Estany de Roset

Estany de Roset is a small glacial lake in the French Eastern Pyrenees, administratively part of the commune of Angoustrine-Villeneuve-des-Escaldes in the Pyrénées-Orientales department. The Catalan word "estany" simply means lake, and the name also turns up in French sources as Rouzet or Rosset, reflecting the bilingual character of the Cerdagne (Cerdanya) region. Sitting at roughly 2,247 metres above sea level and covering about 3 hectares, it is a modest but genuine example of the small alpine lakes carved out by glaciers across this stretch of the Pyrenees.

Where exactly is the lake?

Estany de Roset lies in the upper Carol valley, in a stark, rocky high-mountain landscape typical of upper Cerdagne. It sits just above the much larger Étang de Lanoux, and the surrounding skyline includes Puig de Lanós (2,660 m), Puig Carlit (2,921 m, the highest summit in the area) and Puig Castell Isard. Although the lake falls within the administrative boundaries of Angoustrine-Villeneuve-des-Escaldes, it is physically closer to the village of Porté-Puymorens — a common arrangement in this part of the Pyrenees, where communal territories often stretch far into distant highland pastures.

How do you get there?

The usual starting point is along the road to Puymorens, near Porté-Puymorens (1,684 m). From there, hikers follow the "route des lacs" for about 3.6 km to a parking area near the small Passet pond. A footpath continues from the car park to the lake itself, and reaching it typically takes somewhere between two and a half and three hours on foot, depending on fitness and trail conditions. The route gains significant elevation, so proper hiking boots, enough water, and a check of the weather forecast are essential — conditions above 2,000 metres in the Pyrenees can shift quickly even in summer.

What is there to do at the lake?

Estany de Roset mainly draws hikers looking for quiet, away from the busier trails of Cerdagne, along with anglers — the lake holds brown trout (fario). The surroundings are rugged and largely mineral: rock, scree, and sparse high-altitude vegetation above the tree line. There is no tourist infrastructure at the site, which suits visitors seeking a genuine wilderness experience but also means self-sufficiency and hiking experience are necessary.

FAQ

Can you swim in Estany de Roset? Nothing in the available sources points to an organised swimming area — this is a small, high-altitude lake without beach facilities, visited mainly by hikers and anglers.

How long does it take to reach the lake? From the parking area near the Puymorens road, count on roughly two and a half to three hours of walking one way.

Are there fish in the lake? Yes, Estany de Roset holds brown trout (fario), making it a destination for anglers exploring the Cerdagne area.

How was the lake formed? Estany de Roset is a glacial lake — its basin was carved out by a glacier that retreated from this part of the Pyrenees after the last ice age.

Is it close to other lakes? Yes, the much larger Étang de Lanoux lies directly below it, one of the best-known high-altitude lakes in this part of the Pyrenees.