The 16 most beautiful lakes in the Pyrenees
If you too love to marvel at their beauty and bathe in their fresh waters, this list is for you.
Here are the top 16 most beautiful lakes in the Pyrenees
1. Lake Bouillouses
This lake in the Pyrénées Orientales, situated at an altitude of 2,017 metres at the foot of the Carlit massif, is a listed natural site.
Created following the construction of an impressive dam in the 20th century to regulate the flow of water from the Têt river, Lac des Bouillouses is the highest lake in the Pyrenees massif, accessible by chairlift or road.
Make the most of the magnificent panorama offered by this freshwater lake in the middle of the mountains to enjoy a variety of activities, some more sporty than others, on your own, with family or friends.
For example, you can enjoy picnics in the forest or on the shores of the lake, go fishing, hike a route around the Pic de Carit or go rock-climbing for those in search of unique sensations.
The Lac des Bouillouses is well known throughout France and Spain, but, victim of its own success, access to the natural site is regulated during the summer months in order to preserve it.
2. Lake Lanoux
Even before the dam was built, between 1957 and 1960, Lac de Lanoux was the largest lake in the French Pyrenees, with its surface area increasing from 84 ha to 172 ha and an average width of 500 metres, containing 70.7 m3 of water.
The 45-metre-high Lanoux dam holds 70.70hm3 of water.
Also known as the “Étang de Lanoux”, the lake is accessible from the Col de Puymorens, from the Lac des Bouillouses or from the village of Porté-Puymorens along the GR7.
3. Lake Artouste
Of glacial origin, this dammed lake is a natural lake situated in the Ossau valley at an altitude of 1,997 metres, bordered by the Atlantic Pyrenees National Park.
Access to the lake is unusual, as you first have to board a cable car for a trip up to the Pic de la Sagette (2,031 m), which already offers you a magnificent view of the high mountains!
And that’s just the beginning…
The second stage of the ascent is to take the legendary Artouste little train, the highest railway in Europe! You’ll reach the lake by soaring over 2000 metres from the mountains on an unforgettable 10km journey.
It’s all there for the taking!
4. The Blue Lake, azure and peaks
Take our word for it, you won’t be indifferent to this blue!
The Lac Bleu is one of the largest natural mountain lakes in the Pyrenees, set in lush greenery at the foot of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre at an altitude of 1,944 metres – doesn’t that sound dreamy?
To get to this natural beauty, you’ll have to make a ‘short’ 2? hour walk from the Chiroulet car park and cover the 900 metre ascent. The physical effort is well worth it, as the views are breathtaking!
Bathing is a must at the lakeside, especially in summer, but beware of the depths of the Lac Bleu! This Ice Age lake is unusually deep, over 120 metres, making it the deepest lake in the Pyrenees.
5. Green lake
After the Blue Lake… now it’s time for the Green Lake in the Vallée du Lys!
After a walk of around 2? hours, you’ll find yourself in a haven of peace at an altitude of 2,010 metres. The greenish water is not synonymous with filth, so the bravest can take a dip in the summer.
6. The Néouvielle lakes (Aumar and Aubert)
The Néouvielle Nature Reserve is a paradise for lake lovers. The site boasts no fewer than 70 lakes and ponds. A real adventure through the eastern Pyrenees.
The most popular of these are the two neighbouring lakes of Aumar and Aubert.
Lac d’Aumar is made up of water from the valley at the foot of the Madamète peak. Situated in the middle of an extraordinary natural setting, consisting mainly of the highest pine forest in Europe and beautiful high-altitude meadows.
You can make the most of the lake by taking a number of superb walks that offer breathtaking views of the landscape below.
Lac d’Aubert is fed by Lac d’Aumar, but that’s not all!
Located at an altitude of 2,148 metres, the lake draws its natural water resources from the neighbouring lake just a few hundred metres away, as well as from the small Ramougn and Brèche de Chaussenque glaciers.
Lac d’Aubert has a dam and is the starting point for a number of hikes.
Both lakes can be reached by bus (only available in summer) or on foot via a footpath from a car park.
7. Lake Bethmale
Canadian charm lurks behind Lake Bethmale, its emerald waters and deciduous forest. Accessible all year round, this magnificent, relaxing setting is a real little corner of paradise for anglers and walkers – don’t forget your picnic!
Each season has its own scenery: in summer the sun makes the lake’s green glow; winter dresses the trees in a white coat; spring brings new green leaves to the deciduous trees and autumn brings a touch of orange to the landscape.
