Lac d'Avène, Reservoir near Avène, Hérault, France
Lac d'Avène is a reservoir in the Hérault department of southern France, formed by a dam on the Orb river. Dense forests of conifers, beech, and holm oak surround the water on nearly all sides, and a network of paths runs along the shoreline.
The dam was built between 1959 and 1963 to store water for farming and drinking while reducing flooding along the Orb. Its construction transformed the valley and submerged earlier settlements that had stood there for generations.
The name Avène comes from natural springs long known for their healing properties in the region. Visitors walking along the shore today can still sense how much the surrounding villages are shaped by their proximity to water.
Parking for cars and buses is available at the lake, and two nearby train stations at Ceilhes-Roqueredonde and Les Cabrils offer access from the rail network. Electric bikes are available locally if you want to cover more of the surrounding area.
Beneath the surface of the lake lie the remains of a village that was flooded when the dam was built. During periods of low water, parts of old walls and foundations can reappear along the shoreline.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
