The Lac de Gurson has won an award as one of the best bathing locations in France and the world!

Les Pavillons Bleus have to pass stringent tests to obtain the award. As reported in Sud-Ouest:

These places must meet a rigorous specifications, including frequent testing of water, beach cleaning, the establishment and maintenance of many bins as well as games and entertainment and, of course, a pleasant location.

The Lac de Gurson is located a little over five minutes away from the house via Carsac de Gurson and on the way to Villefranche de Lonchat. Here are some Tripadvisor reviews:

My first visit since its renovation and a nice surprise. There are 2 bar / cafés with seating areas and decent food. A good clean beach with swimming and areas for picnics. Ideal for families to relax for the day. Toilet facilities are much improved. It has become a very popular meeting place for the local French and English and rightly so.

The Lac is recently made over and a great job has been made of it. A typical French inland beach that is ideal for couples and families alike with its swimming area, walks, free canoeing, beach and snack bars. We enjoy going there in the evening to sit with friends, have a drink and relax in the friendly atmosphere. If you have children and are on holiday locally, search it out quickly as you will return to it more than once.

We visited the lake whilst staying near Villefranche De Lonchat. Great place for swimming in a safe area and free canoeing on the lake (life jackets provided). There is a good information centre, clean modern to let facilities and small cafés to buy drinks, snacks and ice creams. Surrounded by woodland there is also an opportunity to picnic in the shade on the benches provided. Nice sandy beach-well worth a visit.