Lake Matane

This hike will take you to the shores of Lake Matane and allow you to discover varied landscapes and beautiful panoramic views. You will appreciate the orientation table at Rocher du Causse, which offers a splendid view.

Details

890800
Creation:
Last update:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 15.57 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 25 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 325 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 325 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 408 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 175 m

Description of the walk

This route is not marked on the ground, and there are so many possible paths in the area that it is difficult to do this hike without following the GPS track, with the help of an IGN map on Visorando. With this equipment, you cannot get lost. However, without this precaution and good sense of direction, you will get lost and be disappointed.

The hike starts from the large car park on the edge of the D17E6.

(S/E) Take the trail towards Mas Neuf.

(1) At the intersection, turn right and follow the path that gradually descends.

(2) Turn left at the intersection and join the large track just below. Follow the track for about 800 metres. Go through the various hairpin bends until you reach the road.

(3) Follow the road to the left, then take the path slightly to the left just after the first bend. Continue along this path parallel to the road.

(4) Follow the road for about 100 metres and turn onto the path that branches off to the left.

(5) Continue along this path, cross the Brestalou and arrive at a fork in the paths.

(6) Turn right, ignoring two paths on your right.

(7) Continue on the right-hand path at the fork. Continue until you reach the Ravin de Gratet.

(8) Continue downhill to reach Lac de Matane, crossing the vineyards until you reach the road.

(9) Follow it for about 200 metres. Leave it by taking the passage on the left between the vineyards. Cross the dry ravine and reach the small building. Then take the path just behind it. Turn slightly to the left and continue to reach the lake.

(10) Cross the dam to reach the other side. Take the path on the left. Continue along this path until you reach the crossroads you passed earlier.

(9) Return to the crossroads and climb up the Ravin de Gratet.

(8) Turn right uphill to go around the imposing massif just above. Reach the pass.

(11) Continue along the path on the right. Climb up to the top of the cliff and follow the Causse mountain to the north. Magnificent view below. Arrive at the summit.

(12) Turn left to reach the large pasture area. Continue to the Mare de L'Espinas.

(13) Continue along the path that crosses various fields. You will reach the Mas Neuf sheepfold.

(14) Behind the sheepfold, take the path that climbs up to the orientation table (enjoy the fabulous view).

(15) Retrace your steps.

(14) Descend via one of the many paths that converge towards the return area to reach the first crossroads.

(1) Take the same route as on the way there, following the signs to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 321 m - Car park on the edge of the D17E6
  2. 1 : km 0.65 - alt. 335 m - Path on the right
  3. 2 : km 1.49 - alt. 302 m - Track
  4. 3 : km 2.48 - alt. 206 m - Tarmac road
  5. 4 : km 2.97 - alt. 190 m - Uphill track on the left
  6. 5 : km 3.05 - alt. 187 m - Intersection with a trail
  7. 6 : km 3.15 - alt. 189 m - Trail junction
  8. 7 : km 3.42 - alt. 211 m - Trail junction
  9. 8 : km 4.93 - alt. 249 m - Gratet Ravine
  10. 9 : km 5.4 - alt. 200 m - Road junction
  11. 10 : km 6.53 - alt. 185 m - Dam
  12. 11 : km 8.92 - alt. 297 m - Col
  13. 12 : km 10.56 - alt. 333 m - Top of the cliff
  14. 13 : km 11.09 - alt. 326 m - Mare de l'Espinas
  15. 14 : km 13.17 - alt. 354 m - Mas Neuf sheepfold
  16. 15 : km 13.86 - alt. 404 m - Orientation table
  17. S/E : km 15.57 - alt. 321 m - Car park on the edge of the D17E6

Notes

Bring 2 litres of water per person in hot weather.

This hike is strongly discouraged for people accompanied by dogs, even on a leash (presence of livestock and sheepdogs)

Reviews and comments

4 / 5
Based on 51 reviews

Reliability of the description
3.6 / 5
Ease of following the route
3.8 / 5
Route interest
4.6 / 5
picsaintloup
picsaintloup

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 28, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely route (tracked using GPS) with magnificent views. No particular difficulties, apart from a path that is becoming overgrown between points 10 and 11 as it winds around the mountain, so – armed, as usual, with my trusty secateurs – I cleared it a little. A highly recommended hike; thanks to the author.

