Pont-De-Salars: Lake, Trails and Heritage

Pont-De-Salars brings together Lac de Pont-de-Salars, the landscape of the Plateau du Lévézou and the valleys of the Viaur. The lake is a reservoir on the plateau, fed by the Viaur. The landscape includes deep, wooded valleys, including the Gorge du Viaur. This makes the lake and a landscape shaped by valleys two defining features of the destination. When planning your trip, you can focus on different activities: water sports and fishing, hiking and cycling routes, or architectural and cultural history.

Lake, Water Sports and Fishing

Canoes and kayaks are available to rent at the l’Anse du Lac water sports centre on Lac de Pont-de-Salars. Opening hours may vary by season, so check the latest dates before your trip. The seasonal Aqua Park consists of 24 inflatable modules floating on the calm water. This means you can choose between two different water activities on the same lake: renting canoes and kayaks or using the park’s floating modules.

Plage des Rousselleries is a free family beach on Lac de Pont-de-Salars. Lifeguard supervision is provided seasonally from 1 July to 31 August, in two time slots: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Check the latest dates before your visit.

Fishing is possible on the lake year-round; at the same time, it is classified as a category 2 fishing area. Also observe seasonal restrictions and check the rules that apply to your dates before fishing. Boat slipways are available at Pont de Salars and Montredon. Their use may depend on local conditions, so it is advisable to check conditions on site.

Hiking and Cycling

The Alaret Méjanès Mérican route is an easy 11 km circular hike. It first runs above Lac de Pont-de-Salars and later alongside the lake. The route therefore alternates between a stretch above the water and a section by the lake. For this hike, parking is available at Place de la Rivière, at the lower end of Pont-de-Salars, near the road bridge over the Viaur.

The Circuit des Lacs du Lévézou offers a different scale: this moderately difficult 67 km cycling loop starts in Pont-de-Salars. The two routes differ in mode of transport, distance and difficulty: an easy 11 km hike on the one hand, and a moderately difficult 67 km bike ride on the other. Compare the routes described here to choose the time and activity focus that suits you.

Chapel, Church and Bridge

The Chapel of Notre-Dame de Salars is about 500 m from Pont-de-Salars, on a hill overlooking the town centre. In 1078, it was granted to Sainte-Foy de Conques. The Église du Poujol has retained its original Latin-cross floor plan and has an external comb-style bell tower dating from the 16th century. The floor plan and tower describe different aspects of the architecture: the building’s layout and one of its exterior features.

The Pont de Saint Georges de Camboulas bridge is also among the historic structures mentioned; it is listed as a historic monument. Together, these places showcase different aspects of architectural history: the chapel’s historical transfer, the church’s floor plan and tower, and the bridge’s protected status.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Amans-Des-Cots, Sainte-Croix, Muret-Le-Château, Valady, Sauveterre-De-Rouergue, Jaux, Salles-la-Source, Lacroix-Barrez.

For the full travel overview: Aveyron.