Étang de la Bonde: the largest body of water in the Luberon
The Luberon is not a land of water. Torrents are rare there, rivers are meagre, and it is precisely this that makes Étang de la Bonde singular: it is the largest body of water in the Luberon massif, and the only one genuinely developed for swimming in the South Luberon.
Where it is located
The lake sits between the communes of Cabrières-d’Aigues and La Motte-d’Aigues, in the Vaucluse, in the heart of the Pays d’Aigues. Geographically, it occupies the zone between the Luberon massif and the Durance valley, approximately forty kilometres from Aix-en-Provence by road, a distance that makes it both a realistic day trip from Aix and a daily swimming destination for stays in the Luberon.
The lake’s dimensions
The lake measures approximately 500 metres long by 350 metres wide, with a depth of 2 to 5 metres. The total surface area is around 0.3km². Its primary water source is the Mirail spring, which also feeds several watercourses in the area, including the Eze.
The lake is part of the network managed by the Société du Canal de Provence: it serves an irrigation function for agriculture in the Pays d’Aigues, and swimming is an additional use overlaid on this primary purpose, useful to know in order to understand why water levels may fluctuate during the season.
Swimming conditions
Swimming is permitted year-round. During peak season, the water generally reaches between 20 and 25°C, which places the lake above the temperatures of most altitude lakes in Provence.
Supervised swimming is organised each summer from 1 July to 31 August, at the beach facing the camping snack bar. Outside this period, swimming remains possible but under individual responsibility.
Luberon
Travel Book AEC CollectionSetting and uses
The lake attracts three groups who coexist without disruption: families on the supervised beach, anglers</strong along the lateral banks, and walkers</strong who circuit the lake (short, accessible trail). Several gentle water activities (paddle-boarding, pedalos) complement the offer according to season. Refreshments are available on site via the snack bar and several establishments nearby.
Parking is charged and organised around the site; it is worthwhile verifying the terms directly with the management, as tariffs may vary.
When to visit
July and August draw the heaviest footfall: at weekends, attendance is considerable, particularly mid-afternoon. June and early September often offer the best compromise, with water already or still above 20°C and easy access. Outside peak season, the lake remains an attractive setting for a walk, without the swimming dimension.
Planning a stay in the Luberon
AEC Collection selects and represents standing properties, houses and villas, in the Luberon, from the Pays d’Aigues in the South Luberon through to the hilltop villages of central Luberon. Étang de la Bonde is approximately thirty minutes’ drive from most hamlets and bastides in the South Luberon.
Our properties in Luberon
Exceptional chalets, villas and apartments, selected by our agents for their standing.
View the properties in Luberon →
