Top 7 Lakes around Arreau

For families and those seeking easy walks, Lake Génos-Loudenvielle is highly recommended. It's very accessible, located in the heart of the Louron valley, and offers a superb walk around the lake with playgrounds. Another excellent option is Lac de Payolle, where the tour around the lake is considered an easy and pleasant walk.

Yes, the Néouvielle Nature Reserve is home to several magnificent high-altitude lakes. Lac d'Aubert, at 2,148 meters, is known for its emerald-tinted waters and reflections of surrounding peaks like Pic de Néouvielle. Just above it, Lac d'Aumar (2,192 meters) offers pure waters and panoramic views of the Néouvielle massif. Both provide breathtaking alpine scenery.

The lakes around Arreau offer a wide range of outdoor activities. You can enjoy various hiking trails, from easy strolls around lakes like Génos-Loudenvielle to more challenging mountain hikes in areas like the Néouvielle Nature Reserve. For cyclists, there are also challenging road cycling routes, such as the one leading to Lac de Cap-de-Long. Lac de Génos-Loudenvielle specifically offers mountain biking, paddleboarding, kayaking, and climbing.

Lac d'Orédon, situated at 1,849 meters within the Néouvielle Nature Reserve, is an excellent starting point for numerous hikes. From here, you can access other lakes such as Les Laquettes, Lac d'Aubert, and Lac de Cap de Long. Its easy accessibility with a car park makes it a convenient base for exploring the higher reaches of the reserve.

Yes, Lac d'Orédon is notable for being one of the first lakes in the Pyrenees to be developed, with a dike and sluices built as early as the 17th century. Additionally, Lac de Cap-de-Long features an impressive 100-meter-high dam, making it the largest reservoir in the French Pyrenees and a significant engineering feat.

The Refuge de Campana de Cloutou, located at 2,225 meters in the Néouvielle Nature Reserve, borders a lake of the same name and offers 36 beds. It's an ideal spot for overnight stays and provides expert advice on local hikes. There's also a nearby bivouac area for tents.

The best time to visit the high-mountain lakes, especially those in the Néouvielle Nature Reserve, is typically from late spring to early autumn (June to September) when the snow has melted, and trails are accessible. Lower-altitude lakes like Lac de Génos-Loudenvielle and Lac de Payolle can be enjoyed earlier in spring and later into autumn, though Lac de Payolle freezes completely in winter.

For a challenging and wild experience, consider the Lacs de Barroude. Located at over 2,300 meters within the Pyrenees National Park, these lakes are set in a spectacular glacial cirque beneath the towering 'Muraille de Barroude.' The hike to these lakes is rewarding, offering stunning reflections and a chance to spot wildlife like Isards.

Lake Génos-Loudenvielle is a vibrant hub for leisure activities. Besides walking and mountain biking, you can enjoy boating, paddleboarding, kayaking, and even climbing with an instructor. The nearby Balnéa thermoludic center also offers relaxation using sulfurous hot springs, and there's an Aquaparc for water-based fun.

The drive to Lac de Cap-de-Long along the D929, also known as the 'Route des Lacs,' is an experience in itself. It's one of the highest paved roads in the French Pyrenees, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and featuring a series of challenging hairpin turns. The lake itself provides a spectacular sight at the end of the road.

Yes, the Agos Leisure Center is a well-appointed site offering a skatepark, children's games, and a pumptrack course, making it a great spot for recreational activities near the lakes.