes, Lac des Montagnès, and Lake Galaube (with trout, pike, and carp) also offer fishing opportunities. Always check local regulations and permit requirements before fishing.
Where can I find cafes or amenities near the lakes?
Lakes like Lac de Saint-Ferréol and Lac des Montagnès offer on-site restaurants and picnic areas, some with barbecues. Lac de Saint-Ferréol also has equipment rentals for water sports. While specific cafes vary, many popular lakes have amenities nearby, especially during peak season.
Are there accessible trails for strollers or wheelchairs around the lakes?
Yes, Lac de Saint-Ferréol features a 4.5 km perimeter trail that is accessible for strollers. Additionally, Laprade Lake Boardwalk offers specially constructed footbridges over peat bogs, providing an accessible way to explore the unique natural environment.
Can I bring my dog to the lakes around Dourgne?
While specific regulations can vary by lake and season, many natural areas around the lakes are generally dog-friendly, especially for walks on trails. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash and clean up after them. For swimming areas, check local signage as restrictions may apply, particularly during supervised swimming periods.
What makes Lac de Saint-Ferréol a popular destination?
Lac de Saint-Ferréol is popular due to its historical significance as a UNESCO World Heritage site and its wide range of activities. Visitors enjoy supervised swimming, various water sports, hiking and biking along its perimeter trail, picnicking, and visiting the Canal du Midi Museum. Its beautiful pine forest and English-style park also add to its appeal.
What is unique about Lac de Laprade?
Lac de Laprade is unique for its surrounding 'sagnes' (peat bogs), which visitors can explore via specially constructed footbridges. These boardwalks allow for an immersive experience of this sensitive natural area without disturbing the ecosystem. The lake also offers opportunities to discover protected carnivorous plants like *droséra rotondifolia*.
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