Salvatat
This is a village resembling more that of a village in England or Germany than of the south of France. To reach Salvatat the road rises steeply from the Mediterranean plain and passes through pine forests and grazing land for cattle.
The climate becomes cooler. On arrival at Salvatat there is a large lake, one of several in the area and is popular in the summer as a place to escape the heat of the plain.
Large areas of the 'Lac de la Raviege' are inaccessible except by water. There is a large leisure area and beach just beyond the village of Salvatat where it is possible to bathe safely and participate in sailing and water skiing.
During the summer months, the firefighting planes, known as Canadairs, swoop across the lake to obtain water. On the approach of the planes, a siren sounds and people involved in the various water sports have to move to the sides of the lake to allow the planes to fly low over its surface to scoop up the water, before flying off. Since about 1995 Salvatat has become nationally known for it’s bottled, natural sparkling drinking water. Nearby is the village of Lacaune, famous for its cooked and smoked meat production. Visitors to this area will be struck by the total difference in the scenery, with large forested areas in comparison to the vines on the plain.
St Pons
Between Salvatat and the plain, is the lively town of St Pons. This was once the center of the cloth industry in the area, and also well known for its marble quarries, but is perhaps better known now, for its Chestnut fair held early in the year. St Pons is the gateway separating the cooler Atlantic weather from the warmer Mediteranean climate. The Cathedral at St Pons has an organ worthy of a visit.