Lake Saint-Cassien

Nestling in south-east France, Lake Saint-Cassien (“Lac de Saint Cassien” in French) is a real source of freshness in the heart of the Pays de Fayence. This impressive dammed lake offers a multitude of water sports activities, from swimming and pedal-boating to paddle-boating and canoeing. Surrounded by restaurants and snack bars, this beautiful stretch of water is the locals' favourite place to relax. You can also enjoy fishing or hiking around the lake. A real natural treasure to discover between Fréjus and Saint-Raphaël. Provence Web tells you all you need to know about Lake St Cassien.

Where is Saint Cassien Lake and how do I get there?

LakeSaint-Cassien is located in the Var department, stretching across the communes of Tanneron, Montauroux, Callian and Les Adrets de l'Estérel. Just 20 minutes from Cannes and 30 minutes from Fréjus, the lake is easily accessible.

If you are coming from the A8 motorway, take exit 39 towards Fayence. If you are coming from Mandelieu La Napoule, cross the Estérel massif via the RN7 towards Fréjus, then the village of Les Adrets. Car parks are available near the lake. You can also take a free shuttle bus to the lake during the summer, particularly to get to the Maison du Lac.

Water sports: Paddle, kayak and pedalo

Paddling, kayaking or pedal-boating on Lake Saint-Cassien is an unforgettable experience. The calm, crystal-clear waters of the lake are ideal for these activities, which allow you to explore the wild creeks and surrounding countryside.

• Paddle: For stand-up paddle enthusiasts, hire is available. It's a great way to discover the lake, while enjoying a relaxing and invigorating workout.

• Kayaking: A kayak trip gives you a unique perspective on the lake and its surroundings. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced paddler, this activity is accessible to all.

• Pedalos: Ideal for an outing with family or friends, pedalos allow you to cruise the lake at your leisure, while enjoying the surrounding scenery. Some pedalos are equipped with waterslides, to the delight of children.

You can hire these boats from a number of water sports centres located around the lake. Make sure you bring sun cream and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.

Hiking and walking opportunities

Lake Saint-Cassien offers a multitude of opportunities for hikers and walkers. With numerous footpaths winding around the lake, you can choose from a variety of itineraries to suit your level and mood.

• For example, the GR49 route offers a pleasant walk overlooking the lake with magnificent views. This trail will take you to the shores of the lake, crossing the Esterets du Lac estate, an estate created in the commune of Montauroux.

• For a longer hike, the "Rives du Lac de Saint-Cassien - Montauroux" trail is an interesting option. It's a beautiful walk through a Provençal forest, in the heart of the Pays de Fayence.

• If you prefer a shorter walk, the "sentier pédestre du lac de Saint Cassien" is a perfect option. This short, pleasant walk along the water's edge will take you past some very pretty little coves.

Together, these routes offer a great opportunity to discover the local flora and fauna while enjoying an exceptional natural setting.

Swimming: beaches and water temperature

Immersing yourself in the waters of Lake Saint-Cassien is a real joy. The water temperature is generally pleasant, especially in summer when it can reach 25 degrees at the surface, making swimming a popular pastime for visitors. For those who prefer to stay on land, there are a number of landscaped beaches around the lake, offering gentle access to the water. Children can play safely while adults relax, soaking up the sun and enjoying the beautiful scenery.

The beach near the Maison du Lac is particularly popular. It is equipped with a first-aid post and offers a swimming area supervised by the Var fire brigade during the high summer season, from 1 July to 31 August, from 11am to 7pm.

Introduction to fishing and what fish are present

For fishing enthusiasts, Lake Saint-Cassien offers a wide variety of aquatic species. Among the fish you can find there are common carp (including mirror carp and leather carp), roach, rotengle, bream and bleak. Carnivorous fish such as pike and catfish are also present, as are black bass and perch.

If you're a novice, you can learn to fish on site. Introductory courses are regularly organised, during which you can learn the basic techniques and discover the specifics of lake fishing.

For best results, we recommend using fishing lines suited to the type of fish you want to catch. Note, however, that the number of lines is limited to 4 per angler and that the use of livebaits, dead or artificial fish and lures likely to catch pike in a non-accidental manner is prohibited during the closed season.

Here is an overview of the main types of fish present in the lake:

• Common carp

• Roach

• Rotengle

• Bream

• Ablette

• Pike

• Catfish

• Black-bass

• Perch

This information will help you prepare your fishing gear accordingly and maximise your chances of making a great catch.

The Saint-Cassien dam: history and operation

The Saint-Cassien dam, built between 1962 and 1966, is located on the river Biançon, a tributary of the Siagne. It plays a key role in the storage of 60 million cubic metres of water, used mainly to generate hydroelectric power and supply water to several municipalities in the Alpes-Maritimes region.

