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Lakes and bodies of water in the Pyrénées-Orientales: the best alternatives to the beach

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When the Pyrénées-Orientales coastline fills up in summer, there is another way to enjoy the cool air and the department’s beautiful landscapes. The lakes of the Pyrénées-Orientales offer a variety of settings for a family day out, a romantic getaway or a nature break, with swimming, walks and water activities. Less than thirty minutes from Argelès-sur-Mer, Collioure and Perpignan, Vallespir is a wonderful gateway to several accessible bodies of water, where you can relax, enjoy a picnic or take part in a wide range of outdoor activities, offering plenty of experiences to enjoy.

Whether you are looking for a lake where you can swim in the Pyrénées-Orientales, a spot suitable for water sports or simply an alternative to the beach, this guide introduces you to the department’s main lakes and bodies of water, along with a few recommendations to help you plan your day.

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WHY CHOOSE A LAKE INSTEAD OF THE BEACH IN THE PYRÉNÉES-ORIENTALES?

The Pyrénées-Orientales boast an exceptional coastline, but during July and August, seaside resorts such as Argelès-sur-Mer, Canet-en-Roussillon and Saint-Cyprien can become very busy. For those looking to enjoy a quieter atmosphere, the lakes offer an excellent alternative.

In addition to often providing more pleasant temperatures thanks to their natural surroundings, these bodies of water offer a wide range of activities. You will find shaded areas, beautiful views, picnic areas, walking trails, leisure centres and sometimes even equipped beaches with supervised swimming. It is an ideal way to cool off in hot weather while discovering another side of the Pyrénées-Orientales.

Vallespir enjoys a privileged location, making it easy to access several of these sites. From Céret, Le Boulou or Maureillas-las-Illas, you can quickly reach different bodies of water while enjoying an area rich in heritage, gastronomy and outdoor activities.

Lakes also appeal thanks to their diversity. Some are perfectly suited to families with young children, thanks to their calm waters and leisure facilities. Others are more popular with hiking, paddleboarding or fishing enthusiasts. This variety means everyone can plan a day according to their preferences, without necessarily having to travel long distances.

SAINT-JEAN-PLA-DE-CORTS LAKES: THE GO-TO DESTINATION IN VALLESPIR

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St Jean Lac

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If you had to choose just one place to enjoy a day by the water in Vallespir, it would undoubtedly be the Saint-Jean-Pla-de-Corts lakes. Located just 10 minutes from Céret and around 25 minutes from Argelès-sur-Mer, these two bodies of water are among the must-see spots in the Pyrénées-Orientales for outdoor leisure activities. Easily accessible by car, they offer a green setting where everyone can enjoy a day at their own pace: swimming, water activities, walking, picnicking or simply relaxing by the water.

A swimming area for the whole family

During the summer season, the first lake has a developed beach with a supervised swimming area. The fresh water, shaded areas and gently sloping banks make it particularly popular with families with young children.

Around the lake, several areas allow visitors to settle down comfortably for a picnic or relax in the shade of the trees. Those who prefer to alternate swimming with a walk can also walk around the lake along a route accessible to most visitors.

For many holidaymakers, it is one of the best answers to the question: where can you swim in a lake in the Pyrénées-Orientales?

A wide range of water activities

The Saint-Jean-Pla-de-Corts lakes are also well known for the variety of leisure activities they offer. On the second lake, thrill-seekers can try water skiing, one of the site’s signature activities.

Depending on the season, it may also be possible to take part in or rent equipment for various water activities in the Pyrénées-Orientales, such as paddleboarding or kayaking (services to be checked according to opening periods). These activities offer another way to enjoy the lake while admiring the Vallespir landscape from the water.

Several other leisure facilities are located nearby, making it possible to spend an entire day on site without running out of things to do.

Much more than just a lake

What really sets Saint-Jean-Pla-de-Corts apart from the other bodies of water in the department is the concentration of activities available at the same site.

Visitors can enjoy:

  • a nearby tree-top adventure course;
  • walks around both lakes;
  • dedicated fishing areas;
  • picnic areas;
  • places to eat, depending on the season;
  • a natural setting ideal for relaxation.

This diversity makes the Saint-Jean-Pla-de-Corts lakes an ideal destination for all types of visitors: families with children, groups of friends, couples or anyone simply looking to enjoy a getaway by natural waters.

THE OTHER MOST BEAUTIFUL LAKES IN THE PYRÉNÉES-ORIENTALES

While the Saint-Jean-Pla-de-Corts lakes are an excellent option for a family day out in Vallespir, other bodies of water are also well worth a visit in the Pyrénées-Orientales. From mountain lakes to leisure centres, each one has its own atmosphere and activities.

Here is the list of lakes:

Lac des Bouillouses, in the heart of the Capcir landscapes

Located at an altitude of over 2,000 metres, Lac des Bouillouses is one of the most iconic natural sites in the Pyrénées-Orientales. Surrounded by forests and mountain peaks, it is the starting point for numerous hikes leading to the lakes of the Carlit massif. In summer, access is regulated in order to preserve this exceptional environment. The lake is a must-see destination for hiking enthusiasts, lovers of wide-open spaces and mountain landscapes, but swimming is not permitted.

Lac de Vinça, between swimming and leisure activities

To the west of the Roussillon plain, Lac de Vinça is popular for its sandy beach, swimming area and water activities during the season. Easily accessible by car, it is particularly popular with families thanks to its shaded areas, picnic spots and setting, which is perfect for a relaxing day by the water.

