Lakes and swimming spots in the Tarn
A BEACH IN THE HEART OF THE MONTAGNE NOIRE
Lake des Montagnès: swimming and leisure activities near Mazamet
Based in 680 metres above sea level in the heart of the Montagne Noire, Lac des Montagnès is a particularly pleasant destination when temperatures rise in the Tarn. Surrounded by woodland, this 4-hectare lake offers a lush green setting where families can easily spend several hours swimming, walking and relaxing.
During July and August, a a sandy beach and a supervised swimming area allow you to enjoy the water in complete peace and quiet. The site also offers water games and a range of leisure facilities, so you can alternate between swimming and other activities throughout the day.
For those who’d rather stay dry, a route of around The walk around the lake is 2.7 kilometres long. Picnic areas, mini-golf, a treetop adventure course and places to eat make it easy to round off the day out without having to make too many trips.
This stage can also form part of a day devoted to Exploring the Sidobre and the Montagne Noire, particularly after a walk or a visit to the Mazamet footbridge.
In summer, arrive instead in the morning to enjoy the lake quietly before the busiest hours and always check the surveillance periods before your trip.
Find practical information on the Lac des Montagnès Leisure Centre.
SWIMMING DIRECTLY IN THE RIVER TARN
Trébas Plage: swimming in the river and water sports
In Trébas-les-Bains, the River Tarn becomes a real holiday destination. The Trébas beach resort allows you to enjoy a swim in white water in a natural setting, with a supervised area during the summer season.
Certified Blue Flag, the site combines swimming with respect for the environment. A beach, a picnic area and various leisure facilities mean that families can settle in for most of the day without having to get back in the car between activities.
Those who are more active can also make the most of the canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, whilst a range of sports facilities and play areas round off the leisure centre. The Tarn Valley offers a delightful landscape all around, perfect for exploring at your own pace.
Trébas is therefore a great alternative to lakes for those who wish to try out a swimming in the Tarn River and discover a wilder part of the department.
Swimming must take place exclusively in the designated area and during supervised hours. As with any river swimming, please follow the signs and advice provided on site.
Plan your day with information from Trébas Plage on the Tarn Tourism website.
A UNIQUE SWIM NEAR ALBI
Aiguelèze: swimming in the Tarn with the family
In Rivières, near Albi, the leisure centre atAiguelèze It also offers direct access to the River Tarn. Here, swimming takes on a unique form thanks to a a floating swimming pool set up in the river and comprising several areas of varying depths.
A paddling pool and deeper pools allow children of all ages to enjoy the water in a supervised area. The site also benefits from the Blue Flag scheme, which assesses, in particular, the quality of the environment and the management of the bathing area.
Aiguelèze is a particularly good choice for organising a day out combining several activities. The leisure centre and the surrounding area make it possible to extend your day out by the water’s edge before heading, for example, to Albi to round off the day with a stroll through the episcopal city.
This excursion therefore combines Family swimming, relaxing on the banks of the Tarn and exploring the local heritage on the same day.
Swimming is prohibited outside supervised hours. When on a river, please also pay attention to any notices displayed regarding possible changes in water level or flow.
See the latest information on the Aiguelèze designated bathing area.
A DAY BY THE WATER IN THE HAUT-LANGUEDOC
Lake Laouzas: swimming and outdoor activities in the heart of nature
At the heart of the Haut-Languedoc Regional Nature Park, Lake Laouzas is surrounded by wooded hills and vast natural landscapes. Its peaceful setting makes it an ideal destination for spending a whole day swimming and enjoying outdoor activities.
The leisure centre in Nages has a a designated beach with supervised swimming during the summer. Families with young children also have access to a paddling pool and a heated pool, whilst shaded areas provide a place to sit and have a picnic by the water.
Those who wish to be more active can alternate swimming with water sports. Depending on the activities on offer at the time of your visit, the lake is a great place to enjoy, amongst other things, paddleboarding, pedalos or other water-based activities.
Laouzas is also a lovely place to simply take it easy: a few hours on the beach, a stroll around the lake, a picnic under the trees and a swim are all it takes to make for a proper day’s holiday.
This destination is well worth planning as a day trip so that you can enjoy the lake at your own pace. Don’t forget to check the swimming conditions and the activities on offer before you set off.
Find out all the practical information about the Laouzas Lake Leisure Centre.
A getaway between pine forest and heritage
Saint-Ferréol Lake, nature and relaxation near Revel
at the foot of the Montagne Noire, near Revel and Sorèze, the Saint-Ferréol lake offers a pleasant setting for a day in the great outdoors. Lined with pine trees and surrounded by wooded hills, it allows you to enjoy a family outing between walk, picnic and heritage discovery.
A About 4.5 kilometers trail walks around the lake And allows you to discover your landscapes on foot, taking your time. Shaded passages and picnic areas invite to extend the walk for lunch or simply enjoy the view of the water.
Saint-Ferréol also has a history closely linked to Canal du Midi, of which it constitutes the main reservoir. Below the dike, the park and its landscaped waterfalls offer another walk, in a different atmosphere from that of the banks.
This excursion can also be completed by a discovery of Revel and its hall, or by a visit to Sorèze. A great way to combine landscapes, relaxation and heritage during your holidays at Le Rousieux campsite.
Before planning a swim or a nautical activity, check the authorizations in force: certain practices can be suspended depending on the quality of the water.
