Lac de Maury

Lac de Maury is a man-made dam lake near Saint-Amans-des-Cots, in the Aveyron department of southern France. Built by damming a local river, the reservoir has grown far beyond its original technical purpose and is now one of the more popular outdoor leisure spots in the northern part of Aveyron. Its wooded shoreline and quiet rural setting draw families, water-sports fans, and travelers looking for an easy day trip away from the region's larger towns.

Where is Lac de Maury located?

The lake sits right by the village of Saint-Amans-des-Cots, in the northern reaches of Aveyron, roughly at coordinates 44.6627 N, 2.6680 E. This part of Aveyron is characterized by rolling green countryside dotted with reservoirs created over past decades through dam-building on smaller rivers. Lac de Maury is one of these artificial lakes, and like several of its neighbors, it now functions primarily as a recreation area rather than a piece of water-management infrastructure.

What is there to do at the lake?

The lake's main draw is a water park that opened directly on the water in 2019. It's built from floating inflatable structures anchored on the surface, offering slides, trampolines, jumping platforms, and a catapult-style feature that launches participants into the air. Floating water parks of this kind are especially popular with children and teenagers, though plenty of adults join in too, particularly on hot summer days.

Beyond the inflatable park itself, a seasonal leisure area operates around the lake in summer, running additional games and activities for visitors. Small boats and pedal boats can also be rented on site, giving visitors a quieter way to explore the water at their own pace, away from the busier inflatable zone.

When is the best time to visit?

The water-based attractions run seasonally, mainly through the summer months when air and water temperatures make swimming and floating-park activities comfortable. Outside of the summer season, the lake remains a pleasant spot for a walk or a quiet break outdoors, though the inflatable park and rental services are not available.

Who is Lac de Maury best suited for?

The lake works particularly well as a family day out — children can spend hours on the floating water park while adults relax on the shore or take a pedal boat out. It's also a convenient option for travelers staying at nearby farm stays or campsites who want a nearby attraction that doesn't require a long drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you swim at Lac de Maury? Yes, the lake is set up for swimming and water activities during the summer season, when the inflatable water park is also operating.

What is the water park on the lake? It's a floating complex of inflatable attractions that opened in 2019, featuring slides, trampolines, and jumping structures set up directly on the water's surface.

Is boat or pedal boat rental available? Yes, small boats and pedal boats can be rented at the lake, and they can be used independently of the inflatable water park.

Is Lac de Maury suitable for children? Yes, it's one of the site's main draws. The water park and the seasonal leisure area are both geared toward families with children.

Is there accommodation near the lake? The area around Saint-Amans-des-Cots has campsites and other lodging options, making it easy to combine a visit to the lake with a longer stay in Aveyron.