Discover Lac de Payolle
The “Little Canada” of the Pyrenees
At the foot of the Col d’Aspin and Pic du Midi de Bigorre, the Payolle plateau is the perfect starting point for an immersive escape surrounded by unspoilt, wild nature.
This exceptional natural setting is an instant hit with both parents and children. Whether you love long summer walks or the cosy atmosphere of snowy winters, you’ll love your stay here.
To make the most of the peace and tranquillity of the area, we recommend arriving before 9am so you can enjoy your morning coffee with views of the fir trees reflected in the lake!
Enjoy the cool, fresh air with a day by this lake, surrounded by a distinctly Canadian feel in the heart of Occitanie.
Are you more of a forest-hiking, lakeside-reading or terrace-dining kind of person – or all three? 😉
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The Pyrenean Little Canada
A taste of the Great Outdoors
As soon as you arrive on this vast plateau in the Hautes-Pyrénées, you’ll feel a world away from everyday life. This much-loved destination has earned its nickname, Little Canada, thanks to its spectacular landscapes.
Its breathtaking 360-degree views are reminiscent of the vast wilderness and rugged beauty of North America. Dense forests of centuries-old fir trees surround the shores of its crystal-clear waters.
Lac de Payolle lies beneath the silhouette of Pic du Midi de Bigorre, one of the region’s most iconic peaks, watching over the entire valley.
The peaceful atmosphere offers complete tranquillity and a chance to truly switch off, making it the perfect place to escape the everyday and reconnect with nature.
This exceptional natural setting is a breath of fresh air and the perfect backdrop for unforgettable family memories during your holiday.
Throughout the summer, local herds of cows and horses roam freely across the plateau.
💡 Our local tip: for the best holiday photos of Lake Payolle, make the most of the soft late-afternoon light. It’s the perfect time to capture the reflection of the fir trees on the water and spot local wildlife in the peaceful surroundings.
🌍 Local legend has it that writer Jules Verne was inspired by the wild beauty of this landscape in some of his stories.
Where is Lake Payolle?
In the Hautes-Pyrénées
This beautiful mountain lake stretches across the municipality of Campan.
Located in the Hautes-Pyrénées, in the heart of the Occitanie region, the plateau sits at an average altitude of 1,150 metres.
The location is ideal: this open natural space is easily accessible by car, whatever your vehicle.
To find it on the map, this popular destination is just a short distance from the famous spa town of Bagnères-de-Bigorre.
Allow around an hour’s drive from Tarbes and just under two hours from the Toulouse area.
☕ Imaginez : vous venez de déchausser vos skis de fond après une superbe traversée sous les sapins enneigés du plateau. Vos muscles vibrent encore de l’effort, l’air frais pique agréablement vos joues, et la neige crisse doucement sous vos pas. C’est à cet instant précis que la féerie nordique s'empare de toute la famille. En un clin d'œil, vous troquez votre équipement pour savourer un chocolat chaud fumant face au lac de Payolle totalement gelé.
Must-try winter activities
at Lac de Payolle
⛷️❄️ Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
As soon as the first snow falls, the landscape is transformed into a magical winter wonderland, covered in a thick blanket of white. The area becomes a genuine Nordic ski centre, with 50 km of groomed trails winding through the forest and around the lake.
🛷🐕🦺 A unique dog-sledding experience
For a taste of the Great North, treat yourself to a wonderful dog-sledding adventure with a team of Nordic dogs.
Glide at speed across the fresh snow, carried along by the powerful strides of these beautiful, enthusiastic animals.
🌲Imagine this: you’ve just come back from a beautiful hike through the fir trees around the Col d’Aspin. Your legs are still buzzing from the effort, the summer sun is gently warming your skin, and the light mountain breeze is keeping you cool. This is when the magic of the Pyrenees really kicks in. In an instant, you swap your hiking boots for a kayak, pedal boat or paddleboard and head out onto the water with the family.
The must-try summer activities
at Lac de Payolle
🚣♂️Water activities on crystal-clear waters
In summer, the artificial lake becomes a real outdoor recreation area for everyone to enjoy. Hire a family pedal boat, paddleboard or canoe and safely explore the crystal-clear waters while taking in the scenery from the middle of the lake.
🚵♀️ Cycling, mountain biking and legendary Tour de France climbs
Cycling enthusiasts will know this iconic spot well, as Lac de Payolle lies at the foot of the Col d’Aspin.
The pass is a historic stage of the famous Tour de France, which gets the whole region buzzing every year.
You can take on these legendary slopes by road bike or electric bike, with options suitable for the whole family.
✨ Must-see places nearby 🔭
Tourmalet's hidden gems
📸 A day at Pic du Midi
A trip to Pic du Midi de Bigorre is a must during your stay on the Payolle plateau. Standing at 2,877 metres in the heart of the Hautes-Pyrénées, this world-famous peak offers breathtaking panoramic views across the entire French and Spanish Pyrenees.
