The 7 lakes, Provence Travel Guide

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Discover a peaceful nature reserve in Provence, perfect for bird watching, fishing, and scenic walks along a series of interconnected lakes.

The 7 Lakes, despite its name, is a scenic nature preserve featuring a series of artificial lakes created in 1960 following the construction of the Cadarache dam. This Natura 2000 reserve is a haven for bird watching, fishing, and peaceful walks along the Durance River.

A brief summary to The 7 lakes

D996, Beaumont-de-Pertuis, 84120, FR
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring The 7 lakes.

Bring binoculars for optimal bird watching, as the area is a haven for diverse avian species.
Visit during the week to avoid crowds, especially in the summer months when weekends can get busy.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking the trails around the lakes.
Pack a picnic to enjoy by the water, as there are many scenic spots to relax and take in the views.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Palais des Papes

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Provence Cross

Troglodyte caves of Villecroze

UNESCO Géoparc de Haute-Provence - Musée Promenade

Explore The 7 lakes on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near The 7 lakes, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From Beaumont-de-Pertuis, head north on D996. The 7 Lakes are located approximately 4.7 km from the center of town. Parking is available at the end of the small road leading to the lakes. Parking is free. Be aware that parking can be limited during the summer weekends.
Public Transport

The LER 27 bus line stops in Beaumont-de-Pertuis. From the bus stop, it is approximately a 10-minute drive to the lakes. Check local schedules for accurate times and potential route changes. Bus fare will vary depending on the distance traveled, check the Moovit app for the latest prices.

Discover more about The 7 lakes

The 7 Lakes of Beaumont-de-Pertuis is a unique natural area created by the construction of the Cadarache dam in 1960. Despite the name, there are not actually seven distinct lakes, but rather a series of interconnected bodies of water that form a diverse habitat. This area has been designated a Natura 2000 reserve, recognizing its importance for water birds and overall biodiversity.The lakes and surrounding marshlands provide a sanctuary for various bird species, including the purple heron and great cormorant. It also serves as an important stopover for migrating birds like the black stork. Lucky visitors may even spot turtles in the area.The preserve offers walking trails around the lakes, with plenty of spots to sit and enjoy the scenery. The walk around the main area takes about half an hour or more. Swimming is not recommended due to the lack of surveillance. The area is popular with locals for picnics and fishing. During the summer, the area can get crowded on weekends due to limited parking.