Top 5 Lakes around Aureille

Near Aureille, you can find a variety of lakes, including serene natural monuments, former quarry lakes with striking colors, and even some spots suitable for water sports. The region offers options for different interests, from tranquil natural settings to more active recreational areas.

Yes, Lake Peïroou is a notable historical lake. It's an artificial lake formed by a dam built in 1891 to supply water to the fountains of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and the ancient town of Glanum. Its name, 'Peïroou,' refers to natural rock cavities, adding to its historical charm.

The Blue Lagoon of Maussane (also known as Carrière du Mas Rouge) is famous for its striking turquoise blue water, a result of it being a flooded bauxite quarry. Additionally, Lac de Saint-Rémy is appreciated for its impressive water color, making it a special viewpoint.

While some lakes are beautiful to visit, swimming is generally restricted in sensitive natural areas. For instance, swimming is forbidden at Lake Peïroou to protect its delicate ecosystem. However, there is a designated Water sports lake where activities like waterskiing are possible, suggesting it's more suitable for water recreation.

Absolutely. The Alpilles region is excellent for hiking. The GR6 hiking trail passes by Lake Peïroou, offering a scenic walk. The Blue Lagoon of Maussane is also a popular stop on various hiking routes. You can find many routes, including moderate and difficult options, in the Hiking around Aureille guide.

Beyond hiking, the area around Aureille's lakes offers opportunities for cycling and gravel biking. You can explore various routes, from moderate to difficult, that pass through the beautiful Alpilles landscape. Check out the Cycling around Aureille guide and the Gravel biking around Aureille guide for detailed routes.

Access varies by lake. While Lake Peïroou is accessible by car, motor vehicle access to the lake and its surrounding road is often restricted, especially from April to September, due to its sensitive nature and fire risk. It's always best to check local regulations before planning your visit.

The Alpilles region is beautiful year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and exploring, with vibrant flora or rich autumnal colors. Summer can be hot, and vehicle access to some areas might be restricted due to fire risk. Winter provides a quieter experience, though some facilities might have reduced hours.

Many areas around the lakes are family-friendly, especially for walks and enjoying nature. Lake Peïroou is listed as family-friendly, offering a beautiful natural setting for a day out. Always check the difficulty of specific trails if planning a hike with children.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural landscapes and the unique beauty of the lakes. The 'fantastic landscape all around' Lake Peïroou is often highlighted, as is the 'impressive color of the water' at Lac de Saint-Rémy and the 'striking turquoise blue water' of the Blue Lagoon of Maussane. The serene environment and photographic opportunities are also highly valued.

When visiting, be mindful of local regulations, especially regarding swimming and vehicle access, which can be restricted in sensitive areas like Lake Peïroou. For fishing at Lake Peïroou, a special fishing card is required. Always respect the natural environment and be aware of potential hazards, such as the 30m high edge at Lac de Saint-Rémy which lacks protection.