The Lac du Salagou in southeast France hosted consecutive triathlons throughout last weekend, both road and Xterra. This was the inaugural year the Montpellier Triathlon Club organized races at this location, and hopefully it’s the first of many. I opted for the intermediate distance tri on Saturday.

The triathlon takes place in a gorgeous setting: a lake nestled in the rolling hills near Clermont l’Hérault, France with perfect 19.5 C water temperature. The bike course loops around on the south side of the lake. The reddish hills serve as a gorgeous backdrop during a lovely trail run to cap it all off.

Organization, access, transition area, the gift bottle of wine: all were impeccable. I highly recommend this triathlon and look forward to returning.