Lac du Salagou – Les Vailhes Alternative Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Lake · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Beautiful wildflowers everywhere. Admire the large lake and the red soil. Wild goats can be seen on the trail as well as birds and small snakes.

Free parking available all year round at the entrance of the lake. Other activities possible (biking, kayaking, swimming).

There is also a loop going all around the lake, for a total of 27 km (17 mi).

The route starts with the official Les Vailhes Loop Trail from the parking lot. Follow the official signs.

About 2 kms in, leave the Les Vailhes Loop Trail and turn left, joining the mountain biking trail (see official signs for it). Pass the chapel. From then on, follow the markings for the same biking trail. This will allow you to go higher and get broader views of the lake. Be warn this part of the trail has little shade.

Around 4.7 km, keep climbing and follow the bike trail, turning left to start the way back to the beginning of the trail. This section has more shade.

Around 8.5 km, leave the bike trail and follow the country road (there is no traffic except for the few people living in the Les Vailhes village).

Around 9.1 km, leave the road and turn left. You should see a broad path leading back to the parking lot.