Lakes around Sorèze are situated in the Montagne Noire region of France. This area is characterized by its natural landscapes and historical significance, particularly its connection to the Canal du Midi. The region's lakes serve as important water sources and offer various outdoor activities.
Last updated: June 29, 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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For supervised swimming during the summer months (July and August), Lac de Saint-Ferréol and Lac de Lampy are excellent choices. Lac des Cammazes also offers supervised swimming in a designated area with regularly monitored water quality. These lakes provide safe and enjoyable environments for a refreshing dip.
Yes, several lakes offer great options for families. Lac de Saint-Ferréol has a 4.5 km trail suitable for hiking, biking, and roller-skating, along with picnic areas in a pine forest. Lac des Cammazes is particularly family-friendly, featuring a sandy beach area designed for children and opportunities for canoeing and kayaking. Lake Galaube also offers a pleasant, shaded hiking experience.
The lakes in this region are deeply intertwined with the history of the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Lac de Saint-Ferréol was the first artificial reservoir of its kind, built in the 17th century by Pierre-Paul Riquet to supply water to the Canal du Midi. Lac de Lampy was later constructed to supplement this water supply. The nearby "Reservoir" museum in Revel provides further insights into the Canal's creation and Riquet's engineering marvel.
The lakes around Sorèze offer a wide range of outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, biking, and roller-skating around Lac de Saint-Ferréol. Lac de Lampy is great for hiking, including sections of the GR7, and mountain biking. Lac des Cammazes features a 16 km path ideal for walking or cycling. Water sports like sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, and pedal boating are popular at Lac de Saint-Ferréol, while canoeing and kayaking are available at Lac des Cammazes. For more detailed routes, explore the cycling, MTB, and gravel biking guides for the area.
Yes, there are several easy walking options. The 4.5 km trail around Lac de Saint-Ferréol is shaded and easy, suitable for families. Lac des Cammazes has a 16 km path around its perimeter that is suitable for walking. Lake Galaube also offers an easy, shaded 8.5 km hike.
Spring and summer are particularly attractive seasons to visit the lakes around Sorèze. The climate is mild, and the landscapes are vibrant. During July and August, supervised swimming is available at several lakes, and water sports activities are in full swing.
Yes, fishing is a popular activity at several lakes. At Lac de Saint-Ferréol, you can find zander, perch, and carp. Lac de Lampy also offers excellent fishing opportunities with a variety of species. Lac des Cammazes is known for pike, zander, perch, and trout.
The lakes are set within the beautiful Montagne Noire region. Lac de Saint-Ferréol features a 17th-century dike, an English-style park, and 19th-century spray and waterfalls, surrounded by a pine forest. Lac de Lampy is known for its peaceful natural environment and the biodiversity of its surrounding peat bog, with the Arboretum du Lampy nearby. Lac des Cammazes offers scenic viewpoints along its 16 km path, with forests, meadows, and hills providing a rich backdrop and diverse biodiversity.
Yes, amenities are available. Lac de Saint-Ferréol has an activity center, Espace Sport & Nature (La Calypso), offering equipment rentals. Picnic tables are available in the pine forest. While specific cafe information isn't detailed for every lake, the popular spots like Saint-Ferréol are likely to have facilities nearby. Parking is generally available at these popular lake destinations, such as at Lac des Cammazes.
While specific regulations for each lake regarding dogs are not detailed, many natural areas in France allow dogs on trails, often on a leash. The 4.5 km trail around Lac de Saint-Ferréol and the 16 km path around Lac des Cammazes are popular for walks and are generally suitable for dogs on leash. Always check local signage for specific rules.
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The opportunity for supervised swimming and picnics, especially at Lac de Saint-Ferréol, is highly valued. The peaceful environment of Lac de Lampy and the family-friendly atmosphere of Lac des Cammazes, with its walking and cycling paths, are also frequently highlighted. The connection to the Canal du Midi and the engineering marvels are also a significant draw.


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