Top 10 Lakes around Pau
Best lakes around Pau are found in southwestern France, a region characterized by its natural landscapes and proximity to the Pyrenees mountains. The area surrounding Pau features several lakes that provide opportunities for outdoor activities and appreciating the local environment. These bodies of water offer varied scenery for visitors seeking natural spaces.
Best lakes around Pau
- The most popular lake is Matà Lakes (Matar Rice Fields), a lake that is an artificial wetland occupying approximately 91 hectares. This area,…
Last updated: May 6, 2026
Cortalet Pond
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Matà Lakes (Matar Rice Fields)
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Vilaüt Pond bird hide
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Can Comas Wetlands
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Delfià Ponds
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Tips from the Community
It’s a beautiful open area in the Parc. Grazing cattle and a few ruins give the plain character. The gravelroad is super smooth and accessible for all kind of bikes.
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A beautiful small gravel path perfect for gravelbiking. This gravel is super smooth. This path takes you away from the main road so you can enjoy the beauty of the natural park.
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Aiguamolls and ruins
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Please note, within the Parc Natural dels Aiguamolls de l'Empordà, bicycles are not allowed. However, it seems that the practice is tolerated out of season and outside busy periods. While respecting the calm of the reserve.
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"Slow down and quietly approach the pond at the end of the trail. It won't be long before you start seeing birds you've never seen before, and hopefully, maybe some more surprises. In my case, the surprise was a beautiful one example of a feral cat. Due to the strong north wind, the cat had not seen me when I approached. However, when it noticed my presence, it chose to crouch down and blend in with its surroundings. I knew I had seen it, and the distance between us was of only 5 meters. The cat used a surprising tactic by moving its eyes in the direction I had come as if something was going to happen. When I turned my head in that direction, I gained a few precious seconds to disappear among the weeds. It was a memorable encounter with nature and a lesson on the cunning and adaptability of feral cats in their natural environment. Feral cats are domestic cats that return to a wild state due to the lack of interaction with humans. They often originate from abandoned or lost cats. They have a similar appearance to domestic cats and are good hunters. In some areas, they form feral colonies. Overpopulation can be a problem, and it is controlled by sterilization. The presence of feral cats raises public health concerns and can have a negative impact on the local fauna. Animal welfare organizations often work in programs for their management and care. The lake of Cortalet is a wetland with a surface area of about 146 hectares. It consists of the Cortalet lake itself and an additional plot located to the north, called Les Mollerusses, made up of some closes and also managed as a wetland, with a sheet of water during most of the year. Estany del Cortalet is a large artificial pond designed and built in old meadows adjacent to the Information Center of the Natural Park. Its main purpose is to facilitate the observation of birds for many of the Park's visitors, its ecological interest being basically ornithological. The most abundant community in the space is the reedbed.
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The Matà lakes (also known as Matar rice paddies) are a wet area of artificial origin that occupies an approximate area of 91 hectares. In the past, rice was cultivated on this surface. The space is currently flooded by pumping, trying to maintain optimal levels for the populations of waterfowl that frequent the space.
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Beautiful views of the Delfià pools or also known as Faiet pools. An amazing roadside find.
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A very nice corner, the small detour from the GR 92 is worthwhile. The free-range cow herd with calves and bulls on the wayside behaves peacefully.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of activities can I enjoy at the lakes near Pau?
The lakes around Pau offer a diverse range of activities. For water sports, Lac de Baudreix is excellent for stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming, and even features the Ô Kiri aquatic leisure center with slides. Lac Castet also provides kayak, boat, and bicycle rentals. For those who prefer land-based activities, many lakes offer pleasant walking and cycling paths, such as the two family-friendly routes around Lac Gabas. Birdwatching is a popular activity at wetlands like Vilaüt Pond bird hide and Cortalet Pond.
Are there family-friendly lakes around Pau?