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MarcelMdR
MarcelMdR

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 30, 2026
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We took inspiration from the route and description, without following them to the letter. We used Iphigénie to find our way around the IGN map and made a few changes.
It’s a lovely walk, with varied terrain and scenery, ranging from the plateau and the descent down the cliff to the vineyards below, Lake Matane – a great spot for a picnic – and our favourite, the Lafous mill.
A lovely walk that comes highly recommended.

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daniel dit stephane
daniel dit stephane

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 22, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hello,
During this hike, we have beautiful views of the plain and the sea on a clear day.

Lake Matane is lovely. You can take the opportunity to drive around the glassmakers' route in your car.

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Ma Mie
Ma Mie

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : May 31, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

Easy walk. We had a hard time between points 8 and 11, despite the GPS. We followed the GRP from point 13 directly to point 15 (as suggested). It's an easy climb with a view. Then we reached point 14 to complete the circuit.

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shumash
shumash

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 12, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A route with no real difficulties. It's hard to get lost. Interesting places, especially the old mill, silence, the sound of water, nature flowing at a different pace. Then there are the views from the heights, which allow you to see quite far into our beautiful region. A walk where everyone can find something to enjoy.

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Chris3
Chris3

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 05, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Longer hike than indicated and with a section that is difficult to find because the path is poorly marked

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AryDan
AryDan

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 25, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Tour completed on 24 January 2025.
Yes, GPS and IGN Visorando map essential.
A beautiful route with magnificent views, although on this particular day the weather was particularly overcast and we were unable to enjoy it to the full. The trail itself is not signposted, but it crosses and follows many sections of other signposted trails.
A few suggestions:

  • for the loop between points 8 and 11, the trail is particularly difficult to follow on the first section before arriving at a clearly visible trail that leads to the bed of a stream and point 11. On the IGPN map, it looked to us as if it would be possible to take a trail on the left after the ford at the bottom of Lake Matane to rejoin this loop, about halfway between points 8 and 11 (we did not check this).
  • towards point 13, the trail joins the Méridienne (small green posts already seen at the start of the hike) and a GRP marked 'red-orange'. Follow it to reach point 15. By avoiding the AR between points 14 and 15, you can discover some beautiful views along the ridge. At point 15, there is a very beautiful panorama. Then resume the circuit by heading towards point 14.

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celinemma
celinemma

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 31, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Having already done this hike last year in 2023, it no longer passes through the mill (private property signs). It's a bit of a shame. Nevertheless, it's still a pleasant hike.

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Bennt
Bennt

you're right, I'm not saying otherwise. I'm just letting you know in case. I use satellite GPS navigation on all my hikes. This is the first time I haven't been able to find the route even with the app. That's all

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lemarcheur65
lemarcheur65 ★
• Edited:

Hello Bennt
You write:

Interesting but poorly signposted, or not at all in many places.

The routes suggested by Visorando are not (necessarily) marked.
That's why the GPX track exists, why the description is provided and why it is possible to print the map background.

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Bennt
Bennt

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 10, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

The highlight of this route is the diversity of landscapes, ranging from heathland to lakes and abandoned sheepfolds. Interesting but poorly signposted, or not at all in many places. Some sections are difficult to access as they are rarely used, in my opinion. But overall, it's a pleasant route.

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Oussaidi
Oussaidi

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : May 13, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful hike with some lovely surprises, including crossing the river with its waterfalls. In my opinion, the lake is not very well known but is well worth a visit, and the return route along the ridges offers beautiful views. Some sections are overgrown with brambles, which shows that the trail is used, but it is easy to find your way back. At the end of the trail, there is a beautiful viewpoint at point number 15. You have to go back and forth, but it's worth it. All in all, it's a beautiful hike
Slim Man

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Agnès Dupont
Agnès Dupont

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 23, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

I was lucky not to encounter any herds... But there were indeed many warning signs. Thank you to the GPS route, without which the circuit would not have been possible.
⚠️Do this hike before the hot weather and if there isn't too much water...

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PRIAM30250
PRIAM30250

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 18, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful hike through pine and oak trees, allowing you to discover the mills of La Foux, which are stunning when the water is flowing, then the lake, and finally back up to the ridge.

Best done in spring or autumn.

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Fernandez Benjamin
Fernandez Benjamin

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 11, 2024
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

We started at point 4 above Lauret. Then we climbed up to the mill and arrived at the foot of the Roc de Lafou cliffs. After the Causse rock in 2, we returned via another very pleasant trail, which was signposted by other hikers. In short, a beautiful area with a route that can be adapted to suit your preferences. Thanks for the idea. A winter route sheltered from the wind, occasionally very busy (at the mill). Thank you, and happy hiking!

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