Lac de Bareilles

Lac de Bareilles is a mountain lake set within the commune of Bordères-Louron, in the Hautes-Pyrénées department of southern France. It sits at roughly 1,760 metres above sea level, within the Louron valley, one of the side valleys branching off the wider Aure valley in the central French Pyrenees. Depending on which slope you approach it from, the lake is sometimes referred to under a second name, Lac de Bordères.

How big is the lake and what surrounds it

This is not a large body of water — the surface covers around 6.5 hectares, while the bottom drops to a depth of nearly 18 metres. The setting is classic high-Pyrenean terrain: rocky slopes, open pastureland, and clear sightlines toward the surrounding summits. Peaks visible from the shore include Jambet (2,121 m), Montious (2,171 m), and Pic du Lion (2,102 m), all popular add-on objectives for hikers who want to turn a lake visit into a longer day out. The area around the water falls within a regional nature reserve covering the Montious massif, which helps explain why the landscape here has stayed largely undisturbed.

Getting to the lake on foot

The most straightforward approach starts in the village of Bareilles, from where the walk to the shoreline takes about 30 minutes. The path climbs gently, passing through wooded sections before opening onto the rocky basin that holds the lake, and it is manageable for most visitors, including older children. A longer, more demanding option begins on the opposite side of the ridge, near Bourg d'Oueil in the neighbouring Haute-Garonne department; that route is sometimes combined with a crossing of nearby mountain passes and calls for a solid level of fitness.

Best time to visit

The trail is generally in good condition from June through October. Outside that window, snow cover at elevations above 1,700 metres can make the approach difficult or impassable. Summer offers the most comfortable conditions, with green pastures and daytime temperatures suited to a relaxed walk without heavy gear. Autumn brings a different mood to the slopes as the vegetation changes colour, though mornings turn colder and daylight hours shorten.

Who should plan a visit

Given the moderate walking time and limited elevation gain from Bareilles, the lake works well as a family day trip or as a short outing built into a longer stay in the Louron valley. Visitors looking for more than a lakeside view can use the surrounding peaks to extend the day by several hours and reach wider panoramas over the mountain group.

FAQ

What is the altitude of Lac de Bareilles? The lake lies at approximately 1,760 metres above sea level, within the Louron valley.

How long does it take to walk to the lake? From the village of Bareilles, reaching the shore takes around 30 minutes on foot.

Is this a suitable hike for families? Yes — the route from Bareilles is relatively short and not technically demanding, though it does climb uphill throughout.

When is the best time of year to go? The period from June to October offers the most reliable trail conditions, with the path generally clear of snow.

Can the hike be extended to a summit? Yes, nearby peaks such as Jambet, Montious, and Pic du Lion are popular extensions for more experienced hikers.