Best lakes around Sainte-Marguerite-Lafigère are found in a commune spanning the Ardèche and Lozère departments. The area is characterized by the Chassezac River, known for its clear waters, gorges, and cliffs. Lac de Sainte Marguerite Lafigère is a local landmark, formed by a gravity dam on the Chassezac River, primarily known for fishing. Approximately 10 km away, Lac de Villefort offers a larger body of water with various outdoor activities.
Last updated: July 8, 2026
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Sainte-Marguerite-Lafigère
Great view
0
0
Pleasant hike with beautiful viewpoints and magical places.
0
0
Don't hesitate to go and see the viewpoints which deviate slightly from the path.
0
0
A beautiful hike that can only be recommended
0
0
Villefort Lake is a vast body of water which includes an imposing dam. There are several species of fish including brown and rainbow trout, minnows and chub. Its banks also host an imposing castle as well as many activities such as hiking, fishing, canoeing, windsurfing, pedal boats, and supervised beaches.
0
0
An alpine-esque descent, fast and winding, down to the lake below. On a clear day, it's a stunning view from the top of the shimmering lake waters and the surrounding hills. Admire the wallside artwork as you cross over the bridge into Villefort.
1
0
This wonderful descent takes you to Lake Villefort. At the level of the lake, you will find a pretty beach as well as the castle of Castanet. This beautiful building dating from the 16th century is at the other end of the lake.
2
0
The region is characterized by the picturesque Chassezac valley, featuring dramatic gorges and limestone cliffs. You can also find the Barrage de Sainte-Marguerite-Lafigère, a gravity dam creating the Lac de Sainte Marguerite Lafigère. Further afield, Lac de Villefort offers a vast body of water with surrounding hills and a castle on its banks. The View of the Lake in Cévennes National Park provides stunning vistas of the natural landscape.
Lac de Villefort is a hub for various activities. You can enjoy hiking around the lake, fishing for species like brown and rainbow trout, minnows, and chub, or engage in water sports such as canoeing, windsurfing, and pedal boating. Supervised beaches are also available for swimming.
Yes, Lac de Villefort is particularly family-friendly, offering supervised beaches for swimming, pedal boating, and easy hiking trails around its perimeter. The broader Chassezac River area also provides opportunities for swimming in its clear waters.
Beyond water activities, the area around Sainte-Marguerite-Lafigère is excellent for outdoor pursuits. You can find numerous hiking trails, including routes like the 'Calvary – Altier Gorge loop' or 'Stone bridge in Pied-de-Borne – Along the Chassezac loop'. Mountain biking is also popular, with trails such as the 'Villefort – Villefort loop'. For road cyclists, routes like the 'Chassezac and Altier Gorges Loop' offer scenic rides. Explore more options on the hiking guide, MTB guide, and cycling guide for the region.
Yes, the Chassezac River, which feeds the Lac de Sainte Marguerite Lafigère, is known for its clear waters and offers opportunities for swimming in the surrounding area. Lac de Villefort also features supervised beaches, making it a great spot for a refreshing dip.
Fishing is a popular activity in the region. The Lac de Sainte Marguerite Lafigère is particularly known for carp fishing. Lac de Villefort also attracts anglers, with species such as brown and rainbow trout, minnows, and chub.
The region generally offers pleasant conditions for outdoor activities from spring through autumn. Summer is ideal for swimming and water sports at Lac de Villefort and in the Chassezac River. Spring and autumn provide comfortable temperatures for hiking and cycling, with beautiful seasonal foliage.
While specific accessible trails are not detailed, the circumnavigation of Lac de Villefort is described as a beautiful hike that can be done without specialized hiking boots, suggesting some sections might be relatively easy. It's always recommended to check specific trail conditions for accessibility.
Information regarding specific dog-friendly policies for each lake is not readily available. However, many natural outdoor areas in France welcome dogs on leash. It's advisable to check local signage or specific regulations for Lac de Sainte Marguerite Lafigère and Lac de Villefort upon arrival.
Near Lac de Villefort, you will find restaurants and a campsite, making it a convenient spot for visitors. The broader region around Sainte-Marguerite-Lafigère and Villefort offers various accommodation options and eateries, particularly in the nearby towns and villages.
The Lac de Sainte Marguerite Lafigère, formed by the Barrage de Sainte-Marguerite-Lafigère on the Chassezac River, is primarily known for its picturesque setting and as a popular spot for fishing, particularly carp fishing. It serves as a local landmark spanning both the Ardèche and Lozère regions.
The Barrage de Sainte-Marguerite-Lafigère is a gravity dam constructed in 1966 on the Chassezac River. It is 26.7 meters high and 116 meters long, creating the Lac de Sainte Marguerite Lafigère, which holds 585,000 cubic meters of water over an area of 11 hectares.


Still not found your perfect lake around Sainte-Marguerite-Lafigère? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.