
Lac de Saint-Cassien
A stunning artificial lake in the Var region, offering water sports, scenic walks, and lakeside dining. An oasis in the hills.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calm waters

Lac de Saint-Cassien
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calm waters

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning artificial lake in the Var region, offering water sports, scenic walks, and lakeside dining. An oasis in the hills.
"An oasis in the hills for both summer and winter, with plenty to do on and around the water."

🚗 Easy Access from Coast
Just a short drive from Nice or Cannes, making it a perfect day trip.
💰 Affordable Pedal Boat Fun
Good prices for pedal boat rentals, offering hours of family enjoyment.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Paddleboarding Paradise
Various rental spots around the lake
Glide across the tranquil, turquoise waters. Perfect for a peaceful morning or a sunset adventure.

Pedalo Fun
La Baie du Lac and other rental points
Enjoy classic family fun on the water with pedal boats. A great way to explore the lake's coves.

Lakeside Dining
Le Ponton, La Baie du Lac
Savor meals with stunning water views. Many eateries offer a relaxed atmosphere for lunch or dinner.

Scenic Nature Walks
Surrounding trails
Explore shaded paths offering panoramic views of the lake and surrounding hills. Ideal for a refreshing stroll.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Summer Crowds
Water Safety First
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Easy Access from Coast
Just a short drive from Nice or Cannes, making it a perfect day trip.
💰 Affordable Pedal Boat Fun
Good prices for pedal boat rentals, offering hours of family enjoyment.
☀️ Pack Sun Protection
The sun can be intense, so bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for a comfortable day.
🛶 Kayak & SUP Rentals
Rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards for active exploration of the lake.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Easy Access from Coast
Just a short drive from Nice or Cannes, making it a perfect day trip.
💰 Affordable Pedal Boat Fun
Good prices for pedal boat rentals, offering hours of family enjoyment.
☀️ Pack Sun Protection
The sun can be intense, so bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for a comfortable day.
🛶 Kayak & SUP Rentals
Rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards for active exploration of the lake.
🍽️ Lakeside Eateries
Enjoy a meal with a view at one of the many restaurants around the lake.
🏞️ Shaded Walking Trails
Discover peaceful, shaded paths perfect for a nature walk with scenic vistas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Lac de Saint-Cassien as a beautiful oasis offering a wide range of water activities and dining options. It's a popular spot for families and active individuals, though it can get very busy during the summer. Some caution is advised regarding water quality.
"Plenty of lake beach style clubs around this large lake. Lots to do on and around the water. Love it here, an oasis in the hills for both summer and winter."
Becki Milton
"Excellent SUP spot. Extremely busy in the summer season. A lot of restaurants and rental shops (SUP, pedalos...) chose from."
Stefan Hofmann
"Lovely lake with plenty of stopping places even right by the bridge which you can access and walk under. Cayaks, restaurants and activities abound"
Chris Evans
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lac de Saint-Cassien is conveniently located about 35 minutes by car from Nice and 20 minutes from Cannes. It's an accessible destination for a day trip from the French Riviera.
While driving is the most common and convenient way to reach the lake, checking local bus routes from nearby towns like Fayence or Fréjus might be an option, though less direct.
Parking is available at various points around the lake, especially near rental shops and restaurants like La Baie du Lac. Arrive early during peak season to secure a spot.
Yes, the lake spans across several communes including Tanneron, Montauroux, Callian, and Les Adrets de l'Estérel, offering multiple access points.
The lake is well-signposted from the main roads in the Pays de Fayence region, making it relatively easy to locate.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there is no entrance fee to access the lake itself or many of the public beach areas. However, specific activities like pedal boat rentals or access to private beach clubs may have associated costs.
Rental shops and restaurants typically operate from morning until early evening, especially during the summer season. La Baie du Lac, for example, is open daily from 9 AM to 7 PM in summer.
For popular activities like kayak or paddleboard rentals, especially during peak season, booking in advance is recommended to ensure availability.
While the lake is largely free to access, some private beach clubs or organized events might have admission fees. It's best to check specific locations if you're looking for a more curated experience.
Pedal boat rentals are reasonably priced, with options like 20€ for one hour or 36€ for two hours at places like La Baie du Lac.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, pedal boating, fishing, and hiking on the surrounding trails. There are also lakeside restaurants and cafes.
Yes, there are both developed beaches with amenities and more wild, natural spots along the lake's shores. Some beaches are supervised during the summer.
The lake is popular for swimming, especially in the summer. However, be cautious about swallowing the water, as some visitors have reported illness.
Fishing is permitted in Lac de Saint-Cassien, but you will likely need to obtain a local fishing permit. Check with local authorities or rental shops for details.
Absolutely! Shaded trails surround the lake, offering beautiful views and a pleasant escape for hikers and walkers.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, several restaurants and eateries are located around the lake, offering various dining experiences from casual to more formal. La Baie du Lac and Le Ponton are popular choices.
You can find a range of options, including quick bites, seafood, and traditional French cuisine. Many offer outdoor seating with lake views.
Yes, there are kiosks and small cafes around the lake where you can purchase snacks, ice cream, and coffee.
Picnicking is a great option. There are many scenic spots along the shores where you can set up a picnic.
Absolutely! Several restaurants offer a romantic ambiance, especially during sunset, making it perfect for couples.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings offer calm, reflective waters and soft light, ideal for capturing serene landscapes. Sunsets provide dramatic colors and beautiful silhouettes.
Look for the reflections on the water, the surrounding green hills, and the various watercraft like pedalos and kayaks. The bridge at Montauroux is also picturesque.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone over the lake.
The trails around the lake offer numerous viewpoints with panoramic vistas of the water and the surrounding landscape.
Besides landscapes, the lake is a popular spot for lifestyle, sports, and even lingerie photoshoots due to its natural beauty.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💑 Couples
🏞️ Nature Lovers & Hikers
🏄♀️ Active Adventurers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Water Activities Galore
Beyond rentals, the lake is also a fantastic spot for swimming. While there are developed beaches, some visitors prefer the more natural, wilder areas along the shore. It's worth noting that while swimming is generally safe and enjoyable, some travelers have advised caution regarding water quality during peak season. For those interested in fishing, the lake is known to be a good spot, though permits may be required.
Exploring the Surroundings
These trails provide a welcome respite from the summer heat and are perfect for a leisurely stroll or a more vigorous hike. The area is also known for its natural beauty, with pine-fringed shores and opportunities for stunning photography, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. The unique shape of the lake itself, spanning across multiple communes, adds to its distinct geographical appeal.
Dining and Relaxation
For a more casual experience, small kiosks and cafes around the lake offer snacks, ice cream, and coffee, ideal for a quick refreshment. The opportunity to enjoy a meal or a drink while watching the sunset over the water adds a special touch to the dining experience, making it a popular choice for romantic evenings or relaxed gatherings.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit