Welcome to the Plateau des Lacs

In a well-conserved natural environment, La Salvetat-sur-Agout and its neighbouring villages lie high up on a mountain plateau, where four extensive lakes reflect an ocean of green. Here the only "fumes" are those given off by the majestic forest-trees (pines, beech, oaks, chestnut-trees..): delightful natural odours that caress the senses at every turn in the course of excursions on foot, on horseback or by bicycle. The bracing mountain air of the heights of the Espinouse (1148m) contrasts with the mildness of the valleys of the Arn and of the Agoût de la Vèbre, a constant reminder of the region's dual character (a harmonious melange of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean climates). The gentle chatter of the clear water of the trout-streams mingles with the effervescence of the natural mineral springs, the latter serving as a reminder of the importance of gastronomy, a real feature of the mountain-villages hereabouts. Whether you are in search of peace and quiet, of nature, of relaxation or of leisure-activities, sport or the pleasures of good food, you are sure of a friendly welcome here in the "Plateau des Lacs".

LAC DU LAOUZAS
15 km from La Salvetat, Le Laouzas has a 400-hectare reservoir available for swimming, sailboarding, canoeing and kayaking, sailing... Its 50 metre high dam fuels the factory of Montahut on a tributary of the river Orb.

LAC DE LA RAVIEGE
The dam of La Raviège, 35 metres high, on the river Agoût, produces a reservoir of 410 hectares. All water-sports are possible here with the exception of jet-skiing. All necessary arrangements can be made at the Port des Bouldouïres. Supervised beach.

LAC DES SAINT-PEYRES
On the river Arn, a tributary of the Agoût, a dam 60 metres high produces a reservoir of 211 hectares 20 kilometres from la Salvetat. A variety of water-sports are possible on this lake.

LAC DE VESOLES
On the Bureau, a small tributary of the Orb, the Lac de Vésoles, 12 kilometres from La Salvetat, is the wildest of all the lakes. Only sailing is permitted here.

LA SALVETAT SUR AGOUT
At an altitude of 700 metres, La Salvetat-sur-Agoût is perched high on a spur of rock, from where its slate roofs glisten in the sunlight. From earlier times there are the remains of a Romanesque chapel and a twelfth-century bridge, both listed buildings.
Today a major resort for "green" tourism, La Salvetat-sur-Agoût has energetically exploited its environment in tune with the times: sportive with respect to its many walks and excursions, horse-riding, cycling (an F.F.C. site), watersports, sail and power (on the Lac de la Raviège or at the swimming-pool); cultural with respect to its many shows and entertainments; ecological with respect to its deep forests of beech and pine, its pure air and clear water; gastronomic with respect to its excellent charcuterie, its mineral water, it local produce. La Salvetat-sur-Agôut provides the perfect synthesis of the whole "tourist experience" that the "Plateau des Lacs" has to offer.
To the south-east of the départment of the Tarn, ANGLES occupies a privileged geographical position in a "pays passion" between sea and mountain, an ideal spot for a relaxing holiday. The plateau of Anglès borders on the neighbouring département of the Hérault with the Mediterranean beaches only an hour's drive away, while it is also close to the Montagne Noire, the Monts de Lacaune and (only twenty minutes away) the famous geological site of the Sidobre.

CAMBON AND SALVERGUES
The highest commune in the Hérault (1152m), it has some remarkable stone buildings, medieval remains, and a rich mountain heritage. On the crossroads between the pilgrim route to St Jacques de Compostelle and the Roman road that runs between Béziers and Cahors, it also adjoins the listed nature reserve of the Caroux-Espinouse where the wild fauna is abundant and mouflons (a local breed of wild sheep) and mountain-goats are often to be spotted. Fishing, hunting, mushroom-picking, walking, riding and cycling are amongst the activities that make Cambon and Salvergues an outstanding spot for all nature-lovers.

Gîte C.H.A.L.E.T. (04 67 97 61 00)

FRAÏSSE-SUR-AGOUT
Demurely posed beside the river Agoût, which runs right through the village, Fraïsse-sur-Agoût is a prime spot for fishing (including fly-fishing). In the centre of the village, by the riverside, an informative tour is available on the theme of "the power of water" with a demonstration of hydraulic devices. Visitors with camping-cars are also provided with a convenient riverside lay-by. Fraïsse is also justly proud of its floral displays. For walkers and ramblers it is the ideal spot to take a refreshing break and there are plenty of well signposted paths around the village.

LE SOULIE
Originally "Le Solher" ("sun" in occitan), Le Soulié, according to the date engraved on the key to the entry-gate to the church, was founded in 1671. The commune is bang in the middle of the plateau of the Somail at an average altitude of 900 metres. Its principal economic activities are the raising of cattle (veal "sous la mère"), and of sheep (the milk being used for the production of Roquefort) and forestry. The many woods and footpaths dotted around the commune provide an almost limitless variety of walks and excursions for cyclists or those on foot or on horseback beneath the shade of pines, beeches and oaks in a climate that is at once restful and invigorating. The river Arn and the numerous small streams that run from it are excellent for trout-fishing.

INFORMATION
OFFICES DE TOURISME / SYNDICAT D’INITIATIVE

- FRAÎSSE-SUR-AGOÛT 04 67 97 53 81 - fax 04 67 97 53 63
Open between the 1st May and the 30th September

- LA SALVETAT-SUR-AGOÛT 04 67 97 64 44
Open every day - Sunday during the season

- ANGLES 05 6 3 74 59 13
Open July and August

- LAC DU LAOUZAS 05 63 37 45 76 - fax 05 63 37 12 29
Open all year round

Summary:
1 The Natural Regional Park of Upper Languedoc 2 The Sidobre 3 The Montagne Noire (Dourgne, Sorèze...) 4 Mazamet and region 5 The Monts de Lacaune - Brassac du Tarn 6 The Lakes and the Salvetois 7 The Valley of the Thoré 8 The Montredonnais	9 The Valleys of the Orb and the Jaur 10 The Saint-Ponais 11 The Monts d'Orb Following the wine trail: 12 The Faugérois 13 The Minervois 14 The Saint-Chiniannais

thomas@idaeus.com