Located in the heart of Provence, Lake Monteux is a must-see destination for leisure and relaxation enthusiasts. This leisure park offers a multitude of activities, from supervised swimming to fishing, as well as a peaceful stroll around the lake. You can also take advantage of its 38-hectare landscaped park, go pedal-boating or enjoy a picnic by the water. Just a few kilometers from Avignon, Lake Monteux is the ideal place for a day out with family or friends.
Introducing the Lake Monteux landscape park
The Lake Monteux landscape park extends over 38 hectares, offering visitors an exceptional setting. There's a reedbed where you can observe various species of local flora and fauna.
For sports enthusiasts, there's an open-air fitness area with 17 apparatus, as well as a fitness trail linking the town to the lake. Children are also catered for with play areas and table tennis tables.
The park also boasts a certified fishing course, ideal for fishing enthusiasts. Lovers of relaxation can relax on the landscaped beaches or take advantage of the deckchair area at the Dune restaurant. The site is also a starting point for canoeing, kayaking, pedal-boating and paddle-boating.
Access and directions to the lake
There are several ways to get to Lac de Monteux.
By car, take the D942 expressway between Avignon and Carpentras, then exit at “Lac de Monteux” or “Monteux Centre”. Large parking lots are available for easy parking. If you prefer cycling, there are cycle paths linking the town center to the lake, making for a pleasant and safe ride.
Public transport is another practical solution. From Avignon, take bus line 905 to the “Lac de Monteux” stop. Finally, for those who like to walk, a fitness trail links the town center to the lake via the Chemin des Grands Bravoux and the Chemin de la Sorguette.
These options make access to the lake easy and convenient for all visitors.
Practical information: opening times and prices
Lac de Monteux opening times vary according to the season. In summer, swimming is supervised every day from 11am to 7pm in July and August. In June and September, supervision is provided on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at the same times.
Access to the lake is free, but parking is charged. For those wishing to hire equipment, several options are available:
Pedalos: €10 per half-hour, €15 per hour
Kayaks: €6 per half-hour, €10 per hour
Paddles: €6 per half-hour, €10 per hour
Equipment can be rented directly on site without prior reservation. For added convenience, deckchairs can also be reserved on the restaurant's private beach.
Pedal boats on the lake: rentals and prices
Pedal boats at Lac de Monteux are available for hire for half an hour or an hour. Rates vary according to the type of pedalo: €8 for half an hour and €12 for an hour for a pedalo without a slide. Pedalos with slides cost €10 for half an hour and €15 for an hour.
Rentals are available from mid-June to mid-September. There's no need to book in advance; you can simply turn up on site.
Rental times follow those of the supervised swimming area, i.e. 11am to 7pm in July and August, and 11am to 7pm on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays in June and September. Payment is accepted by cash, cheque or credit card.
Activities around the lake
For the more adventurous, the lake offers a wide range of water sports. You can rent pedalos, canoes and paddles for a ride on the water. Thrill-seekers will appreciate wing surfing, an exciting new activity.
Families will also find inflatable games for the kids. If you prefer to stay on dry land, you can cycle around the lake on the cycle paths. Fishing enthusiasts can take advantage of the listed areas for a leisurely fishing trip.
For a gourmet break, there are several catering outlets available. You can also picnic by the water with a magnificent view of Mont Ventoux. Finally, on hot summer days, free, lively sports sessions are organized for all levels.
If you like amusement parks, don't miss Parc Spirou, located right next to the lake. Plenty of entertainment for young and old alike!
Swimming at Lac de Monteux: conditions and safety
To ensure safe swimming at Lac de Monteux, there are a number of rules to be observed. Swimming is only permitted in the marked-out area supervised by lifeguards. Outside these zones, swimming is at the swimmer's own risk.
The lake water is ofexcellent quality, thanks to regular checks carried out by the Vaucluse Regional Health Agency. Samples are taken every two weeks during the summer, from May to September.
Here are a few guidelines for safe swimming:
Respect signs and swimming flags.
Do not use glass containers on the beach.
Animals are not allowed on the beach or in the water.
To prevent any incidents, we recommend that you keep a close eye on your children at all times, and stay close to supervised areas.
Fishing at Lac de Monteux: species and regulations
Fishing enthusiasts will find a wide variety of fish species at Lac de Monteux. Among the most common are pike, zander, perch, trout and carp. As the lake is classified as a second-category fishing lake, it is accessible all year round to anglers with an annual, weekly or daily fishing permit.
To ensure sustainable fishing, certain rules must be respected. Quotas are three fish per day per angler, with a maximum of two pike. Fishing from boats is also prohibited.
Educational panels are set up around the lake, providing information on the different species present and the authorized fishing methods. Regular checks are carried out to ensure compliance with regulations and the preservation of the ecosystem.
Lac de Monteux restaurant: reviews and specialities
The restaurant La Dune, located on the shores of Lac de Monteux, is particularly popular for its terrace with a breathtaking view of the lake. Reviews are mostly positive, highlighting the quality of the dishes and the idyllic setting.
