Lac de Saint-Cassien

Lac de Saint-Cassien is an artificial reservoir in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southern France, located within the communes of Tanneron, Montauroux, and Callian. The body of water covers roughly 420 hectares and holds a volume of around 60 million cubic meters.

The dam at Tanneron was built by the French electricity company EDF and began operating in 1966 to produce hydroelectric power. The project transformed the valley and created a new landscape of water and wooded shorelines.

The name honors John Cassian, an early monk and theologian who founded the Abbey of Saint Victor in Marseille during the fifth century. Today the lake draws families and water sports enthusiasts who swim, picnic along its shores, or paddle kayaks across the calm surface.

The reservoir offers several designated swimming areas with access to pedal boat rentals, canoes, and kayaks. Anglers will find dedicated spots along the shores where they can set up their gear.

The eastern end holds the Réserve biologique de la Fondurane, a protected area hosting 182 bird species and European pond turtles. Visitors can spot herons, kingfishers, and other water birds in their natural habitat from the shore.