EDF, the French national electricity company, which owns the dam, has set the minimum and maximum water levels at 138.50 NGF and 147.35 NGF respectively, giving a useful water height of 8.50 m. This embankment dam, 66 m high and 210 m long, marks the boundary between the departments of Var and Alpes-Maritimes.

As well as generating power, the Saint-Cassien dam plays an essential role in flood management, thanks to its additional storage capacity of 10 million cubic metres of water.

Restaurants around the lake

For gourmets, Lake Saint-Cassien is surrounded by several restaurants that will delight your taste buds. You'll find a variety of options, from Michelin-starred restaurants to traditional eateries.

• Le Lac: A restaurant located directly on the sunny shores of the lake. It has a 100-seat shaded terrace and a 70-seat indoor restaurant.

• Le Ponton: On the shores of the lake, this restaurant offers semi-gastronomic dining in a "magical" setting. The emphasis is on local produce and home-made dishes.

• Resto Bulles: An immersive lakeside concept. You can enjoy your meal in heated bubbles, for a unique culinary experience.

Each of these restaurants offers a warm and friendly atmosphere, perfect for lunch after a day on the lake.

Accommodation available: Hotels and campsites

For a comfortable stay in a natural setting, there are various types of accommodation available around the lake. Hotels are a popular option. They range from 1 to 5 stars and offer quality services. Some offer uninterrupted views of the lake, a real bonus for holidaymakers.

For those who prefer an outdoor holiday, there are several campsites around the lake. They offer pitches for tents and caravans as well as more comfortable accommodation such as mobile homes. Some even have direct access to the lake. Here's an overview of the accommodation available:

• Hotels: Royal Mougins Golf Resort, Moulin de la Camandoule

• Campsites: Camping Le Parc in Saint-Paul-en-Forêt

It is advisable to book in advance, especially during the high season.

Renting houses near the lake

For those who prefer a more intimate stay, renting houses near the lake is an attractive option. From rustic houses with swimming pools to modern, fully-equipped villas, there are rentals to suit all tastes and budgets.

Options include:

Houses with pool: Perfect for families and groups of friends, these houses offer the luxury of a private pool.

Seasonal rentals: Ideal for longer stays, these rentals offer all the comforts of home.

It is advisable to book early, especially during the high season, to secure your rental of choice. The proximity of the lake provides easy access to local water-based activities and walks.

Discover a selection of holiday rentals close to Lake Saint Cassien

Where can I park near Lake Saint-Cassien?

Parking near Lake Saint-Cassien is convenient and secure. Free and paid parking options are available depending on location:

• Maison du Lac car park: Located near the information point, it provides easy access to the main tourist area.

• Leisure car park: Ideal if you plan to hire a pedalo or kayak.

• Marecare Sud free car park: Located in Tanneron, this car park has 15 spaces available all year round.

• Car park near Les Esterets du Lac: Convenient for hikers, it is located near the starting point of several hiking routes.

• St Cassien Aventures: This site has over 70 parking spaces, ideal if you're planning water sports.

Be sure to observe local parking regulations to avoid any fines.

Family outings: Plage de l'Américain and other sites

Plage de l'Américain is one of the top destinations for a family outing on the shores of Lake Saint-Cassien. Stretching over 150 metres, this peaceful spot is both easily accessible and has free parking nearby.

But there's more to Lake Saint-Cassien than the Plage de l'Américain. There are other sites worth exploring:

• Le Pont du Pré: ideal for a family walk, this bridge offers a panoramic view over the lake.

• The Fondurane Biological Reserve: a biodiversity hotspot to discover with the whole family, home to a wide variety of birds and plants.

• The village of Callian: perched on a hill, this ancient fortress offers a breathtaking view of the lake and its surroundings.

Don't forget to bring a picnic to make the most of these picturesque surroundings.

Why choose Lake Saint-Cassien for your holidays?

Saint-Cassien Lake is a prime holiday destination thanks to its unique assets.

• Proximity and accessibility: Located just 20 minutes from Cannes and 30 minutes from Fréjus, the lake is quickly accessible, offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of coastal towns.

• Exceptional natural setting: The lake is surrounded by lush vegetation, providing a relaxing and refreshing backdrop for a relaxing holiday.

• A wealth of activities: As well as water-based activities, the lake offers a multitude of opportunities for walks and hikes to discover the rich local flora and fauna.

• Variety of accommodation: Whether you prefer the privacy of a rented house, the comfort of a hotel or the authenticity of a campsite, Lake Saint-Cassien offers a wide range of accommodation options.

• Quality dining: The restaurants around the lake offer a variety of menus to suit all palates, often in exceptional settings.

All these factors make Lake Saint-Cassien an ideal holiday destination for all types of traveller.

See also our page on the pretty village of Callian on the shores of Lake Saint-Cassien.