Specialties include tasty grilled meats and fish à la plancha. The menu also features seasonal salads and Neapolitan pizzas, ideal for an al fresco lunch.
Lovers of tapas will not be disappointed, with a varied selection to enjoy in complete conviviality. The restaurant also organizes dance evenings in summer, adding a festive touch to your meal.
For a gourmet break, you can enjoy Italian ice creams and refreshing cocktails. Service is renowned for being fast and friendly, contributing to a pleasant experience for visitors.
Events at Lac de Monteux
Lac de Monteux offers a multitude of events throughout the year. One of the most eagerly awaited is the Rendez-Vous du Lac. These musical evenings take place from June to September and feature a free concert every month.
In July, the Green Fest attracts electronic music fans, with some twenty artists on two stages. August is no exception, with Gilles Jeffer's Tribute Joe Cocker, a poignant tribute to the singer's global hits.
Entertainment is not limited to music. The lake also hosts open-air cinema sessions, sports events such as wakeboarding and BMX Flat, and a night market every Friday.
These varied events make Lac de Monteux a dynamic and attractive place for all ages.
Camping near Lac de Monteux: information and bookings
For your camping holiday near Lac de Monteux, there are several options to choose from. Camping Municipal Bellerive is particularly appreciated for its shady, wooded setting, ideal for relaxing after a day's activities. The campsite has 51 pitches, accommodating tents, caravans and motorhomes.
Rates vary according to season and type of pitch. Pets are allowed, making it a practical choice for families with dogs.
Reservations can be made directly on site or via the campsite's official website. For greater convenience, remember to book in advance during the high season months of May to September inclusive.
For lovers of luxury, several nearby 4- and 5-star campsites offer additional facilities such as water parks and spas. Detailed information can be found on specialized camping websites.
Photo gallery: discover Lac de Monteux in pictures
Admire the reflection of Mont Ventoux on the waters of the lake, a spectacular sight at any time of day.
The photographs also capture the various water activities available: pedalos, paddleboats, and canoeing. You'll also discover the artificial beach, perfect for relaxing in the Provencal sunshine. Walking trails around the lake offer varied perspectives on the local flora and fauna.
Explore snapshots of special events, such as musical evenings and sports shows. These festive moments add a touch of conviviality and dynamism to the site.
Finally, images of the restaurant La Dune, with its panoramic terrace, will give you a foretaste of the culinary delights that await you there.
Your questions about Lac de Monteux
After writing this article, you sent us several questions about Lac de Monteux. Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions.
What fish are there in Lac de Monteux?
Lac de Monteux is home to a wide variety of fish, which will delight fishing enthusiasts. Species include perch, pike and black bass. These carnivorous fish offer interesting challenges for anglers of all levels.
Carp are also abundant, attracting those looking for larger catches. The lake is also home to pike-perch, known for their nocturnal behavior, and roach, perfect for beginners.
To maintain this ecosystem, regular fish releases are organized. In 2023, for example, 140 kilos of fish were introduced, including pike and black bass. These initiatives help to renew populations and ensure abundant fishing throughout the year.
Information panels around the lake inform visitors about the different species and recommended fishing techniques.
How deep is Lac de Monteux?
Lac de Monteux has a maximum depth of 3.5 meters. This makes the lake suitable for a wide range of water sports, while guaranteeing bathers' safety.
The bottom of the lake is made up of silts and clays, typical of the Comtadine plain. Water quality is regularly monitored to ensure safe bathing. Visitors can therefore enjoy the lake year-round without worry.
For those wishing to explore the lake in complete peace of mind, specific areas are marked out for swimming. The shallow depths in some parts of the lake also allow for better visibility of the bottom, ideal for snorkeling enthusiasts.
Is there a charge for access to Lac de Monteux?
Access to Lac de Monteux is free all year round. However, parking is subject to a fee, and charges apply for the rental of water sports equipment.
Visitors can rent a variety of equipment to make the most of the lake:
Pedalos
Kayaks
Paddles
Rental rates vary according to duration and type of equipment chosen. For example, an hour on a pedalo costs around 10 euros.
In summer, a private beach is also available, for an entrance fee. This beach offers deckchairs and catering services for a relaxing day out.
For more information on rates and reservations, visit the official Lac de Monteux website.
Where to go pedal-boating in Vaucluse?
In addition to the famous Lac de Monteux, the Vaucluse region offers a number of other places to go pedal-boating. For example, the Lac de la Riaille in Apt is the perfect place to enjoy a pedal-boat ride in a natural setting. The lake is surrounded by hills and vegetation, providing a magnificent backdrop.
Another option is Lac de Paty in Carpentras, which also offers pedal-boat rentals. This lake is a haven of peace, ideal for a family outing. The surrounding nature allows you to relax while discovering the local wildlife.
For those looking for a more lively activity, the Lac des Salettes in Mormoiron is an excellent alternative. This site offers pedal boats, supervised swimming and a shaded picnic area. Take the opportunity to explore the surrounding area with the hiking trails available.