la de la cavayère de carcassonne vue du ciel

The Cavayère Lake

Your beach in Carcassonne

Lac de la Cavayère is a leisure complex in a natural environment that extends over more than 40 hectares, at the gates of Carcassonne.

Lac de la Cavayère – Your refreshing escape just 10 minutes from the Medieval City of Carcassonne.

40 hectares of nature, relaxation, and adventure for the whole family.

Just a few minutes from the city center of Carcassonne, Lac de la Cavayère is an outdoor leisure complex offering sandy beaches, water activities, adventure courses, and dining with a view. Accessible by bus (line 2), this peaceful haven is the perfect getaway to cool off, have fun, or recharge with family or friends.

Practical Information

  • Address: Lac de la Cavayère, 11000 Carcassonne
  • Access: An RTCA bus (line 2) takes you from the Canal du Midi to the Medieval City and Lac de la Cavayère (check the schedules)
  • Opening Period: Open year-round to enjoy the surrounding nature + June to September for water activities. (Find precise opening hours further down on this page)
  • Free on-site parking
  • A space suitable for families, groups, sports enthusiasts, and nature lovers

 

Fire risk and access conditions at Lac de la Cavayère

Before visiting Lac de la Cavayère in Carcassonne, it is essential to check the daily fire risk level for the Cavayère Massif. During the summer season, weather conditions may lead to access restrictions, the partial or complete closure of the site, as well as the closure of some leisure activity providers.

These preventive measures are implemented to ensure the safety of visitors, local residents and professionals working on the site, and to protect the Cavayère forest massif, which is particularly exposed to the risk of wildfires.

The fire risk level changes every day. Before your visit, please check the official fire risk map to find out which areas are accessible and which activities are open.

Access to Lac de la Cavayère depending on the fire risk level

Severe fire risk – Orange level

In the event of a severe fire risk (orange level), certain areas of Lac de la Cavayère are closed to limit risks: The right bank of the lake is closed, the forest massif located to the east and south of the lake is inaccessible, Parc Aquaviva, located on the right bank of the lake, is closed.

The following remain accessible: The Lac de la Cavayère car parks, the two supervised beaches, O2 Aventure activities, the Water Ski Cable Park, pedal boats, catering areas.

Very severe fire risk – Red level

In the event of a very severe fire risk (red level), restrictions are increased: both banks of Lac de la Cavayère are closed, the entire forest massif is inaccessible, all activity providers located around the lake are closed.

Only the following remain accessible: The two supervised beaches located on the left bank of the lake.

Extreme fire risk – Red “E” or Black level

In the event of an extreme fire risk, identified as Red “E” or Black level: the entire Lac de la Cavayère site is closed; access to the lake, beaches, walking trails or activities is not permitted.

le lac de la Cavayère et le complexe de loisirs Raymond Chésa

3 supervised beaches in season and sports activities.

District

The Cavayère Lake

This true haven of peace in Carcassonne takes you straight on the path to vacation. A place for walking and relaxation, you will find areas equipped for a picnic, pedal boats, inflatable water games, water ski lift, wakeboard, paddle, several beach volleyball courts as well as a forest adventure park.

Discover Lac de la Cavayère

A haven of nature and relaxation in Carcassonne

Lac de la Cavayère is much more than just a body of water: it is a preserved ecosystem where swimming, sports, walks, and discoveries come together. With its 3 sandy and grassy beaches, shaded picnic areas, 5 km of walking trails, and beach soccer, beach volleyball, and pétanque courts, the site is designed to offer a complete experience, whether you prefer relaxation or adventure.

  1. 3 equipped beaches: Supervised swimming areas (in season) with sand and pebbles.
  2. Walk around the lake: 5 km trail (approximately 1 hour walk) with the option to extend.
  3. Picnic areas: Free tables and benches available.
  4. Beach soccer, beach volleyball, and pétanque courts: Available free of charge.
Un joueuse de pétanque sur un terrain au Lac de la Cavayère
Match de volley-ball sur sable au Lac de la Cavayère à Carcassonne, ambiance estivale entre amis avec les structures gonflables de l’aquapark en arrière-plan.
Martch de beach soccer au lac de la cavayère

Activities for the whole family

Water and fun activities (June to September)

From June to September, Lac de la Cavayère transforms into a giant water park with activities for all ages. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or looking for relaxation, there’s something for everyone!