Yes, several lakes near Pau are ideal for families. Lac de Baudreix is a great family destination with its aquatic leisure center, beach, and swimming opportunities. The Lac de Biron (Orthez-Biron Leisure Center) offers a fine sand beach, a children's playground, and safe swimming. Lac Gabas also features a children's playground and family-friendly walking routes. Komoot highlights like Matà Lakes (Matar Rice Fields), Delfià Ponds, and Cortalet Pond are also noted as family-friendly.
Where can I go hiking or walking near the lakes?
Many lakes offer excellent opportunities for hiking and walking. You can find shaded walking paths around Lac de Biron and refreshing walks by the water at Lac de Laroin. Lac Gabas provides two family-friendly walking routes, with a full loop taking approximately three hours. For more extensive hiking options, explore the various trails available in the region, including those found in the Hiking around Pau guide.
Which lakes are best for birdwatching?
The wetlands around Pau are particularly good for birdwatching. Vilaüt Pond bird hide is a dedicated observation station, highly suitable for birdwatchers. Cortalet Pond, an artificial wetland, is also designed to facilitate bird observation and is known for its abundant reedbed community and waterfowl populations. Matà Lakes (Matar Rice Fields), another artificial wetland, is managed to maintain optimal water levels for waterfowl.
Can I go swimming in the lakes near Pau?
Yes, swimming is permitted and safe at several lakes. Lac de Baudreix offers calm waters for swimming, along with a beach for sunbathing. The Lac de Biron (Orthez-Biron Leisure Center) also allows safe swimming and features a fine sand beach, making it a popular spot during warmer months.
Are there cycling routes around the lakes?
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. Lac Gabas offers routes suitable for cyclists, and the surroundings of Lac Castet are pleasant for cycling. For those who enjoy gravel biking, the path around Cortalet Pond is described as a beautiful, super smooth gravel path. You can also find more mountain biking options in the MTB Trails around Pau guide.
Which lakes offer water sports facilities?
Lac de Baudreix is a prime location for water sports, featuring stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking, and a water ski lift at the Ô Kiri aquatic leisure center. Lac Gabas also has a nautical base, and Lac Castet provides kayak and boat rentals, allowing visitors to enjoy the water in various ways.
Are there lakes with playgrounds or recreational centers?
Yes, for recreational activities, Lac de Baudreix hosts the Ô Kiri aquatic leisure center, which is packed with fun features like giant slides and a water jump. Lac de Biron (Orthez-Biron Leisure Center) boasts a playground for children and various sports facilities. Lac Gabas also includes a children's playground, making these excellent choices for a day out with kids.
What kind of natural landscapes can I expect to see?
The lakes around Pau are set within diverse natural landscapes. You'll find preserved environments like 'la saligue' at Lac de Baudreix, which consists of floodable banks rich in specific flora and fauna. Lac de Laroin is recognized for its specific wetland fauna and flora. Many lakes, such as Lac Gabas, offer stunning backdrops of the Pyrenees mountains. Wetlands like Cortalet Pond and Matà Lakes (Matar Rice Fields) are managed to support diverse ecosystems.
Are there lakes where I can fish?
Yes, fishing is an option at some of the lakes. Lac de Biron (Orthez-Biron Leisure Center) allows fishing with a permit. Lac Gabas is also known for having good fishing spots, set against the scenic backdrop of the Pyrenees mountains.
Which lakes are easily accessible from Pau?
Many lakes are conveniently located for a day trip from Pau. Lac de Baudreix is just about 15 minutes away. Lac de Laroin is also very close to Pau, offering easy access for refreshing walks. The Lac de Biron (Orthez-Biron Leisure Center) is situated between Orthez, Biron, and Castétis, making it accessible from the wider region.
What makes the Matà Lakes unique?
The Matà Lakes (Matar Rice Fields) are an artificial wetland covering approximately 91 hectares. Historically used for rice cultivation, this area is now managed to maintain optimal water levels, primarily to support and attract various waterfowl populations, making it a significant ecological site.
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