Whichever time of year you visit Lake Bethmale, the natural spectacle is sure to take your breath away!
8. L’étang Rond (Couserans ring)
The waterfall, creeks and cliffs are the reward for a long walk to reach the étang Rong at the foot of Mont Valier in the Couserans… 8 hours on foot is the time it takes to make the ascent (there and back) from the Port de Barlonguère.
Rest assured, the lake can be reached by an easier route, from the commune of Bordes-Uchentein (Pla de la Lau car park), following a 3.5-hour walk.
Legend has it that a shepherd called “Mount Ner” tended his flock on the banks of the lake and that he, his sheep and his dog were turned into rocks after refusing to help a man who had become lost in the area.
Its name is rather contradictory, as this lake does not have a second-tier body of water and its shape is more than just an imperfect circle… But that in no way detracts from the natural charm of this marvel of the region.
9. The pond at Lhers
It’s not impossible that you’ll come across sheep, cows and even horses here!
The Etang de Lhers is situated in the middle of a mid-mountain area in the Parc Naturel Régional des Pyrénées Ariégeoises. Its unique feature is that it is home to lherzolite, a magmatic rock that gives the pond its name.
In this lunar setting, you can enjoy easy walks around the Etang de Lhers to discover all its facets.
This site is part of the European Natura 2000 network, which means that the Etang de Lhers takes account of biodiversity issues in its human activities.
10. Lake Matemale
Do you enjoy water sports? Then this is the place for you!
Kayaking, paddle-boarding, windsurfing and sailing to name but a few… There’s plenty to keep you amused on this magnificent site at an altitude of 1,500 m, not forgetting freshwater swimming.
If the water is too cold, don’t worry, there’s plenty to do at Lac de Matemale… the area around the artificial lake has been developed for walkers, with numerous paths dedicated to hiking. To satisfy everyone, a fishing trail has also been set up.
As for its origins, the Lac de Matemale is the result of a dam created in 1959 on the River Aude.
11. Lake Gaube
Well-known for its clear waters and superb scenery, Lac de Gaube is a site with a good reputation in the Pyrenees.
As with many of the lakes in the French Pyrenees, hiking is a great activity here, with a wealth of nature trails.
Easily accessible by car, this lake has it all!
12. Lake Agalops
Considered to be one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in France (yes, that too!), this is a popular destination for nature walkers.
The contrast between the fir and pine forests and the clear blue waters of Lac d’Agalops, which come from the surrounding mountain streams, make this a site of wonders not to be missed. It’s well worth taking a break, if only to admire the magnificent scenery at altitude.
13. Estaing lake
Situated at an altitude of 1,163 metres in the Val d’Azun, the natural lake at Estaing is “only” 6 metres deep, perfect for swimming or fishing, for example.
If you’d like to get up high and enjoy a breathtaking view of the lake and its surroundings, climbing is one of the activities practised by visitors to this magnificent spot.
Lac d’Estaing is the perfect place to recharge your batteries in a peaceful setting! Also nearby is the Lac du Pourtet in the commune of Estaing.
14. Lac de la Glère
If you’re in the Hautes-Pyrénées, Lac de la Glère is well worth a visit! Whether you want to explore with a taste of adventure or simply relax, the lake is ideal for enjoying nature.
Hiking enthusiasts will love the 2-hour “Piste de la Glère” trail.
For those wishing to enjoy the setting for several days, there is a refuge above Lac de la Glère at an altitude of 2,184 metres.
15. Lac de Montbel
Lac de Montbel is a veritable jewel of a landscape. Its mountain setting is a haven of secluded coolness.
Created to irrigate the surrounding farmers’ fields, the 60 million m3 of azure-coloured water is now a delight for swimmers, anglers, hikers and sports enthusiasts of all levels.
A supervised beach has been set up on the Léran side of the lake, providing an unbeatable view of the Massif de Tabe, Pic du Soularac and Saint Barthélemy.
On the Montbel side, an inflatable play area is available, sure to bring joy to children’s hearts.
16. Lake Oô
A marvel situated about 1h30 from Toulouse!
Famous for its 275-metre-high waterfall, Lac d’Oô is a natural wonder perched at an altitude of 1,507 metres in the Haute-Garonne. To discover it, you’ll need good shoes, although the hike is simple (1-hour walk from the Astau barns) and accessible to adults and children alike.
After the effort, it’s time for comfort with a magical view of the peaks of Haute-Garonne, while enjoying the cool waters of the Lac d’Oô in Occitanie during the summer months.
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