The Lac de Montbel is a reservoir located 4km west of Chalabre, which is a popular location for watersports and swimming. It is located at Sainte-Colombe-sur-l'Hers on the border between the Ariège and Aude départements of southwestern France.

Lac de Montbel
Lac de Montbel
Lac de Montbel
Lac de Montbel is located in France
Lac de Montbel
Lac de Montbel
Coordinates42°58′33″N 1°57′31″E / 42.97583°N 1.95861°E / 42.97583; 1.95861
TypeReservoir
Built1982 to 1985
Surface area550 hectares (1,400 acres)
Max. depth42 m (138 ft)
Water volume60 million cubic metres (49,000 acre⋅ft; 16×10^9 US gal)

The flooded hillsides are still evident when the water level drops, revealing tree stumps and the thick sticky clay (marl) so typical of the Ariège. On quiet hot summer days the water takes on a beautiful turquoise colour which is very photogenic.

The area is relatively undeveloped and quiet and privacy are a great attraction. The mountains of the Pyrenees are visible in the background.

Other lakes for swimming near Montbel include Lac de la Cavayère and a smaller one at Pradelles-Cabardès.

The dam which created the reservoir was built between 1982 and 1985.[1]

References

edit
  1. ^ "Dossier départemental des risques majeurs - Barrage de Montbel". Préfecture de l'Aude. Retrieved 4 February 2010.
edit