Lake Puyvalador

A beautiful route accessible to all, running alongside Lake Puyvalador with an interpretive trail at the start of the walk.

Details

3078450
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 7.04 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 10 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 55 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 60 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,469 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,418 m

Photos

Description of the walk

To get to Réal (the starting point for the hike), take the N116 to Mont-Louis and then the D118 towards Puyvalador. After Formiguères, take the D32 to Réal and park just after the Pont de l'Aude bridge.

(S/E) From the car park, head north towards the lake and take the yellow-marked trail that runs to the right. Enjoy the interpretive trail on the flora and fauna along the route. Further on, join theGRP® Tour du Capcir (red and yellow markings).

(1) Continue straight ahead, following theGRP® trail, which takes you across the Puyvalador Lake via the dam. You will enter the charming, traditional village of Puyvalador. Pass the Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste and reach the D118.

(2) Take extreme care when crossing the D118 road. Continue straight ahead and, a few metres further on, leave the D32g to take theGRP® on the left. Cross the Rec Cirerol on a superb bridge and, further on, the Galbe river, which flows into Lake Puyvalador via the Pont des Molines, to reach an intersection.

(3) Leave theGRP® which heads towards Espousouille and turn left towards Réal. You will rejoin the D118.

(4) Once again, take great care when crossing and take the path opposite, which will lead you to the D32e.

(5) All you have to do now is turn left and cross the Pont de l'Aude bridge to return to your vehicle (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,425 m - Réal car park
  2. 1 : km 1.96 - alt. 1,426 m - Junction with GRP Tour du Capcir - Lac de Puyvalador (1421 m)
  3. 2 : km 3.43 - alt. 1,452 m - D118, opposite
  4. 3 : km 4.46 - alt. 1,433 m - Intersection, (Abandon GRP Tour du Capcir) - Galbe ou El Galba (rivière)
  5. 4 : km 4.71 - alt. 1,438 m - D118, opposite
  6. 5 : km 6.85 - alt. 1,421 m - D32e, on the left. Pont de l' - Aude (fleuve)
  7. S/E : km 7.04 - alt. 1,425 m - Réal car park

Worth a visit

Visit the village of Puyvalador.
The Puyvalador ski resort.
You can visit the Fontrabiouse Caves in the neighbouring village.

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 6 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.2 / 5
Fournols
Fournols

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 25, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely walk around the lake, visiting the village of Puyvalador. We did this hike on a rainy day and rounded it off with a visit to the nearby magnificent Fontrabiouse cave

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sosomamie66
sosomamie66

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 15, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Hiking in the snow is just magnificent. The lake was frozen, and I also recommend it on a sunny day.

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JDB
JDB

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 13, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

The first part up to the dam is very good. Interesting, pleasant and shaded.
After the village of Puyvalador, you are in full sun on a very busy cycle path, parallel to the main road and far from the lake, and you only return to the forest and the lake after crossing the main road, quite close to Réal. It is well signposted except near the church in Puyvalador, but there were a lot of cars parked in the church square.

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Nico de Lyon
Nico de Lyon

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 06, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk around the lake, with a route to discover the flora and fauna.

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jacquesdelestan83
jacquesdelestan83

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 13, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant, easy two-hour walk around Lake Puyvalador, passing through the village of the same name. Well signposted.

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Carolps
Carolps

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 22, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant walk along the shores of Lake Puyvalador. I enjoyed the circular route that leads to the village.
The route has little shade and isn't too busy; we only came across about ten people.

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