Lac de Mondély, Reservoir in La Bastide-de-Sérou, France
Lac de Mondély is a reservoir in La Bastide-de-Sérou, France, created for agricultural irrigation. The lake is held back by an earth dam and is fed by the Lèze river, with a small beach area and walking paths around its shores.
The reservoir was built in the late 1970s to support farming in the Lèze valley and was filled for the first time in December 1980. Since then, it has been managed by a syndicate of local farmers who oversee the water releases.
The lake takes its name from the Mondély hamlet on its western shore, and locals often come here for a summer picnic or a short walk. The small beach and snack bar give the place a relaxed feel, far from the crowds of larger resorts.
The lake is reached by following signs from the nearby village, and a marked path circles the water in about two hours. Swimming is sometimes supervised in summer, but the water level can drop, so it is wise to check locally before planning a swim.
The lake is recognized as a zone for birds, and birdwatchers often come to observe migratory species along the shores. In recent years, there has been study of a floating solar power project on the water.
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