Find practical information on Saint-Ferreol Lake.
A green break in the Tarn countryside
Lac de la Bancalié, walks and leisure along the water
From Land-of-Bancalie, in the Saint-Antonin-de-Lacalm sector, Lac de la Bancalié invites you to enjoy a day in a green environment. Its natural setting is particularly pleasant for walking, picnicking or simply taking the time to relax at the edge of the water.
A Itinerary of about 10 kilometers allows you to go around the lake. This hike offers the opportunity to discover the banks and the surrounding landscapes. For a quieter outing, you can also choose a shorter walk before settling down for a lakeside break.
During the summer season, the Canoe and pedal boat rental Allows you to discover the site from the water. A refreshment bar completes the possibilities of going out, to alternate walks, nautical activity and moment of relaxation according to everyone's desires.
La Bancalié is thus an excursion idea for holidaymakers who wish to rediscover the calm of the Tarn countryside. Prepare your picnic and choose your program: a few hours in the green or a hike around the lake.
Swimming is prohibited in the lake. Prioritize walks and authorized nautical activities, and check the opening periods of the rentals before your trip.
Prepare for your outing with information on Lac de la Bancalié.
Where can you go for a swim in the Tarn during your holidays?
When summer arrives, the Tarn offers plenty of opportunities to swimming in the great outdoors. Lakes surrounded by woodland, well-maintained beaches and designated swimming areas right on the river offer a complete change of atmosphere, depending on your mood.
For a day out in the mountains, the Lake Montagnès and the Lake Laouzas combine fresh air, natural scenery and family-friendly activities. Those who prefer to explore the River Tarn can head to Trébas or Aiguelèze and make the most of the areas specially designated for this purpose during the summer season.
These outings also offer the chance to explore a wide variety of areas. A day out around Mazamet can be rounded off with a Exploring the Sidobre and the Montagne Noire, whilst a detour to Aiguelèze makes it easy to extend the journey as far as Albi.
There are also other leisure centres in the department, such as Vère-Grésigne to Castelnau-de-Montmiral, where supervised swimming, a water slide, pedalos, canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboarding offer even more ways to enjoy yourself.
And if you don’t fancy driving, you can simply enjoy a quiet day at the Le Rousieux Campsite, combining relaxation, outdoor activities and quality time with the family.
Practical tips before a day’s swimming in the Tarn
- Always check the dates and times of supervision Before you set off: these may vary depending on the season and conditions.
- Please only swim in areas officially authorised for swimming.
- When on the river, pay particular attention to signs, the current and any changes in the water level.
- If you have children, it’s best to choose a a designated and supervised area and never leave them unattended by the water’s edge.
- Please bring a swimsuit, towels, water, sun cream, a hat and suitable footwear for walking in natural surroundings.
- For the most remote destinations, take a picnic with you so you can really make the most of your day there.
- Some water sports may incur a charge or be subject to specific opening hours: please check the venue’s website before you set off.
- Even if a site is usually open for swimming, always check for the latest information on the day of your visit.
Lakes and swimming spots in the Tarn: our suggestions for things to do
For a day combining Swimming and exploring the Montagne Noire, head to Lac des Montagnès in the morning. Take a leisurely stroll around the lake before it gets too hot, then settle down for lunch and spend the afternoon enjoying the beach and a swim.If you’d like to explore the River Tarn, head for Aiguelèze to enjoy the swimming facilities. You can then carry on to Albi and explore its historic centre in the late afternoon or early evening.
For a proper day out in the countryside, the Lake Laouzas allows you to slow right down. Pack a picnic, alternate between swimming and water sports, then take the time to enjoy the scenery of the Haut-Languedoc.
Finally, Trébas is a brilliant way to combine river beach, canoeing or paddleboarding, and relaxing with the family in the Tarn Valley.
After your excursion, return to the tranquillity of your accommodation at the Le Rousieux Campsite in Serviès.
Our FAQs
Enjoy the lakes and swimming spots in the Tarn from the campsite
Get ready for your days by the water with answers to the most frequently asked questions about the The lakes of the Tarn, supervised swimming and family outings during the summer.
Where can you go for a swim in a lake in the Tarn?
Lac des Montagnès, near Mazamet, and Lac du Laouzas, in Nages, have designated swimming areas that are supervised for part of the summer season. Always check the exact times when supervision is in place before you go.
Can you swim directly in the River Tarn?
Yes, there are several areas that have been specially designed for this purpose. Trébas Beach and Aiguelèze These include supervised swimming areas during the summer season. Outside authorised areas and supervised periods, please always comply with local regulations.
Which swimming spot should you choose when you have young children?
Swimming pools with facilities suitable for young children are particularly convenient. Lake Laouzas, for example, has a paddling pool and a children’s pool, whilst Aiguelèze offers pools of varying depths, including a paddling pool.
Can you take part in water sports on the lakes in the Tarn?
Yes. Several leisure centres offer activities such as paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking or pedalos. Services vary depending on the venue and opening times, so please check what’s available before you set off.
Do you have to leave Camping Le Rousieux to go for a swim?
No. The campsite has its own heated swimming pool with a paddling pool and a slide, allowing you to enjoy a day by the water without having to take the car. The lakes and beaches of the Tarn are, above all, a great opportunity to organise a day out and discover new scenery during your stay.