Getting there is easy: simply take the cable car from La Mongie, in the Grand Tourmalet ski area. Once at the top, step out onto the famous Ponton dans le Ciel and test your head for heights as you walk above the sheer drop.
💡 Our local tip: book the very last cable car of the afternoon to watch the sunset light up the surrounding mountains!
🌌 Head for the stars at the Maison du Tourmalet!
Imaginez, après une belle journée bien remplie à vous promener autour du Col du Tourmalet, vous décidez de prolonger l'aventure et vous poussez les portes de la maison de la nuit (aussi nommée maison du Tourmalet).
Vous y découvrirez les secrets des constellations et de la biodiversité nocturne grâce aux animations interactives de nos passionnés de tourisme scientifique.
Notre conseil d'expert local : couvrez-vous bien, car même en pleine saison d'été, les soirées astro à cette altitude rafraîchissent plus vite qu'un gardien de refuge face à un marcheur du dimanche équipé de tongs !
Imagine this: after a wonderful day exploring around the Col du Tourmalet, you decide to keep the adventure going and step inside the Maison de la Nuit, also known as the Maison du Tourmalet.
Discover the secrets of the constellations and nocturnal wildlife through the interactive activities led by our science and nature enthusiasts.
💡Our local tip: wrap up warm, because even in the height of summer, galactic evenings at this altitude can get chilly faster than a mountain hut warden spotting a Sunday hiker in flip-flops!
Practical Information
Everything you need to know about Payolle
Access & Parking
Lac de Payolle is easy to reach year-round, whether from the Vallée de Campan or via Col d’Aspin.
- By car: via the D935 (from Bagnères-de-Bigorre) or the D918 (from Arreau via Col d’Aspin).
- Driving times:
- Bagnères-de-Bigorre: 30 min (23 km)
- La Mongie: 25 min (via Sainte-Marie de Campan)
- Parking : several free car parks are available right next to the lake. There is also a designated area for motorhomes (overnight parking subject to local regulations).
Services & Dining
No need to over-plan — the site is lively and well equipped.
- Restaurants: several lakeside restaurants serve local specialities such as garbure and wood-fired grilled dishes.
- Equipment hire: available on site:
- Summer: pedal boats, canoes, paddleboards, mountain bikes and e-bikes
- Winter: snowshoes, cross-country skis and sledges
When to visit
- Summer: for cooler temperatures, horse riding and water activities.
- Autumn: for the deer rut (famous in the Payolle forest) and stunning autumn colours.
- Winter: for a “Great North” feel, dog sledding and cross-country skiing.
Nearby ski resort
Yes, access to Lac de Payolle is completely free and open all year round. Nearby parking areas are also free of charge. Only activities (canoe rental, horse riding, Nordic lifts in winter) are paid.
Yes, dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a leash at all times. The area is used for grazing, with cattle and horses roaming freely, so leashes are essential to avoid any incidents with livestock.
No, swimming is prohibited at Lake Payolle in order to protect the fragile ecosystem and ensure everyone’s safety. However, you can enjoy the lake through activities such as pedal boats, canoeing or stand-up paddleboarding.
Fishing is allowed (category 1), provided you have a valid fishing licence (available online or from local shops).
Wild camping is not allowed. Bivouacking (pitching a tent after 7 pm and taking it down before 9 am) is tolerated under certain conditions, but it is recommended to use nearby designated campsites.
Yes, Lac de Payolle lies at the foot of Col d’Aspin. You can reach it by car (around 15 minutes) or on foot via hiking trails (about 1.5 hours for hikers).
Note: the mountain road may be closed in winter due to heavy snowfall.
Parts of the lakeside area—especially near the parking areas and restaurants—are paved or on compacted ground, making access to the water easier. However, some of the surrounding forest trails remain uneven and more challenging.
Reviews
We’re all in agreement on this.
“An exceptional place. You really feel like you’re in another country. It definitely lives up to its nickname, the “Little Canada of the Pyrenees”.”
Pierre
“What can I say about this place… A true paradise, as some people call it – the Little Canada. I come here regularly, whether in summer, autumn or, soon, winter. It’s peaceful, beautiful and incredibly well maintained. I can’t recommend it enough…”
Jean-Marc
“A beautiful and peaceful place. Everything you need is nearby: L'Arcoch, a fantastic restaurant, ponies and horses for rides or treks, pedal boats, fishing, hiking, a cheese shop, a bar and brasserie...”
Laurène
“A wonderful place and a great starting point for hikes. You can simply walk around the lake or take a pony ride with the children. Beautiful views of Pic du Midi de Bigorre.”
Nicole
“Known as the Little Canada, this is a stunning spot overlooking Pic du Midi and surrounded by dense forests. It’s particularly spectacular in winter, with the frozen lake and snow-covered trees. There are some lovely walks to enjoy, whether on cross-country skis, snowshoes or simply on foot. You can even go dog sledding and really feel like you’re on the other side of the Atlantic 😉”
Alexis