Lac de Sechemailles
Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
Lac De Sechemailles is a lakeside beach in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France, open from July 1 to August 31. It holds Blue Flag certification, which means the water quality, beach management, and environmental standards meet strict European criteria. The beach is free to enter and has lifeguards…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Lac de Sechemailles
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Lac de Sechemailles?
Lac De Sechemailles is a lakeside beach in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France, open from July 1 to August 31. It holds Blue Flag certification, which means the water quality, beach management, and environmental standards meet strict European criteria. The beach is free to enter and has lifeguards on duty throughout the season.
Disabled access and fresh drinking water are available. April, May, and June are the best months to visit if you want fewer crowds. Blue Flag status is reviewed annually, so the beach maintains consistent safety and cleanliness standards.
It sits alongside Blue Flag beaches in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, part of a broader network of Blue Flag certified beaches across France certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Lac de Sechemailles faces north toward France's coastline. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in April, May, June. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 3°C | Low |
| Feb | 5°C | Low |
| Mar | 6°C | Low |
| Apr | 9°C | Low |
| May | 13°C | Low |
| Jun | 17°C | Low |
| Jul | 19°C | High |
| Aug | 19°C | High |
| Sep | 16°C | Low |
| Oct | 12°C | Low |
| Nov | 7°C | Low |
| Dec | 5°C | Low |
When is the best time to visit Lac de Sechemailles?
The best time to visit Lac de Sechemailles is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 19.2°C in summer.
How crowded does Lac de Sechemailles get?
Like most Blue Flag beaches in France, Lac de Sechemailles sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Lac de Sechemailles open year-round?
The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (01-07 – 31-08). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Lac de Sechemailles
Is Lac de Sechemailles safe to swim?
Lac de Sechemailles is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. The latest official class is Excellent (2025).
Water quality
Excellent (2025)
Earlier seasons: 2024 Excellent, 2023 Excellent, 2022 Excellent.
Excellent is the top class under the EU Bathing Water Directive. Recent samples stayed inside the strictest limits for bacteria.
Source: European Environment Agency
What is the water temperature at Lac de Sechemailles?
Air temperature at Lac de Sechemailles reaches 19.2°C in July. Water temperatures vary by season. Check local conditions before visiting. In winter (January), air temperatures average 2.9°C.
What is the beach like at Lac de Sechemailles?
Lac de Sechemailles is a sandy beach on the Nouvelle-Aquitaine coast of France. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Transport
Getting to Lac de Sechemailles
How do I get to Lac de Sechemailles by car?
Lac de Sechemailles is approximately 0.62 km from Ambrugeat. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Lac de Sechemailles?
The nearest airport is Brive Souillac airport (BVE), approximately 73.5 km away.
Can I get to Lac de Sechemailles by public transport?
Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Ambrugeat.
Nearby
Near Lac de Sechemailles
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Lac de Sechemailles. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Cafés near Lac de Sechemailles
- Le Sèchemailles Restaurant 47 m
Parking near Lac de Sechemailles
- Parking Parking 45 m
- Parking Parking 79 m
- Parking Parking 358 m
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Names and positions come from mapped OSM features. Confirm on site.
On the beach
Facilities at Lac de Sechemailles
- Lifeguards
- Yes, during the certified season
- Wheelchair access
- Accessible site facilities
- Visual assistance
- No
- Parking
- 45 m away
- Entry
- Free to enter
These details can change. Check on arrival.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Official Season | 01 Jul – 31 Aug |
|---|---|
| Beach Type | Sandy beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 45.5238°N, 2.1250°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (2025) (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), France |
Frequently Asked Questions
Lac de Sechemailles FAQ
Is Lac de Sechemailles suitable for children?
Lac de Sechemailles has a child-friendly score of 6/10. It is Blue Flag certified in France. Families should still check what is open on the day.
Is Lac de Sechemailles free to access?
Access to Lac de Sechemailles is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Lac de Sechemailles?
The best time to visit Lac de Sechemailles is April, May, June. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Lac de Sechemailles?
Lac de Sechemailles is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. The latest official class is Excellent (2025).
Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to Lac de Sechemailles?
Lac de Sechemailles is located in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France. It is approximately 0.62 km from Ambrugeat. The nearest airport is Brive Souillac airport (BVE), 73.5 km away.
By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Are there cafés near Lac de Sechemailles?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists a café or restaurant near Lac de Sechemailles, including Le Sèchemailles (47 m).
Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Lac de Sechemailles?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 45 m from Lac de Sechemailles, with 3 lots or spaces inside about 500 m. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in France, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
What the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Lac de Sechemailles
- FEE France (Pavillon Bleu)
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.