The lakes of the Tarn open for swimming
Lake Montagnès in Mazamet
At the foot of the Montagne Noire, Lac des Montagnès is one of the most famous swimming spots in the Tarn. Its beach, which is equipped and supervised in summer, attracts families and holidaymakers looking to cool off. The lake is surrounded by forests and trails, allowing you to combine swimming, picnics and nature walks in one place.
Lake Laouzas in the Lacaune mountains
At an altitude of 800 metres, Lake Laouzas is a vast reservoir nestled in a green setting. Swimming is supervised in summer, and you can also enjoy a range of water sports, including sailing, canoeing, pedal boating and paddle boarding. It is an ideal place to spend a day or a holiday with the family in the heart of the Tarn countryside.
Lake Albine, known as Lake Lestap
Less well known but much loved by locals, Lake Albine (also known as Lake Lestap) is a more unspoilt swimming spot. There are no lifeguards or facilities here, but it offers a peaceful atmosphere for those seeking tranquillity by the water. This site is reserved for confident and cautious swimmers.
Leisure centres: swimming and water sports in the Tarn
The Aiguelèze leisure centre in Rivières
Located on the banks of the Tarn river in ‘Occitan Tuscany’, the Aiguelèze leisure centre is one of the most popular in the department. It has a supervised beach in summer (three floating pools in the river) and offers numerous activities such as floating games, canoeing, paddleboarding and sailing. It is a family-friendly destination par excellence, appreciated for its easy access and friendly atmosphere.
The Vère Grésigne leisure centre in Castelnau-de-Montmiral
This leisure centre is one of the most comprehensive in the Tarn. The lake has a supervised beach and numerous facilities for families: water slides, inflatable games and shaded areas. Close to the Grésigne forest, it combines nature and entertainment to appeal to young and old alike.
Saint-Ferréol Lake: a leisure centre on the border of the Tarn
Lake Saint-Ferréol, the famous historic reservoir of the Canal du Midi, stretches across several departments, including part of the Tarn, near Sorèze. The Tarn leisure centre offers beautiful areas for walking, picnicking and enjoying the natural surroundings, but the only officially supervised swimming area is on the Haute-Garonne side, in Revel. Holidaymakers wishing to swim must therefore go to this area, while the Tarn side remains an ideal place for walks and relaxation by the water.
The Lac de la Roucarie water sports centre in Almayrac
Surrounded by nature, Lac de la Roucarie offers a pleasant and well-equipped water sports centre. There is a supervised swimming area, picnic areas, and the opportunity to enjoy various water sports. It is the perfect destination for alternating between relaxation on the beach and active leisure pursuits.
The most beautiful river beaches in the Tarn department
Rabastens Beach
On the banks of the Tarn, Rabastens Beach is a supervised swimming spot in summer. Easy to access and well equipped, it attracts both locals and visitors alike. It's a great option for enjoying a refreshing dip without straying too far from the city.
Trébas-les-Bains Beach
In the heart of the Tarn valley, Trébas-les-Bains beach is one of the most famous in the department. It has been awarded the Blue Flag label, a guarantee of environmental quality. Swimming is supervised, and holidaymakers can also hire canoes or paddleboards to explore the river. An unmissable site for combining relaxation and sporting activities.
Campsites near swimming spots in the Tarn
There are 65 campsites in the Tarn, some of which are located near the main swimming spots. We recommend the following campsites:
- Camping Rieumontagné**** in Nages: located directly on the shores of Lake Laouzas, it offers immediate access to the supervised beach. It is the ideal place to enjoy water sports and family swimming without having to take the car.
- Camping Huttopia Pays de Cordes-sur-Ciel***: although it does not have direct access to a lake, it is well located for reaching the Aiguelèze base (30 minutes) or Rabastens beach (40 minutes).
- Camping de La Rigole**** in Les Cammazes: close to Lake Cammazes, which is not classified as a swimming site, it offers access to Lake Montagnès in about 30 minutes, where you can enjoy supervised swimming.
- Camping La Prade*** in Montirat: located on the banks of the Viaur river, it offers direct access to the water. Although swimming is not supervised, this site appeals to lovers of wild nature and the coolness of the river.
Practical advice for swimming in the Tarn
Swimming in the Tarn is mainly done at developed and secure sites, but it is important to remain vigilant. Before you go, check the water quality on the ARS Occitanie website, check the supervision hours, and equip children with suitable armbands. Water shoes are recommended on river beaches. Finally, always stay within the designated areas so you can enjoy swimming in complete peace of mind.