Lac de Matemale, a playground in the heart of the mountains

In the heart of the Capcir region, Lac de Matemale is a popular destination for its water activities and mountain setting. Paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing or pedal boating, as well as walking and cycling: there is something for everyone. Thanks to its altitude, it also offers a pleasant coolness in summer, making it ideal for a day out with family or friends.

Le lac de Villeneuve-de-la-Raho, un grand classique aux portes de Perpignan

Just 15 minutes from Perpignan, Lac de Villeneuve-de-la-Raho is one of the must-see bodies of water in the Pyrénées-Orientales. Popular for walking, swimming during the season, water activities, cycling and picnicking, it offers a pleasant setting with views of the Albères mountains. From Vallespir, it makes an ideal day trip, easily combined with a visit to Céret, Le Boulou or the Saint-Jean-Pla-de-Corts lakes.

Fancy heading to Spain? Lake Darnius-Boadella

Around 30 minutes from Vallespir, Lake Darnius-Boadella, in Spanish Catalonia, is renowned for its turquoise waters and unspoilt surroundings. Swimming (in designated areas), water activities and picnicking make it an excellent day-trip idea to complement a stay in the Pyrénées-Orientales.

WHICH LAKE SHOULD YOU CHOOSE ACCORDING TO YOUR NEEDS?

Not all the lakes in the Pyrénées-Orientales offer the same activities or atmosphere. Whether you are looking for a day out with young children, a sporty outing or a peaceful spot for a picnic, some sites will be better suited to your needs than others. Here are a few tips to help you choose.

   For a family day out

If you are travelling with children, the Saint-Jean-Pla-de-Corts lakes are an excellent choice. Easily accessible, they offer numerous facilities in one location: a developed beach, shaded areas, picnic spots, walking trails and leisure activities nearby.

Lac de Vinça is also a good option thanks to its facilities and family-friendly spaces.

   For water activities

Looking for something more active? Several sites offer opportunities to enjoy water activities in the Pyrénées-Orientales.

The Saint-Jean-Pla-de-Corts lakes are a top choice, with their water-skiing cable park and opportunities for paddleboarding or kayaking, depending on the season.

Before your visit, we recommend checking the opening hours of the leisure centres and the conditions for equipment rental.

   For hiking through remarkable landscapes

Hiking enthusiasts will love the area around Lac des Bouillouses. The many trails allow you to discover the high-altitude landscapes of the Carlit massif and reach several mountain lakes.

Around Lac de Matemale, several routes also offer beautiful walks suitable for different levels, with views over the lake and surrounding peaks.

In Vallespir, walks around the Saint-Jean-Pla-de-Corts lakes can easily be combined with a hike towards the hills of Reynès, Taillet or the first foothills of Canigou, for a deeper immersion in the Catalan landscapes.

   For a picnic by the water

Nothing is more enjoyable than having lunch in nature after a swim or a walk.

The Saint-Jean-Pla-de-Corts lakes have several shaded areas that are particularly popular in summer. Lac de Vinça and Lac de Caramany also provide pleasant settings for a break with family or friends.

   For cooling off during hot weather

Vallespir already offers a cooler escape thanks to its greener landscapes and proximity to the Tech River. The Saint-Jean-Pla-de-Corts lakes are therefore an excellent answer to the question: where can you cool off when it is hot in the Pyrénées-Orientales?

For those looking for even cooler temperatures, high-altitude lakes such as Matemale or Lac des Bouillouses offer a more temperate climate, ideal for a day of hiking or relaxation in the mountains.

Whatever you choose, these getaways by the water offer a chance to discover another side of the Pyrénées-Orientales, combining unspoilt nature, diverse landscapes and outdoor activities.

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PRACTICAL TIPS BEFORE YOU SET OFF

To make the most of the lakes in the Pyrénées-Orientales, a few precautions will help you enjoy a pleasant day while protecting these natural areas.

Check the swimming conditions

Not all bodies of water are open for swimming and, when swimming is permitted, lifeguard supervision may only be provided during certain periods of the summer. Before setting off, check the official information regarding opening dates, lifeguard supervision times and water quality.

Find out about the activities available

Leisure centres and paddleboard, kayak or pedal-boat rentals generally operate according to the season and weather conditions. If you would like to enjoy a water activity, remember to check opening times or book in advance when possible, especially during peak season. Hiking enthusiasts can also make the most of the many trails running alongside the lakes or through the surrounding areas, offering beautiful walks through nature, viewpoints and shaded spots, perfect for complementing a day by the water.

Bring the right equipment

Even for a day trip, we recommend bringing:

  • enough drinking water;
  • a hat or cap;
  • sunscreen;
  • suitable footwear if you are planning a walk;
  • a picnic if you want to make use of the designated areas.

For mountain lakes, also remember to bring a warmer layer: temperatures can be significantly cooler than in the lowlands, even in the middle of summer.

Respect the natural sites

The lakes of the Pyrénées-Orientales are fragile environments. To help preserve their natural beauty and ecological richness: take all your waste with you, stay on marked trails when walking, respect wildlife and vegetation, and avoid fires and barbecues outside designated areas.

These simple actions help protect these popular places of relaxation for both locals and visitors in the long term.

The lakes of the Pyrénées-Orientales are an excellent alternative to the beach, offering swimming, water activities, hiking and relaxation in the heart of nature. Easily accessible, the Saint-Jean-Pla-de-Cortslakes are a must-see when exploring Vallespir and its charming villages.