The Lake of Saint-Cassien

The Lake of Saint-Cassien

 December 1, 2022
 about 4 minutes


The Lake of Saint-Cassien | Freshness in the Var

Located in the communes of Caillan, Montauroux, Fayence and Tanneron, you can reach the shores of Lac de Saint-Cassien via the A8 freeway, Exit 39 Fayence, in less than 5 minutes.
If you're coming from Mandelieu La Napoule, you'll cross the Estérel massif on the RN7 in the direction of Fréjus, and pass through the small village of Les Adrets de l'Estérel, from where you'll simply have to follow the signs to reach it.

Is the Lake of Saint-Cassien a natural lake?

No suspense, no, Lac de Saint-Cassien is an artificial lake created in the 60s following the collapse of the Malpasset dam.
This dam was built to guarantee the water needs of the surrounding villages in the Var and Alpes-Maritimes regions.
Today, it is the primary source of electricity for the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.

The work undertaken is colossal in its dimensions, drowning a large part of the former agricultural land, which at the time created a great deal of controversy.
It is fed by the waters of the Biançon and Siagne rivers, the natural border between the Var and Alpes-Maritimes regions.

Did you know that?

Saint Cassian (John Cassian) is a Mediterranean Christian monk born around 360.
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Today, the lake of Saint-Cassien has become a place of relaxation offering many tourist, educational and sports activities.

  • Length: 7 km.
  • Width: 3 km.
  • Surface : 430 ha.
  • Altitude: 147 m.
  • Maximum depth: 45 m.
  • Water volume: 60 million m3
Rives du Lac de Saint Cassien

Photo of the shores of Lac de Saint-Cassien

Which aquatic species live in the Lake of Saint-Cassien?

A paradise for amateur and professional fishermen, the lake is home to many species of fish, including :
- common carp
- sunfish
- roach
- gambusia,
- bleak,
and magnificent catfish up to two meters long!

You can also meet cistude (aquatic turtle native to Europe) and crayfish native to America.

Unusual

During the summer, when the water exceeds 25°C, you can observe small freshwater jellyfish on the surface, which are harmless to humans because their stinging tentacles cannot pierce the skin!
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What are the possible activities at Lake Saint-Cassien ?

The Fondurane ornithological reserve

Created in 1988, the 43-hectare bird sanctuary is a rich and varied ecosystem.
A rich and varied ecosystem has developed here, the natural habitat of many endangered migratory bird species.
It's a unique way to discover the Var, so don't forget your camera!

Particularity of the flora of the reserve

The extremely rare crenata oak populates the area around the lake.
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The leisure activities of the lake of Saint-Cassien

You can rent pedalos, kayaks, canoes or even paddleboats on the shores of the lake...
Recently, a semi-flying UFO - electric surfing - has been introduced to the area, with thrills guaranteed!

Although only electric motorboats are allowed, you can also rent small boats.
This will give you the chance to improvise a picnic or discover a natural spot untouched by swimmers, or simply sunbathe in the middle of the lake.

Numerous inflatables offer fun and sporting activities for young and old throughout the summer season.
You're sure to find a small, quiet beach nearby to recover from your excitement!
A must-see in the Var region, and just 20 minutes by car from the Grottes de Saint Cézaire.

Pedal boats on Lac de Saintt-Cassien

Lake Saint-Cassien

Water activities, but not only! Hiking !

How about visiting the shores of Lake Saint-Cassien by land?
You can do so along the forest paths that run alongside the lake.
In the shade of Mediterranean pines and cork oaks, on foot or on horseback, you'll be able to take full advantage of the local flora and fauna.

Our little tip

Discover what to do around the lake with the Leisure Map :
Lac de Saint-Cassien, D 37, Montauroux, Var 83440, France

advice

Are there any water sports clubs at Lake Saint-Cassien?

If you're feeling sporty, Lake Saint-Cassien is the perfect place to try your hand at a range of sporting activities:
- Sailing at the sailing school at La Maison du Lac,
- Rowing at the Base Nautique, close to the (former) Rocher de l'Américain, well known to the locals.


Rebuilt in 2021, the Saint-Cassien rowing center trains French and European competition teams in high-level training courses (Rowing Camp).
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Are there any places to eat around Lake Saint-Cassien?

Of course, you can also organize picnics around the lake, respecting nature and leaving the area clean.
If you'd like to have lunch, there are a number of establishments to choose from.
These include Le Pré Claou, Chez Pierre, Le Ponton and Le Restaurant du Lac... the choice is yours.

On your way you can also eat on the go in the snack bars present during the season.

So you want to go there? 

For more information about the lake, please contact
Maison du Lac de Saint-Cassien
Address: Tanneron Tourist Office - D37, 83440 Tanneron
Telephone: 04 94 76 01 02
Pays de Fayence website

 

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