Autumn walk around Lake Payolle

Campan
Sport

While waiting to hit the slopes and enjoy delicious hot chocolate by the fire, the Pyrenees unveil a sublime palette of autumnal colors, much to the delight of hiking enthusiasts. Among its mountains, lakes, and forested massifs, this season offers a fresh perspective on landscapes, displaying shades of orange in a thousand and one nuances. At the foot of the Col d'Aspin and the Pic du Midi de Bigorre, the Payolle plateau boasts magnificent mountain scenery around its lake, streams, and breathtaking views of a forest of imposing fir trees and verdant pastures. It's the perfect place to succumb to the magic of autumn and breathe in the fresh mountain air during an invigorating walk with friends!

Discover Lake Payolle

Like many hikers who visit the Pyrenees, autumn is my favorite season for admiring the colorful forests, the skies filled with fluffy clouds, and the endless mountain slopes. Passing through Arreau and seeking wide open spaces, we followed the advice of locals who recommended we explore the nearby Lake Payolle, nestled at the bottom of the Cirque de Payolle at the foot of the Col d'Aspin and the Hourquette d'Ancizan, perched at an altitude of 1,140 meters. Renowned for its breathtaking scenery, it is indeed a must-see natural heritage site in the central Pyrenees. It is popular with families, young people, athletes, and nature lovers of all ages!

Accessible by car and popular with both locals and tourists, this 10-hectare artificial lake can be explored via a circular walk of about an hour. Located in the heart of one of the most beautiful fir forests in the Pyrenees, dotted with vast grazed plateaus, this exceptional site is aptly nicknamed "Little Canada of the Pyrenees." Its lake is fed by the Sarraoute and Morère streams, which lend the place a bucolic atmosphere.

Stay 5km from Lake Payolle at the Auberge la Bergerie

A 2-star hotel, restaurant, and small boutique, the Auberge la Bergerie is the ideal place for a relaxing and gourmet break near Lake Payolle.

A comfortable hotel at an altitude of 980m

Over 200 years old, the house is charming with its mountain style, exposed beams, and large fireplace. Surrounded by the magnificent Pyrenees mountains, it offers 6 upstairs rooms for 1 to 6 people, each with a private bathroom. Wake up to a gourmet breakfast, while sandwiches and a picnic basket are available for lunch.

A restaurant serving local cuisine

Open only for dinner, the Auberge la Bergerie restaurant delights you with fresh, seasonal produce sourced locally, along with a small gourmet menu of homemade dishes. From appetizer platters to homemade garbure, to IGP duck leg confit from the Southwest, not to mention mountain delights (fromage blanc, blueberry, meringue), the recipes are delicious. The bar is open from 4 p.m. for snacks after a lovely stroll around Lake Payolle (3 p.m. in summer), and a small grocery store offers a selection of your favorite regional specialties.

A great idea: opt for the half-board option

A fantastic playground and adventure area

Upon arriving at Lake Payolle, the large parking area serves as the starting point for numerous marked hiking trails (towards Plo del Naou or Lake Arrou) and mountain biking routes. The short hike along the lake's perimeter trail winds through forested areas and meadows where dairy cows graze freely. Depending on your preferences and the season, this nature walk can be enjoyed on foot, by bicycle, on horseback, by dog sled, on cross-country skis, or on snowshoes. The terrain, suitable for all levels, allows families with young children to use strollers and fully enjoy a relaxing experience. The route invites you to pause several times to admire the majestic mountain peaks in the distance.

On the shores of the lake, tourist residences blend into the landscape, offering magnificent panoramas of the Arbizon massif, the Arcouade and the Pic du Midi.

In summer, the water sports center right in front of these small chalets offers various water activities : canoe, pedal boat, stand-up paddleboard and kayak rentals to discover the richness of its fauna and flora while respecting the particular environment of this mid-altitude forest pond.

Rent a canoe, pedal boat, paddleboard, or kayak at Aneto Sports during the summer season!

Fishermen's paradise

The lake is part of the tourist fishing trail, and access platforms allow everyone to fish from it. During your walk, you'll often encounter anglers trying to catch local species such as the dipper, the Pyrenean desman, or the brown trout. To fish for these species, you'll need a day permit for this stretch of the lake. Experienced anglers and beginners alike can purchase this mandatory permit at the various AAPPMA (fishing association) outlets in Campan (Grand Tarbes, Lourdes, Bagnères-de-Bigorre, Gerde, Campan, La Séoube, and Payolle).

Surprising encounters...

As you explore the Payolle plateau, you'll find evidence of intense pastoral activity, a tradition that makes the most of the environment and the animals while showing them immense respect. Even though the cows sometimes enjoy lounging in the children's play areas, getting too close to the animals remains dangerous. Be vigilant and take care not to disturb them!

Beautiful walk!

La Passeyade: a gourmet stopover in the heart of the Campan Valley

Ideally located to welcome mountain lovers, La Passeyade restaurant embodies Pyrenean authenticity and generosity in every dish.

The excellence of local produce on your plate

La Passeyade in Campan stands out for its culinary approach focused on quality and proximity. Working closely with local producers, the restaurant offers a short menu where freshness is the watchword. From the famous homemade garbure soup to daily specials prepared according to the day's catch, each recipe is an invitation to discover the flavours of the Bigorre region in a warm and unpretentious atmosphere.

An exceptional terrace facing the Pyrenean peaks

Beyond the food, La Passeyade offers a unique visual experience thanks to its panoramic terrace that can accommodate up to 120 guests. Facing the majesty of the Pic du Midi, guests enjoy a magnificent setting, whether for a break after a cycling climb or a relaxed family lunch. Open all year round, the restaurant also hosts themed evenings and convivial events, confirming its role as an essential venue for locals and visitors alike.