From Casteljaloux to Lake Clarens

A short circular loop starting from Casteljaloux to reach Lac de Clarens without using the cycle path.
In summer, there is an entrance charge for the lake, so you’ll need to pay the entry fee to walk around it.

Details

n°6693682

Creation:
21 Mar 2021

Last update:
04 Apr 2021

Last review:
yesterday

Activity: Walking
Distance: 5.20 mi
Average duration: 2h 25
Difficulty: Easy
Back to start: Yes
Ascent: + 20 ft
Descent: - 20 ft
Highest point: 246 ft
Lowest point: 210 ft

Country: France
City: Casteljaloux (47700)
Start/End: N 44.314228° / E 0.079783°
IGN map(s): Ref. 1739SB, 1740SB
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Description of the walk

Park in the car park of the Leclerc shopping centre.

(S/E) On leaving the car park, turn right then left and continue to the end of the road.

(1) Carefully cross the road (D12) leading to Saint-Michel-de Casteljnaux and follow the old railway line. Walk past the riding centre and follow the path to the lake.

(2) Cross the Houeillès road and walk round Lake Clarens.

(3) Turn right onto the nature trail leading back to Casteljaloux.

(4) Walk past the thermal baths, turn right then left past the village hall and walk round Les Seigneuriales, a retirement home.

(5) Cross the road, walk to the right of the care home, then turn right onto a wooden bridge crossing the River Avance. Walk alongside Place Louis Jean Capes. At the road, turn right then left to reach the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

S/E : mi 0 - alt. 226 ft - Leclerc car park
1 : mi 0.24 - alt. 226 ft - Crossing the Route de St Michel
2 : mi 1.38 - alt. 236 ft - Lac de Casteljaloux (ou Lac de Clarens)
3 : mi 3.19 - alt. 230 ft - Nature trail
4 : mi 4.45 - alt. 213 ft - Thermal baths, after the - Avance (ivière)
5 : mi 4.75 - alt. 213 ft - Crossing
S/E : mi 5.2 - alt. 226 ft - Leclerc car park.

Reviews and comments

4.2 / 5

Based on 4 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.3 / 5

Ease of following the route
4.3 / 5

Route interest
4 / 5

ChristianQ

yesterday at 08:45 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 02, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant, varied and very easy walk, with the chance to go for a swim

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User 28981535

20 Apr 2026 at 23:03 7200

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 20, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

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Lolo 01ca

27 May 2024 at 16:08 7200

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : May 27, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : Yes

A disused railway line converted into a cycle path.
The path (3) is very difficult to walk on after it has rained.
Clarens Lake is quiet at this time of year and admission is free.

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Garrigues

21 Mar 2022 at 10:28 3600

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 21, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

On the afternoon of 20 March, I walked this route to familiarise myself with it, with a view to doing it with my walking club.
The section through the countryside is very pleasant. As for the town section, this route could be much more interesting if it took in the old town of Casteljaloux with its half-timbered houses: in particular, the Grande Rue (D933), Rue des Veyries, Rue Posterne, and no doubt others. The route wouldn’t be much longer, but it would be more interesting in town.
Kind regards.

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