Top 5 Lakes around Montaillou

The region around Montaillou in the Ariège department offers a diverse range of lakes. You'll find artificial reservoirs like Lac de Montbel, high-altitude dam lakes such as Lac de Naguille, and serene mountain ponds like those in the Rabassoles area, including the Rabassoles pond, Blue pond, and Black pond. Each offers a unique natural setting.

For swimming and a variety of water sports, Lac de Montbel is an excellent choice. It features designated swimming beaches with lifeguards during July and August. You can also enjoy canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, pedal boating, electric boating, and sailboarding there.

Yes, there are numerous hiking opportunities. Lac de Montbel offers a 16-kilometer marked hiking trail with panoramic views of the Pyrenees. For a more immersive mountain experience, Lac de Naguille in the Orlu valley is a key highlight for treks, with paths leading to neighboring smaller lakes like the En Beys and Peyrisses ponds. You can find more hiking options in the region by visiting our Hiking around Montaillou guide.

Lake Campauleil is an ideal spot for relaxation or enjoying a picnic with family or friends. Its easy accessibility makes it a popular choice. Lac de Montbel also offers plenty of space for families to relax by the water.

Absolutely. The region is home to several stunning high-altitude lakes. Lac de Naguille is situated at 1,855 meters within the Orlu national reserve, offering a wild mountain landscape. Lac de Comte, at 1,720 meters, is another beautiful high-altitude lake nestled in a green valley.

The lakes are set against diverse natural backdrops. Lac de Montbel boasts turquoise waters, islands, and abundant flora and fauna, with the Cathar Pyrenees as a backdrop. Around Lac de Naguille, you'll find thick forests, torrents, waterfalls, meadows, and mineral peaks, with opportunities to observe wildlife like marmots and chamois. The Rabassoles ponds are known for their striking appearance against granite cliffs.

Lac de Naguille is known to feature in local tales and legends, adding a layer of historical intrigue to its dramatic natural setting. Lake Campauleil itself has existed since 1941, following the construction of a dam.

The area offers breathtaking viewpoints. Don't miss the Viewpoints over the Rabassoles ponds, where the ponds shine against granite cliffs. Another must-see is the View of Étang Bleu, offering a sight of bright blue waters nestled among rugged Pyrenean peaks.

Yes, the region around Montaillou offers mountain biking trails that can be combined with visits to the lakes. You can explore various routes, including those around the Col des Sept Frères or towards Montaillou Castle. For detailed routes, check out our MTB Trails around Montaillou guide.

The summer months, particularly July and August, are ideal for visiting lakes like Lac de Montbel, as lifeguards are on duty for swimming. For hiking and enjoying the high-altitude lakes like Lac de Naguille and Lac de Comte, late spring to early autumn generally offers the most favorable weather conditions.

Yes, fishing is a popular activity at some of the lakes. Lake Campauleil is considered a small paradise for fishermen. Lac de Montbel is also a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts.

Near Lac de Naguille, the En Beys refuge offers accommodation and catering for those wishing to extend their stay and further explore the wild mountain landscape of the Orlu valley.