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A lake at the heart of nature and heritage
Just a few kilometres from Revel, at the foot of the Montagne Noire, Lac de Saint-Ferréol is one of the must-see sites to discover during a stay in the Lauragais.
Surrounded by pine woods and walking trails, the lake offers a pleasant setting for a stroll, a break by the water, or a family day out. But Saint-Ferréol is also a major landmark in the history of the Canal du Midi, having been designed in the 17th century to feed the canal with water.
From the Hôtel Restaurant du Midi in Revel, Saint-Ferréol is easily reached in just a few minutes by car.
A lake at the heart of the Canal du Midi's history
The Saint-Ferréol reservoir is far more than a simple leisure lake.
Built between 1667 and 1672 as part of Pierre-Paul Riquet's project, it is the essential element of the Canal du Midi's water-feed system. The Rigole de la Montagne channels water from the Montagne Noire down to the reservoir, before the Rigole de la Plaine carries it on to the Naurouze watershed and then into the Canal du Midi.
This remarkable engineering feat bears witness to the ingenuity of the project conceived under the reign of Louis XIV. The Canal du Midi and its feeder works are today inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
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Strolling around Lac de Saint-Ferréol
The lake is above all a place for walking and relaxation.
The paths around the reservoir let you enjoy the forest, the shoreline and the landscapes of the Montagne Noire. The pine woods and natural spaces make for a particularly pleasant setting in summer, but also in spring and autumn.
For visitors who simply want to get some fresh air, take a few photos, or enjoy a walk by the water, Saint-Ferréol is an excellent outing from Revel.
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Swimming and activities around the lake
In season, Lac de Saint-Ferréol is also popular for leisure activities and relaxing moments by the water. Depending on conditions and facilities open to the public, visitors can enjoy water sports and leisure areas around the reservoir. The site is also popular with anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. For a family day out or a nature break during a stay in Revel, Saint-Ferréol offers an easy change of scenery while staying close to town.
Walk around the lake and through the pine woods
Enjoy water sports and swimming in season
Visit the Canal du Midi Museum and Gardens
Discover the Rigole de la Plaine and the Canal du Midi
The Canal du Midi Museum and Gardens
Near the reservoir, the Canal du Midi Museum and Gardens help visitors better understand the history of the canal and the hydraulic system devised by Pierre-Paul Riquet.
The visit is a natural complement to a walk around the lake: it explains why this reservoir was built and how water was carried to the Canal du Midi.
It's a particularly interesting stop for visitors who want to combine heritage, history and nature.
Saint-Ferréol from Revel
The proximity between Revel and the lake makes it easy to include Saint-Ferréol in a stay at the Hôtel Restaurant du Midi.
After a visit to the historic centre of Revel, its famous covered market hall and its Saturday market, an excursion to the lake is an ideal outing to enjoy nature and discover another side of the local heritage.
Saint-Ferréol can also be combined with a discovery of the Rigole de la Plaine, the Canal du Midi, or a bike ride around Revel.
To discover around Saint-Ferréol: Revel and its historic covered market hall, the Rigole de la Plaine, the Canal du Midi, the Canal du Midi Museum and Gardens, the Montagne Noire, and the hiking and cycling trails around Revel.
FAQ : Frequently asked questions
Where is Lac de Saint-Ferréol located?
Lac de Saint-Ferréol is located a few kilometres from Revel, at the foot of the Montagne Noire. From the Hôtel Restaurant du Midi in Revel, it is easily reached by car.
What can I do at Lac de Saint-Ferréol?
The lake is ideal for walking, enjoying the waterside, taking part in outdoor activities and discovering the heritage linked to the Canal du Midi.
Can I swim at Lac de Saint-Ferréol?
Yes, the lake has a designated swimming area open in season. Access and supervision conditions may vary depending on the time of year.
How long does it take to walk around Lac de Saint-Ferréol?
Walking around the lake covers about 4.5 km. It's a pleasant walk that reveals the shoreline, the pine woods and the landscapes around the reservoir.
Why visit Saint-Ferréol from Revel?
Saint-Ferréol makes for an easy excursion from Revel. It rounds out a visit to Revel's historic centre and market with a nature outing around a major site in the Canal du Midi's water-feed system.