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CARCASSONNE

AQUAVIVA PARK

TELESKI NAUTIQUE
CARCASSONNE

TELESKI NAUTIQUE

PEDALOS
CARCASSONNE

THE CAVAYERE'S FLOATS

plusieurs personnes sont accoudées au bar du Lac de la Cavayère en sirotant un sirop.
pause fraîcheur au bar du lac de la cavayère

Dining with a lake view: A gourmet break by the water

Enjoy high-quality local cuisine in an exceptional setting: the waterski cable park restaurant welcomes you for lunch and dinner during the summer season. With its 3 terraces (barrel tables, large tables, and floor cushions), it’s the perfect spot for a lunch with friends or a romantic dinner, with your feet almost in the sand!

  • Specialties: Tapas, grilled dishes, composed salads, refreshing drinks, and cocktails.
  • Atmosphere: Stunning lake views, background music in the evenings.
  • Kid-friendly: Children’s menu available.

The ideal place for your summer afternoons and evenings!

The Australian Park: An Immersion in Oceania

Discover the Australian Park of Carcassonne

Just a stone’s throw from the lake, the Australian Park invites you to a unique experience to meet kangaroos, wallabies, and other iconic animals. Here, there’s no traditional zoo: the passionate team focuses on education and bonding with the animals through fun, interactive activities.

  • Concept: “Discover while having fun” for an original family outing.
  • Activities: Kangaroo feeding, interactive workshops.
  • Opening: April to November.
  • Prices: Approximately €12.50/adult and €8.50/child.
Soigneuse animalière au Parc Australien de Carcassonne nourrissant un kangourou, lors d’une animation pédagogique en plein air.

The Lake & its history

1985
Fire that ravages many hectares of trees and shows an ideal hollow for the creation of a lake.
1989
Inauguration of the Lake.
2022
Today it is possible to do a multitude of activities at the lake. Water-skiing, accrobranche, playground...

Access and Transportation

How to get to Lac de la Cavayère?

Lac de la Cavayère is easily accessible from the city center of Carcassonne, whether you come by car, bike, or public transport.

  1. By bus: Line 2 (stop “Lac de la Cavayère”). Departures from the Canal du Midi and the Medieval City.
  2. By car: 10 minutes from the Medieval City. Free on-site parking.
  3. By bike: 30 minutes from the Medieval City on paths with little motorized traffic.
  4. On foot: 45 minutes from the Medieval City (pleasant and mostly shaded route, but with some elevation).

Practical Tips

Our tips to make the most of your visit:

  1. Equipment: Swimsuit, sunscreen, towel, hat, and water (limited shade on the beaches).
  2. Footwear: Bring sandals for the beach and sneakers for the trails around the lake and adventure courses.
  3. Picnics: Allowed in designated areas (no barbecues).
  4. Pets: Dogs on leashes are allowed (except on the beaches). Special “Aquacanin” evenings are planned at Aquaviva Park.
  5. Prohibited: Fires, loud music, wild camping.
Un paddle navigue dans le Lac de la Cavayère
© Vincent Photographie - Tourisme Carcassonne

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Frequent Questions

Can you swim outside the summer season?

No, swimming is only allowed and supervised from June to September.

Are there changing rooms?

There are no changing rooms, but toilets and showers are available near the beaches.

Are the activities suitable for young children?

Yes, there are adapted courses for children starting from 4 and 5 years old at O2 Aventure’s adventure park. Aquaviva Park is also accessible to anyone from 5 years old.

Can you rent sports equipment?

Beach volleyball, beach soccer, and pétanque courts are available free of charge, but you must bring your own equipment. The city of Carcassonne has several sports stores where you can purchase equipment (Decathlon, Intersport, Sport 2000, Origine Sport, etc.).

Is the lake accessible to people with reduced mobility?

The beaches are accessible. However, some activities may be limited.

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