Top 18 Lakes around Draguignan
Best lakes around Draguignan are found in the Var department of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, a region known for its natural landscapes. Draguignan provides access to several lakes popular for recreation. The area features diverse aquatic environments, from large artificial lakes to smaller natural ponds. This region offers opportunities for water-based activities and scenic exploration.
Best lakes around Draguignan
- The most popular lakes feature is Saint-Cassien Lake Road, a trail that passes through the dam lake of Saint-Cassien. This road is also known as the mimosas route due to the abundance of winter-flowering trees.
- Another must-see spot is Pont de Pré Claou, Lac de Saint-Cassien, a bridge over the lake. Visitors can find family-friendly activities and a restaurant nearby.
- Visitors also love Lake Escarcets, a natural monument with viewpoints. It is an intermediate-level natural area for exploration.
- Draguignan is known for its diverse lakes, including large reservoirs like Lac de Saint-Cassien and smaller, idyllic ponds. The region offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, from those with water sports facilities to tranquil natural areas.
- The lakes around Draguignan are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 530 upvotes and 175 photos shared across 22 highlights.
Last updated: May 1, 2026
View of Île d'Or
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View over Mare Règue
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Saint-Cassien Lake Road
Highlight • Trail
This road has a third name: the road of the perched villages of the east of the Var. You will see in addition to beautiful views of the sea at the end of the route, many villages on their promontories.
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Étang d'Aubert
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Small lake on the plateau fed by the Ravin de Mathieu
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Lake Avellan
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Idyllic Lake of the Plateau
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Lake Escarcets
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View of Cavalaire bay
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Pont de Pré Claou, Lac de Saint-Cassien
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Popular around Draguignan
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Cycling around Draguignan
MTB Trails around Draguignan
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Tips from the Community
Site with superb views and great climbs👍
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Main road can have a lot of truck traffic.
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a pretty spot. unfortunately, the lake shrinks a little more every year, just look at the distance between the pontoon made to allow people with reduced mobility to fish, and the water... . ideally, walks in the Esterel are easy, at the beginning of spring. it's green, and there are many "streams" along the walks... in July this year (2025) the massif was closed to access most of the time, because of the risk of fire.
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Crossing the dam embankment seemed complicated to me (I forded it further along the stream, not without difficulty). Is there an easier/less dangerous way?
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You'll have to cross streams several times. Hiking poles are helpful when the water level is higher!
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Superb viewpoint on the Golden Island and the tip of the Esquine de l'Ay. Facing the beach of the Cap du Dramont, the Golden Island is a rocky islet, composed of red rocks. The tower is said to have inspired Hergé for the Tintin album The Black Island.
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The view of the Bay of Cavalaire from the paths around Le Peinier is a true jewel of the Côte d'Azur. Overlooking the sea, these paths offer an exceptional panorama of the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean and the golden beaches of Cavalaire. Surrounded by maritime pines and Mediterranean vegetation, the paths wind through a typically Provençal landscape.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular lakes around Draguignan for visitors?
Visitors frequently enjoy the large artificial lakes like Lac de Sainte-Croix, known for its clear turquoise waters and connection to the Verdon Gorges, and Lac de Saint-Cassien, which is popular for water sports and its scenic banks. Other appreciated spots include Lake Escarcets, a natural monument with viewpoints, and Lac Perrin, recognized for its reddish rock formations and birdwatching opportunities.
Are there lakes suitable for families with children near Draguignan?
Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly activities. Lac de Vidauban features a landscaped leisure park with a trampoline area, inflatable games, and a Water Jump Park, making it ideal for family fun. Lac de Saint-Cassien also has areas like Pont de Pré Claou with family-friendly activities and nearby restaurants.
Where can I go for swimming near Draguignan?
Lac de Sainte-Croix is renowned for its clear, turquoise waters perfect for swimming. Lac de Saint-Cassien is also recognized as a good lake for swimming, as is Lac Perrin, which hosts a watersports center. Lac de Vidauban offers various water-based leisure activities, including a Water Jump Park.
What natural features can I expect to see around these lakes?
The region boasts diverse natural beauty. Lac de Sainte-Croix offers breathtaking views of the Verdon Gorges. Lac de Saint-Cassien is distinctive for its Y-shape, wooded surroundings, and the Fondurane biological reserve, home to many bird species. Lac Perrin is known for its imposing reddish rock formations and as a natural sanctuary for birds like European bee-eaters and grey herons. You can also find idyllic smaller lakes like Étang d'Aubert and Small lake on the plateau fed by the Ravin de Mathieu.
Are there hiking trails around the lakes near Draguignan?
Yes, the area offers various hiking opportunities. While specific trails around each lake vary, you can find routes that pass by or offer views of the lakes. For broader hiking options, explore the Running Trails around Draguignan guide, which includes routes like the Fairies Bridge Trail, offering scenic walks in the region.
What other outdoor activities are available near the lakes?
Beyond hiking, the lakes are excellent for water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding, especially at Lac de Sainte-Croix and Lac de Saint-Cassien. For cycling enthusiasts, there are numerous options, including MTB Trails around Draguignan and Road Cycling Routes around Draguignan, which feature scenic rides through the Var department.
When is the best time to visit the lakes around Draguignan?
The lakes are enjoyable year-round, but the best time depends on your preferred activities. For swimming and water sports, the warmer months from late spring to early autumn (May to September) are ideal. For hiking and enjoying the scenery, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful landscapes, including the 'mimosas route' around Lac de Saint-Cassien in winter.
Are there places to eat or stay near the lakes?
Yes, particularly around the more developed lakes like Lac de Saint-Cassien and Lac de Sainte-Croix, you can find restaurants and accommodation options. For instance, near Pont de Pré Claou at Lac de Saint-Cassien, there are family-friendly restaurants. The surrounding towns and villages also offer various dining and lodging choices.
Can I go cycling around the lakes?
Absolutely. The region offers excellent cycling opportunities. The Saint-Cassien Lake Road is a popular route, also known as the 'mimosas route' for its beautiful winter-flowering trees. You can find more cycling options in the Road Cycling Routes around Draguignan guide.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes near Draguignan?
Visitors particularly appreciate the stunning natural beauty, especially the clear waters and dramatic landscapes like those at Lac de Sainte-Croix and the Verdon Gorges. The variety of water sports, the tranquility of nature reserves, and the family-friendly leisure parks also receive high praise. Many enjoy the scenic views, such as the View of Île d'Or or the View over Mare Règue, offering a wonderful play of colors.
Are there any less-known or 'hidden gem' lakes to explore?
While the larger lakes are well-known, you can discover more tranquil spots. The Small lake on the plateau fed by the Ravin de Mathieu and the Idyllic Lake of the Plateau offer peaceful, idyllic settings for those seeking a quieter experience away from the main crowds.
Is public transport available to reach the lakes?
While public transport options might be limited for direct access to all remote lake areas, major towns near the larger lakes, such as Lac de Sainte-Croix and Lac de Saint-Cassien, are generally accessible by regional bus services. However, for exploring the more secluded spots or specific trailheads, having a car is often recommended. For detailed information on regional transport, you might check local tourism resources like visitvar.com.
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