Autumn walk around Lake Payolle

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.

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.

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!

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