Top 20 Lakes around Ax-Les-Thermes
Best lakes around Ax-Les-Thermes are situated in the Pyrenees Ariégeoises, a region characterized by its mountainous terrain and numerous water bodies. The area offers a diverse natural landscape, featuring high-altitude lakes, dam lakes, and natural ponds. These lakes are often nestled within valleys, providing varied environments for outdoor activities. The region is known for its opportunities for hiking and exploring the natural environment.
Best lakes around Ax-Les-Thermes
- The most popular lakes is Juclà Refuge, a hut and viewpoint near a lake that offers accommodation for up to 43 people, serving as a resting point on the HRP. It also features a freely accessible shelter for up to 6 people.
- Another must-see spot is En Beys Refuge, a refuge overlooking ponds at 1,970 meters altitude in the Orlu national reserve. It offers 70 beds in high season and is an ideal place to observe the surrounding natural landscape.
- Visitors also love Lake Campauleil, a dam lake that has existed since 1941, culminating at 814 meters above sea level. It is easily accessible and provides a location for relaxation or picnics.
- Ax-Les-Thermes is known for its dam lakes, natural ponds, and high-altitude lakes. The region offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, from those with facilities to more remote natural settings.
- The lakes around Ax-Les-Thermes are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 60 upvotes and over 50 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
Juclà Refuge
Highlight • Mountain Hut
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En Beys Refuge
Highlight • Restaurant
In a warm and family setting, the refuge guardians offer 70 beds in high season as well as a complete catering offer. In winter, 15 places remain freely accessible, accessible through the window at the top of the ladder which fits on one of the walls of the building.
The refuge is an ideal place to observe the burning of the granite walls of the Pics Rouges at sunset, or the galloping chamois in the snowfields in the early morning. If you wish to extend your stay for one night, do not hesitate to contact the refuge on 05 61 64 24 24 to find out about opening dates and bed availability.
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Cabana Sorda Lake
Highlight • Lake
Tour to the highlight: komoot.de/tour/340805299?ref=itd
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Lake Campauleil
Highlight • Lake
Easily accessible, the lake becomes an ideal place to relax or enjoy a good picnic with family or friends.
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Comte Lake
Highlight • Lake
In the heart of a green valley, the lake is like a diamond stranded in a green setting. Like its neighboring bodies of water, it is also an ideal resting place, both for animals in the summer pastures and for walkers on a stroll.
If the summer is hot, dip your hands in it to cool off. Be careful to filter the water if you want to drink it: despite its sometimes crystalline colors, the presence of cattle brings bacteria that are not very appreciable for your stomach.
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Tips from the Community
wonderful place for an extensive break when we visited, there were horses grazing with foals up there. Soooo cute.
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We were very well received! Possibility to pitch a tent, WC available outside and hot shower at 3 euros for 4 minutes ;) you can also book to sleep inside and eat :)
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Pure relaxation at 2,300m altitude.
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Very nice people and an excellent chocolate cake. Just the thing after a tough climb. The refuge is also often used by hikers as an overnight accommodation.
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The refuge feels more primative and simple than other staffed refuges along the Coronallacs trail around Andorra. The staff have curated a great space and as a solo traveller I had some great conversations with like minded people from all over Europe here. Luckily I was in a 9-bed dorm with only 2 other hikers so it wasn't too busy. The refuge is cash only and has no Wifi (although I did get sufficient mobile data signal here). It was 3 or 4 Euros for a shower token. Dinner was pasta bake followed by sausage, rice and green beans and half a tinned peach for dessert.
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The lake is at 2296m next to an unmanned shelter. It is the smallest lake in Andorra with a hydraulic dam. This was built between 1935 and 1936.
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If you want to stay overnight here, you should arrive at the Refugi as early as possible, otherwise the best places will be taken. The bunk beds all have 3 floors and in some rooms there is very little space up to the ceiling (sometimes further restricted by the steel beams of the roof structure). Also good to know: some fishermen from the area are regular guests here and permanently occupy beds in some rooms, often together with their dogs; If you're unlucky (we've been told of nights with up to 5 dogs in the room) it can get quite stuffy/musty in the rooms, which are quite small. Apart from the room situation, the refuge is very nicely located and if you want, you can take a swim around the lake (be careful, it's cold, but in doubt it's also an alternative to the paid shower).
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best lakes for easy walks and family picnics near Ax-Les-Thermes?
For an easily accessible spot perfect for relaxation and picnics with family or friends, consider Lake Campauleil. It's a dam lake at 814 meters above sea level, known for its beautiful site.
Are there any lakes with facilities or accommodation for hikers?
Yes, several lakes offer facilities. Juclà Refuge is a hut near a lake that provides accommodation for up to 43 people, with a freely accessible shelter for 6. Another option is En Beys Refuge, which overlooks ponds at 1,970 meters, offering 70 beds in high season and a complete catering service. It's an ideal place to observe the natural landscape.
What kind of hiking trails can I find around the lakes near Ax-Les-Thermes?
The region offers a variety of hiking trails, from moderate to difficult. You can explore routes like the 'Vallée d'Orgeix – Turbine centrale du Teich loop' or the 'Fontargente Ponds loop' for moderate challenges. For more difficult hikes, consider the 'Hospitalet near Andorra loop' or the 'Étang de Comte – L'Estagnol loop'. You can find more details and routes in the Mountain Hikes around Ax-Les-Thermes guide.
Can I go wild swimming in the lakes around Ax-Les-Thermes?
While many lakes are beautiful, it's important to be aware of conditions. For example, at Comte Lake, while you can cool off, the presence of cattle means you should filter the water if you intend to drink it. Always check local regulations and conditions before wild swimming.
What is the best time to visit the lakes for hiking?
The guarded refuges, such as En Beys Refuge, are typically open from the last weekend of May to the last weekend of September, suggesting that late spring through early autumn is the prime season for hiking and enjoying the lakes when facilities are fully operational and weather conditions are generally favorable.
Are there any lakes with historical or legendary significance?
Yes, Naguille Lake, a large dam lake supplying hydroelectric power, is steeped in local tales and legends. Ariégeois folklore says it was formed from the meeting of a blacksmith and a forest beast.
What other outdoor activities are available near the lakes?
Beyond hiking, the area around Ax-Les-Thermes offers excellent opportunities for cycling. You can find various routes for gravel biking and road cycling, including challenging loops over mountain passes like Pailhères Pass and Col du Chioula.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around the high-altitude lakes?
The high-altitude areas, particularly around refuges like En Beys Refuge in the Orlu national reserve, are ideal for observing wildlife. Visitors have reported seeing chamois galloping in the snowfields in the early morning, and the area is known for its diverse natural landscape.
Are there any cafes or restaurants directly at the lakes?
While not a traditional cafe, En Beys Refuge offers a complete catering service in a warm setting, making it a great spot for a meal or refreshment overlooking the ponds. Juclà Refuge also provides food and accommodation.
What is the altitude of the lakes around Ax-Les-Thermes?
The lakes vary significantly in altitude. For instance, Lake Campauleil is at 814 meters, Comte Lake is at 1,720 meters, and En Beys Refuge overlooks ponds at 1,970 meters. Naguille Lake is one of the highest at 1,855 meters.
Are there any circular walks around the lakes?
While specific circular walks around individual lakes are not detailed, many hiking routes in the region are loops that incorporate lake views. For example, the 'Fontargente Ponds loop' is a moderate hike that takes you past several ponds. You can find more loop routes in the Mountain Hikes around Ax-Les-Thermes guide.
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