Lac de Bage

Lac de Bage is a small reservoir lake on the Lévézou plateau, in the commune of Canet-de-Salars, in the Aveyron department of southern France. Sitting at an elevation of 715 metres, it covers roughly 0.53 square kilometres, making it one of the more modest and quiet bodies of water in a region dotted with dammed lakes built along the rivers of the Lévézou.

Where exactly is Lac de Bage?

The reservoir lies in the middle of Lévézou, an upland area of Aveyron famous for larger lakes such as Pareloup and Pont-de-Salars, which draw visitors looking for open-air recreation away from crowded coastlines. Lac de Bage sits at approximately 44.2614°N, 2.7261°E, surrounded by a rural landscape of pastures, stone farm buildings and the gently rolling terrain typical of the plateau.

Can you fish at Lac de Bage?

Yes, and it is a lake well regarded among local anglers. It falls under second-category fishing waters, and fishing is permitted year-round. The lake holds perch, pike, zander, roach and rudd, and its clear water together with easily accessible banks make it a comfortable spot even for less experienced fishermen. One point to keep in mind: from the first Monday of April to the second Friday of June, temporary protected zones are enforced in the Intrans and Trappes coves, marked with buoys, to safeguard fish during the spawning period — fishing is suspended there for that window.

Is swimming or boating allowed?

No. Swimming and any form of boating, including float tubes, are prohibited on Lac de Bage. The lake functions primarily as a water reservoir and fishing spot rather than a bathing area, which sets it apart from larger lakes in the area, such as the nearby Pont-de-Salars lake, where supervised beaches operate during summer.

What else is there to do nearby?

Even without swimming access, the surroundings are well suited to walking. Paths along the banks and across the neighbouring hills give views over the calm water and the wider Lévézou scenery of open pastures, stone walls and scattered stands of trees. It makes a worthwhile short stop on a longer route through Aveyron's lake district, particularly for travellers who value quiet over built-up tourist facilities.

How do you get to Lac de Bage?

The lake lies within the commune of Canet-de-Salars, close to the town of Pont-de-Salars, in the central part of the Aveyron department. The Lévézou plateau is reachable via local roads from Rodez, the departmental capital. Given its modest size, Lac de Bage is best explored on foot or as one stop on a driving route linking several of the Lévézou lakes in a single day.

FAQ

How big is Lac de Bage? The lake covers approximately 0.53 square kilometres.

What is the elevation of Lac de Bage? It sits at an altitude of 715 metres.

Is there a supervised beach at Lac de Bage? No, swimming is prohibited here; visitors looking for a beach should head to the nearby Pont-de-Salars lake instead.

What fish live in Lac de Bage? Perch, pike, zander, roach and rudd.

Is fishing allowed all year? Yes, except for temporary protected zones in the Intrans and Trappes coves each spring, from the first Monday of April to the second Friday of June.