Is it possible to swim in all the mountain lakes in the Hautes-Pyrénées?
Swimming is not prohibited everywhere, but it has been banned in all lakes in the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve since 2025. This measure aims to protect fragile environments threatened by pollution (sunscreen, microfibres, invasive species) and to ensure visitor safety in a high mountain environment.
Outside this reserve, the situation varies: some lakes are developed or monitored and allow swimming, others strongly advise against it, but there is no general ban.
The lakes of the Hautes-Pyrénées for swimming
Castelnau-Magnoac Lake
Castelnau-Magnoac Lake is the aquatic jewel of the Hautes-Pyrénées, with its beautiful sandy beach supervised throughout the summer. From 1pm to 6pm, swimming is supervised for the comfort of families, and younger children can have fun in a large inflatable water park set up on the water. An unmissable place to combine swimming, relaxation and water sports.
Génos-Loudenvielle Lake
At an altitude of 960 metres, Lake Génos-Loudenvielle offers a magnificent view of the Pyrenees mountains and the Louron valley. Although its water remains cool in summer, it attracts holidaymakers in search of leisure activities. The Aquaparc centre offers a floating play area and paddleboard, kayak and pedalo hire, with wetsuits available to borrow so you can make the most of the water activities.
Lake Suyen
Located in the Pyrenees National Park, in the heart of the Tech Valley, Lake Suyen is a wild gem accessible after a short family hike. Surrounded by forests and waterfalls, it charms visitors with its unspoilt atmosphere. Swimming is limited due to the cool water and park regulations, but it is a great place to take a break by the water in an exceptional natural setting.
Lake Bareilles
Nestled in the Ourse Valley, Lake Bareilles is a peaceful body of water that charms visitors with its bucolic character. Accessible on foot after a pleasant walk, it is a popular spot for picnics and relaxing by the water. Swimming is tolerated but not supervised, in a mountain atmosphere where calm and nature reign supreme.
Where to swim in the rivers of the Hautes-Pyrénées?
The white waters of the Hautes-Pyrénées offer many natural havens for swimming. These wild and unspoilt areas are not supervised, and caution is advised, especially with children.
The Neste d'Aure river flows through the Aure valley and offers several natural spots that are very popular with families and white water enthusiasts. The municipalities of Saint-Lary-Soulan, Vielle-Aure, Grézian and Arreau offer calm, shallow pools, perfect for paddling or cooling off after a hike. The grassy, shaded banks are ideal for laying out towels and picnics, and a few rocks and sandbanks provide areas for playing and relaxing.
The Arros River, between Bordes and Moulédous, also has several accessible swimming areas. The old Bordes bridge is a landmark: just below, the water widens into calm areas with small sandy beaches and a few rocks for sitting or diving. Further upstream, near Moulédous, the Arros forms peaceful meanders with sandy and pebble beaches accessible from the Clarac path.
Other rivers and swimming spots: in Luz-Saint-Sauveur, the Gave de Pau offers natural pools with grassy, shaded banks, perfect for picnics and relaxation. In Arrens-Marsous, a few access points allow you to reach the river in calm, natural areas.
Developed water spots in the Hautes-Pyrénées
For families and holidaymakers looking for water-based leisure activities, there are several lakes offering a variety of experiences in the Hautes-Pyrénées. In Nestier, the Les Ocybelles lake has a naturally filtered pool, grassy beaches and shaded play areas, ideal for family swimming.
Finally, the Bours-Bazet leisure centre, whose opening has been postponed, could in future offer a new place for swimming and water sports in a natural setting. To be continued in 2026...
Where to camp near the swimming spots?
For privileged access to swimming spots, the campsites in the Hautes-Pyrénées offer prime locations... Not to mention the campsite swimming pools and water parks, another way to cool off!
To enjoy the lakes, the 5-star Les 3 Vallées campsite in Argelès-Gazost is 4.4 km from Lake Castelnau-Magnoac. The 3-star International Le Refuge campsite in Arreau is 13 km from Lake Génos-Loudenvielle and its Aquaparc water park. For Lake Suyen, the Deth Potz** campsite in Boô-Silhen is just a few minutes away, and the L'Adour**** campsite in Gerde is 20 km from Lake Bareilles. For rivers, the Neste d'Aure is accessible from the D'Esplantats** campsite in Sarrancolin (5 km), and the Gave de Pau in Luz-Saint-Sauveur from the Airotel Pyrénées**** campsite, a few minutes' walk away.
Tips for enjoying the fresh waters of the Hautes-Pyrénées in complete safety
The lakes, rivers and lakes of the Hautes-Pyrénées offer cool, invigorating water. Even at supervised sites, remain vigilant: some riverbeds are uneven and the water can be cold. Respect nature: take your rubbish with you, avoid lighting fires and keep an eye on your pets so you can enjoy swimming while preserving these natural areas.