A supervised summer swimming lake near Revel at the foot of the Montagne Noire.
Lac de Saint-Ferréol, near Revel at the foot of the Montagne Noire, is the closest large lake with a supervised summer swimming area, about 45 minutes from Toulouse. Tourisme Occitanie lists supervised bathing in summer from 12:00 to 18:00, and a comparison of Haute-Garonne swimming spots lists free entry. The lake was built in the 17th century to feed the Canal du Midi and is surrounded by lawns, trees and promenades.
Water quality is monitored. The Revel town hall bulletin for 21 July 2026 described the quality as excellent over 2022 to 2025 but reported bathing banned that day because of cyanobacteria toxins, so visitors should check the Revel notices before swimming. Pedal boats, paddle boards and canoes are rented by La Terrasse Aventure from EUR 12 to 25 per hour.
There is no convenient public transport; the lake is reached by car via Revel. Coordinates from the regional health agency are about 43.439 N, 2.027 E.
| Distance | About 55 km south-east of Toulouse |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Car via Revel, about 45 minutes from Toulouse |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Best season | July-August (supervised swimming) |
| Address | Lac de Saint-Ferréol, 31250 Revel, France |
Amenities
- lifeguards in season
- pedal boat and canoe hire
- lawns and promenade
- parking
Good to know
- Best for
- families, swimmers, paddlers, picnics
Location
Lac de Saint-Ferréol, 31250 Revel, France
43.4375, 2.0217 View on map
Highlights
- Supervised summer bathing on a historic canal reservoir
- Free entry listed, with lawns and shaded promenades
- Pedal boats, paddle boards and canoes for hire
- About 45 minutes from Toulouse by car
Tips for visiting
- Check Revel water-quality notices before swimming
- Swim only when lifeguards are present, around 12:00 to 18:00
- Arrive early in July and August
- Pair with a Revel market visit on Saturday
When to visit
July and August, when lifeguards are on duty.
Accessibility
The shoreline promenade is mostly flat; access to the water includes sand and steps, so contact the tourist office for adapted access.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is swimming free at Saint-Ferréol?
A 2026 comparison lists free entry for the supervised area; confirm on site.
Is the water safe?
Water is monitored, but cyanobacteria bans do occur; check the Revel bulletin on the day.
How far is it from Toulouse?
About 45 minutes by car via Revel.