The lakes of the Pyrénées-Orientales, there's more than just the Mediterranean to swim in

Published on August 9, 2024 at 4:00 pm

Warm sand, salt water and waves crashing on the beach - it's the perfect combination for a successful seaside holiday. But it's rare to be able to enjoy such an environment in a small group. The postcard quickly turns into a mission impossible to find a small place to lay your towel. To make sure this scenario doesn't happen, there's a solution: lakes. They offer an ideal setting for swimming and a host of water sports activities, all set in an enchanting landscape. So rather than rushing to the Mediterranean beaches of the Pyrénées-Orientales, turning to the lakes, which are often less well-known and therefore less popular, is the ideal solution!

Summary

Around fifty lakes in the Pyrénées-Orientales alone
5 lakes not to be missed in the Pyrénées-Orientales

Around fifty lakes in the Pyrénées-Orientales alone

It may seem like a lot, but lakes and ponds, just like the Mediterranean, are part of the natural landscape of the Pyrénées-Orientales. They are even an important part of the department's identity. Whether mountain lakes in the Pyrenees, the plains of Languedoc or the Capcir valley, they are all unique and of unparalleled beauty.

Les pics jumeaux, photographiés depuis l’étang de Llosa dans les Pyrénées-Orientales

5 lakes not to be missed in the Pyrénées-Orientales

👉 Lake Bouillouses

This 149-hectare man-made lake is popular with locals and tourists alike, not least for its lunar setting and the many hiking trails that wind around the site.

Le lac des Bouillouses, un jour de grand beau temps

Booking.com

Cal Xandera

An authentic inn full of charm for a stay in the countryside.

9 Superb

From

£103 / night

Book

👉 The pond at Canet-en-Roussillon

Although not strictly speaking a lake, since its surface area and depth are less than those of a lake, the étang de Canet-en-Roussillon, also known by the diminutive name of "le lac du Canet", richly deserves its place among the most beautiful stretches of water in the Pyrénées-Orientales, so important is its tourist and natural interest.

L'étang du Canet-en-Roussillon au coucher du soleil

👉 Lake Matemal

Although it takes its source from a river in the Aude, this mountain lake is actually in the Pyrénées-Orientales. Situated at an altitude of around 1,500 metres, this lake is a perfect combination of sumptuous scenery and water-based activities for all the family, with a leisure area where holidaymakers can hire mountain bikes, go swimming, enjoy inflatable games and hire pedalos, windsurfing boards or catamarans.

Le lac de Matemal, encore partiellement enneigé

Booking.com

Auberge La Prairie

Cosy hostel with a spa to relax in after a hike to Lac de Matemal.

7.9 Fine

From

£138 / night

Book

👉 The lake at Villeneuve-de-la-Raho

Initially used to meet the water needs of agricultural production in the Pyrénées-Orientales and the wider Occitanie region, the lake quickly became a summer playground, thanks to its leisure facilities and charming surroundings. A pine forest has been planted, and as well as swimming, jogging and a fitness trail are often practised and enjoyed around the lake.

Le lac de Villeneuve-de-la-Raho, au pied des Pyrénées et du Canigou

👉 Lake Vinça

Although man-made, the Lac de Vinça is no less magnificent. Straddling three communes: Vinça, Marquixanes, Arboussols and Rodès, it offers a panoramic view of the Roussillon plains. During the summer months, holidaymakers can enjoy a safe swimming area, inflatable games and an equipped beach.