Top 20 Lakes around Aragnouet

For easy access, Lake Orédon is highly accessible with a car park directly on its banks. While popular, its fjord-like appearance and surrounding mountains are impressive. Lac de Cap-de-Long also has a large parking lot at the end of the challenging D929 road, offering breathtaking views on the drive up.

Yes, the area offers several options suitable for families. Lac d'Aubert and Lac d'Aumar within the Néouvielle Nature Reserve are praised for their natural beauty and offer opportunities for family-friendly hikes. The area around Lac de la Soula is also an ideal base for family walks, with chances to observe local fauna and flora.

The lakes boast diverse natural beauty. Lake Orédon is known for its fjord-like appearance with mountains plunging steeply into its waters. Lac de Cap-de-Long offers rugged, rock-strewn landscapes and a dramatic backdrop. Lac d'Aubert and Lac d'Aumar are famous for their reflective surfaces mirroring the surrounding peaks. Lac de Barroude is set within a spectacular glacial cirque, dominated by the imposing Barroude wall, creating a 'mineral cathedral' effect. Les Laquettes, a series of small ponds, is often compared to the scenery of Canada.

The region is a hiker's paradise. Lake Orédon serves as a popular starting point for various hikes to other nearby lakes like Les Laquettes, Lac d'Aubert, and Lac d'Aumar. The GR 10 long-distance hiking trail follows the eastern shore of Lac d'Aubert. For more challenging routes, Lac de Barroude attracts hikers seeking peace amidst dramatic walls of peaks, and Lac de la Soula is a starting point for ascents of nearby 3,000-meter peaks. You can find many routes, including 'The Néouvielle lakes via Col d'Estoudou' and 'Aubert and Aumar lakes', in our dedicated Hiking around Aragnouet guide.

The high-altitude lakes in the Aragnouet region are generally best visited during the summer months and early autumn. This is when the roads to higher elevations are typically open, and the snow has melted, allowing for full access to hiking trails and scenic viewpoints. During peak summer, some areas like Lac d'Aubert and Lac d'Aumar may have restricted vehicle access, with shuttle services available from Lac d'Orédon.

Fishing is a popular activity in several lakes, including Lac de Barroude and Lac de la Soula. However, wild swimming is not permitted in the lower lake at Lac d'Orédon due to the presence of protected aquatic plant species. Always check local regulations for specific lakes regarding swimming and fishing permits.

For a more serene experience, Lac de Barroude is known for its tranquil shores, attracting hikers seeking charm and peace amidst a grandiose and austere landscape. While Lake Orédon can be crowded in high season due to its accessibility, other lakes further into the mountains tend to be quieter.

The challenging climb to Lac de Cap-de-Long via the D929 (Route des Lacs) is a popular destination for cyclists. You can explore routes like 'Route to Lac d'Orédon – Saint-Lary-Soulan loop from Piau Engaly' in our Cycling around Aragnouet guide for more options.

Bivouacking is permitted at Lac de Barroude, specifically from 7 PM to 9 AM. However, within the Néouvielle Nature Reserve, such as around Lake Aumar, camping for the night is generally not allowed due to reserve regulations. Always check specific rules for each location.

The lakes within the Néouvielle Nature Reserve, including Lac d'Orédon, Lac d'Aubert, Lac d'Aumar, and Les Laquettes, are renowned for their stunning natural beauty, diverse flora, and wildlife. The area features a unique landscape of pine trees, fine rocky ridges, and crystal-clear waters, making it a paradise for photographers and nature lovers. Access to some lakes is managed by a shuttle service during peak season to preserve their pristine environment.

Yes, there are options for breaks and overnight stays. Near Lake Orédon, you'll find a refuge/bar and a bivouac area. The Coubous cabin near Lac Dets Coubous is an open and unguarded refuge, suitable for 4-5 people. Additionally, the Refuge de la Soula is located near Lac de la Soula, serving as a base for exploring the surrounding area.