Lac du Salagou, Artificial lake near Octon, France
Lac du Salagou is an artificial lake in the Hérault department, surrounded by red hills and cliffs that reflect in the blue water. The shoreline runs gently for several kilometers and offers many coves where visitors can reach the water.
The reservoir was completed in 1969 to provide irrigation water for agricultural land across the Hérault region. The flooding covered several hamlets and fields, creating the body of water seen today.
The name comes from the nearby village of Salagou, which once stood on land now covered by the reservoir. Locals gather along the shore for picnics and evening walks, while the red rock formations serve as a popular backdrop for photography.
Several parking areas are spread along the shoreline road and provide access to different sections of the lake. The paths around the water are suitable for walking and cycling, while the lake itself can be used for kayaking and paddleboarding.
The red color of the surrounding rock comes from iron oxide in sediments laid down millions of years ago. Nearby volcanic formations such as the neck of la Roque rise from earlier geological periods.
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