Lac de la Cavayère

Infobox_lake
lake_name = Lac de la Cavayère
image_lake = Cavayere.jpg
caption_lake =
image_bathymetry =
caption_bathymetry =
location = Languedoc-Roussillon
coords = coord|43|11|07|N|2|25|10|E|region:FR_type:waterbody|display=inline,title
type = artificial lake
inflow = Montirat, Bazalac, Mitgé
outflow =
catchment =
basin_countries = France
length =
width =
area = 18 ha
depth =
max-depth =
volume = 1.5 mio m³
residence_time =
shore =
elevation =
islands =
cities =

Lac de la Cavayère is an artificial lake in the Languedoc-Roussillon "région" of France, close to the mediaeval town of Carcassonne.

The lake, also known as "Carcassonne Plage" (in English, "Carcassonne Beach"), was created by the building of a 23 metre high dam in 1988 after severe forest fires affected the area in 1985. The surface area of the lake, which is fed by the creeks of Montirat, Bazalac and Mitgé, is 180,000 m² and it is 1.5 million cubic metres in volume.

It is a short distance from the town of Carcassonne and has been made into a popular recreation area. The lake has good beaches and quiet inlets. Ducks and wildfowl are common and the 400,000 m² surrounding area is notable for a diversity of habitats, flora and fauna.

The beaches slope gently and there are well supervised bathing areas. Boats are available for rent and there are picnic areas and a crazy golf course as well as a nearby chateau.

During 2005 the lake was closed to bathing due to strong algal blooms.

External links

* [http://www.carcassonne.org/Carcassonne_EN.nsf/vueTitre/docVisiterDetendre1?opendocument&EN&Visiter&Informations%20pratiques&8&&Informations%20pratiques Carcasonne tourist information about Lac de la Cavayère]