The tour of Lake Vezoles

In a forest setting, peat bogs with remarkable wildlife punctuate this walk around Lake Vezoles.

Details

340817
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.18 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 55 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 40 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 35 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 986 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 955 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Access: At the Col du Cabaretou, take the road to the lakes, then the road signposted for the dam. Park in the car park (picnic area) just before the barrier that closes off the tarmac road leading to the dam.

(S/E) Opposite this barrier, take the path on the left that leads into the undergrowth (yellow markings). Continue through the undergrowth until you reach the lake.

(1) At the intersection, turn left. Pass a picnic area (starting point ofthe PR®45). Continue along the path that runs alongside the lake and cross two peat bogs on duckboards. Continue along the lake shore until you reach a wooden barrier.

(2) Turn right, cross the small bridge over the Ruisseau du Bureau towards the Camplanc farm. Go around the buildings on the left.

(3) At the Camplanc farm car park, take the path on the right, along a forest lane. After the picnic area, continue to the right.

(4) Pass the ruins and old farms. At the wooden gate, keep right and continue along the path that runs alongside the lake (new picnic area).

(5) You will arrive at a three-way junction at the entrance to the Prémian Forest. Turn right until you reach the next crossroads.

(6) Turn right (barrier) and continue along the track to the dam. Cross the dam and go up the paved road.

(7) Continue along the paved road to the right and return to the starting point (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 981 m - Parking at the Lac de Vezole dam
  2. 1 : km 0.25 - alt. 964 m - End of the trail - Lac de Vesoles
  3. 2 : km 2.69 - alt. 968 m - Pontil bridge over the Bureau stream
  4. 3 : km 2.93 - alt. 978 m - Camplanc farm
  5. 4 : km 4.24 - alt. 972 m - Shelter
  6. 5 : km 4.82 - alt. 976 m - Entrance to the Prémian Forest
  7. 6 : km 5.09 - alt. 983 m - Crossroads of forest tracks
  8. 7 : km 5.76 - alt. 981 m - Access road to the dam
  9. S/E : km 6.18 - alt. 982 m - Parking at the Lac de Vezole dam

Notes

Although hiking boots are always best, this hike can be done in trainers. However, be careful of tree roots in the undergrowth.
There are no drinking water points on the route. There are numerous picnic areas throughout the route.

Worth a visit

The Lac de Vezoles dam holds back a lake covering 59 hectares and containing 3 million cubic metres of water, which feeds the Langlade hydroelectric power station.
Saut de Vezoles waterfall and viewpoints over the Jaur Valley.
Lac de la Raviège.
Olargues is listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 35 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.6 / 5
Route interest
4.4 / 5
Warrior3
Warrior3

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 09, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Lovely walk around the lake. We preferred to leave the path and walk along the banks, which were very busy. Beautiful views and plenty of shade.

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User 26649059

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 22, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : Yes

A beautiful, easy walk around the lake.
There wasn't much water in July 2025. It was even possible to go onto the central island without wearing boots.
It's a good walk to get back into walking before tackling the mountains.
A good walk on your own or with the family.

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marin34
marin34
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

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

We spent yesterday afternoon around the lake. It was great, we know the place really well. We saw about fifteen paragliders. However, the lake level is low, measured at 959.7 (full level: 965), which is about 5 metres lower than normal. Too bad for us. Enjoy your visit, everyone!

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maxcaviso
maxcaviso

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 11, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant, easy route.
It's a shame the lake was so low.

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polo381
polo381

Overall rating : 4.5 / 5

Date of your route : May 18, 2025
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A pleasant little walk around this lake, which was very low on this particular day. We enjoyed a succession of shaded and sunny stretches. The path is well maintained, and we saw a few wood anemones

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Didier Vilin
Didier Vilin

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 04, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Very beautiful hike around the lake with lots of places to picnic.
A short hike to enjoy with the family.

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Deridder
Deridder

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 07, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful hike in dry weather with little wind!

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chant21
chant21

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 21, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

great hike, very well marked. Beautiful views of the lake

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ClaraBernay
ClaraBernay

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 26, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very nice hike with no difficulties, offering beautiful views of the lake and opportunities to stop and rest by the lake. The route is reliable and marked with PR signs (yellow).
I highly recommend it!

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mojga
mojga
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 04, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

the first part of the route is not always easy to follow due to a lack of good signposting, as there are many small paths. But once you reach the bottom of the lake, everything is fine. This is not our first visit to La Vesole. The setting is pleasant, but the picnic tables are quickly taken over by non-hikers, especially as there is another car park very close to a picnic area.

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JA+CH
JA+CH

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 14, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

This is an interesting route because it is often shaded on the west side, and although the number of cars in the car park can be a bit worrying, you soon find yourself walking without meeting many people. It is an easy route for children aged 5/6, with beautiful views of the lakes and surrounding mountains, and you can always go for a swim whenever you want. Just be careful after the lodge mentioned in the guidebook to keep the building on your right to take the right path and avoid the track.

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les nous
les nous

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 30, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Magnificent landscapes! Full lake.

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Philippe 30400
Philippe 30400

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 01, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful and pleasant walk offering magnificent views over the entire Lyon golf course from CAP D'AGDE to CANIGOU and the PYRENEES. Easy to do, even for children

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valerie mlrbdlms
valerie mlrbdlms

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 12, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Very pleasant hike.
Watch out for dry pine branches when it's windy.

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Chris92
Chris92

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 26, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Very well signposted walk (can be done in both directions; we came across lots of people walking around the lake in the opposite direction). No difficulty as there are no hills; can be done with children who are able to walk for two hours; in any case, there are several picnic areas. A pleasant walk; it's a shame that the path doesn't really run alongside the lake, which is mostly hidden by vegetation.

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