Lac des Bouillouses, Occitanie, France
4.5 (769 reviews) Spent Ranking #9 in Pyrenees-Orientales Bodies of Water
Beautiful
My wife and I were having a drive around the mountains and stumbled across the car park for the lake. I read the notice board and it said it was a 3 hour 40 minute trek. We only had the afternoon! Just about to leave when we saw the shuttle bus. 5 euro each and we were at the top of the mountain. What views, what tranquility, what a wonderful place. Very keen to go back and do some walking. We just sat at the smart hotel and had a couple of drinks.
Address
, France.
Mobile
Website
http://www.ledepartement66.fr/59-les-bouillouses.htm
Current local date and time now
Monday, May 13, 2024, 4:24
User Ratings
4.5 based on (769 reviews)
Excellent
71%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Reviews
-
4David H 5:00 PM Jun 29, 2015
A beautiful area.
The drive to Lac des Bouillouses along the road leading to it takes some 15 minutes or so, passing along a shallow river and several picnic areas. In high summer, to avoid congestion, vehicles cannot drive to the lake. Instead there is a parking area and shuttle bus (small charge); a system that works quite well. Other times; drive yourself. There is a large wall across the lake for water control, which some may feel detracts from the natural beauty but I don't share this view. Located at 2005 metres the area opens out to natural beauty and wide open spaces with stunning views. The wall can be walked across and those who feel fit can take long walks in this lovely area. There are a couple of restaurants with outdoor spaces for relaxing over a meal/drink and taking in the views. Wild horses roam around the open spaces, cattle too, all adding to the delight of this place. Certainly worth a visit. Take a picnic or use one of the restaurants; those with families, let the kids run around; those wanting a serious walk, do that then relax. Lovely.
-
4Steve H 5:00 PM Sep 6, 2012
Wonderful walks!
The drive up to this lake (actually a reservoir) is beautiful, through open woods with a little rushing river (the Têt) on the left with lovely picnic areas alongside it. A relaxing place to eat lunch! There are free roaming cattle and horses along the way. In peak season, cars are parked up (obligatory) and shuttle buses take you to and from the lake, but this time, we went in September, and drove all the way up. At the top of the valley, below the dam, there is substatial car parking, toilets and an information office. You can walk across the dam. Close to it, there are restaurants, and accommodation. The 'hotel' does reasonable food; can't comment on the rest. There are many way-marked routes to walk from here, of varying lengths and difficulties (advice from info office). Some are on the flat and suitable for all the family. If you go in the spring, as we have done before, the mountain peaks behind the lake are covered in snow and with a blue sky, it is beautiful. There are also many walks along the valley, if you stop off before you reach the lake. There is a lot to see and a lot of good walking to be had in this area.
