Lake Saint‑Ferréol: swimming, the lakeside walk, the waterfalls
Nine minutes from the loft, the lake of Revel, as locals call it, is a 67-hectare reservoir dug in the 17th century to feed the Canal du Midi: a beach, a 4 km walk around the water and a park of waterfalls.
A Canal du Midi reservoir turned swimming lake
The basin was dug between 1667 and 1672 to Pierre-Paul Riquet's plans to feed the Canal du Midi. The dam holds 67 hectares of water, 32 metres deep at its foot, 350 metres above sea level. The canal and its feeder system have been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996.
Swimming and boats
The beach has lifeguards in July and August. The leisure base rents pedalos, paddleboards and small sailing boats. The water is mountain-lake fresh in June and pleasant in August. Out of season the lake is a walk, not a swim.
The walk around the lake
A path circles the basin: about 4 kilometres, an easy hour, under trees for much of the way.
The waterfalls and the park
Below the dam, a 19th-century landscaped park steps down in waterfalls to a fountain fed by the lake. Entry is free. The Canal du Midi museum and gardens, on the same site, tell the story of the canal's construction.
Around the lake
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Lake Saint-Ferréol?
Yes. The beach has lifeguards in July and August. Out of season the lake stays open but swimming is unsupervised.
How long is the walk around the lake?
About an hour for 4 kilometres, flat, fine with children.
Is there a fee?
The lake, the beach and the waterfall park are free. Pedalo and paddleboard hire is paid.
How far from the loft?
9 minutes by car, 4.5 kilometres. The loft is in the hamlet of Dreuilhe, in Revel.
Sleep next door
The Industrial Lodge, an 85 m² loft for five in the hamlet of Dreuilhe. Booked direct, 10% less than on the platforms.
€63a nightwhen booking here€70 on the platforms
See also
Your host: Florian