Top 20 Lakes around Bagnères-De-Bigorre

The region around Bagnères-De-Bigorre offers a diverse range of lakes, including high-altitude glacial formations, dam lakes, and groups of smaller ponds and pools. You'll find everything from the intensely blue Lac Bleu to the fjord-like Lake Orédon and the artificial Lac d'Aubert.

While swimming is prohibited in some high-altitude lakes like Lac Bleu, several lakes in the broader vicinity offer good water quality for swimming. These include Barrage de la Gimone, Lac de Lupiac, Plage de Geu, Lourdes Plage, Baignade Aménagée de Montréjeau, Lac de Génos Loudenvielle, Lac de Baudreix, Lac du Magnoac, and Lac Plage de Miélan. Barrage de la Gimone and Lac de Baudreix are noted for very good water quality.

Many lakes are popular hiking destinations. For example, Lac Bleu is a popular spot, requiring about a 2.5-hour hike from Chiroulet. Lac d'Ourrec, at 1968 meters, also offers a pristine mountainous environment ideal for hiking. You can also find trails leading to Lake Aumar and Lac d'Aubert.

Accessing Lac Bleu typically requires a hike of approximately 2.5 hours, starting from the hamlet of Chiroulet. A good physical condition is recommended for this route.

While many high-altitude lakes require more strenuous hikes, Lake Orédon is noted for its accessibility due to a car park on its banks, making it a more family-friendly option for enjoying the lake scenery. The area around Les Laquettes, with its groups of small ponds, also offers a unique landscape that can be explored.

For some lakes, like Lake Orédon, there is a car park directly on its banks, making it very accessible. For other lakes, such as Lac Bleu, you would typically park at a starting point like the hamlet of Chiroulet and then hike to the lake.

The lakes provide excellent starting points for various outdoor activities. You can find challenging mountain hikes, such as the Néouvielle Peak loop or the Gourg de Cap de Long – Pic de Campbieil loop, which often pass by several lakes. There are also MTB trails like the Col d'Aspin – Lac de Payolle loop, and road cycling routes that traverse the stunning Pyrenean landscape. Explore more options on the Mountain Hikes, MTB Trails, and Road Cycling Routes guides for the region.

Yes, some lakes offer facilities. For instance, near Lake Orédon, you can find a refuge/bar and a bivouac area, which is convenient for a break or an overnight stay. The Refuge de Campana de Cloutou is also located near lakes and offers accommodation and dining options.

Many lakes boast breathtaking scenery. Lake Aumar, adjoining Lac d'Aubert, offers a superb view highlighting the peaks of Néouvielle and Ramougn. Middle Bastan Lake, part of the Bastan lakes, is considered one of the most beautiful dream landscapes in the Pyrenees with its green and rocky surroundings and islets of century-old pines.

Les Laquettes are unique for being groups of small ponds and pools, irrigated by winter snow and overflow from surrounding lakes. These wetlands offer a distinct and beautiful landscape, often compared to parts of Canada, though they can dry up in summer.

The best time to visit depends on your desired activity. Summer and early autumn generally offer the most favorable weather for hiking and enjoying the lakes, with warmer temperatures. However, some wetlands like Les Laquettes may dry up in summer. For specific high-altitude lakes, checking conditions for snowmelt and accessibility is advisable.

While popular spots like Lake Orédon can get crowded in high season due to its accessibility, exploring other lakes like Lake Oule, Lake Cap-de-Long, or Lake of Port Bielh, which might require more effort to reach, can offer a more tranquil and less crowded experience.