Lac d'Arques, Recreational lake in Arques, France
The lake spans 8 hectares of water surface surrounded by dense woodland, offering a natural retreat in the Couiza region of southern France.
The lake developed as an essential water source for local agricultural activities, supporting the farming communities throughout the twentieth century.
Local fishermen maintain traditional fishing methods at the lake, sharing their knowledge of regional aquatic species with younger generations.
Visitors can access designated swimming areas, fishing spots, and picnic tables around the lake, with parking facilities near the main entrance.
The lake contains specific trout species adapted to its waters, making it a reference point for freshwater fish studies in the Pyrenees region.
Location: Arques
Address: Lac d'Arques, 11190 Arques, France 11190 Arques
GPS coordinates: 42.94661,2.37159
Latest update: November 29, 2025 17:10
Occitanie hosts a wide variety of lakes spread between the Pyrenees and the Massif Central. Natural lakes mainly occupy high-altitude zones in the Pyrenees, where glacial erosion has carved out cirques and basins now filled with water. Lake Oô, located at 4,950 feet (1,507 meters) altitude, receives water from a 984-foot (300-meter) waterfall descending from Lake Espingo. The Bastan lakes form a series of three linked water bodies between 7,217 and 8,202 feet (2,200 and 2,500 meters) near Barèges, while Lake Bethmale, at 3,498 feet (1,065 meters) in Couserans, is surrounded by beech forests. Artificial lakes in the region serve various functions, including water storage, hydroelectric power, and recreational activities. Lake Salagou, created in 1969 in Herault, stands out for its distinctive geological setting: red rocks rich in iron give the landscape a reddish-brown hue. Lake Pareloup, covering about 3,485 acres (1,410 hectares) in Aveyron, is one of the largest reservoirs in the area. Lake Saint-Ferréol, built in the 17th century at the foot of the Black Mountain, supplies the Canal du Midi and demonstrates historic hydraulic engineering. These lakes offer opportunities for hiking, sailing, and windsurfing, especially at Lake Ganguise where the wind blows roughly 300 days per year.
Pic de Bugarach
9.2 km
Église Sainte-Marie-Madeleine de Rennes-le-Château
9.1 km
Château d'Arques
811 m
Villa Bethania
9.1 km
Tour Magdala
9.2 km
Château de Blanchefort
5 km
Château des Ducs de Joyeuse
9.6 km
Castle of Rennes-le-Château
9 km
Castle of Coustaussa
7.8 km
Château d'Auriac
10.1 km
Château de Serres
4 km
Château de Bugarach
8 km
Château de Belcastel et Buc
9.4 km
Arboretum de Villardebelle
7.9 km
Chapelle Saint-André
9.9 km
Fontaine de Montazels
10.2 km
Église Notre-Dame de Montjoi
10.4 km
Église de la Sainte-Vierge de Villardebelle
8.5 km
Église de Bugarach
8 km
Arboretum Du Planel
724 m
Église Saint-Étienne d'Arques
710 m
Église Saint-Pierre de Coustaussa
7.7 km
Église Saint-Martin d'Albières
8.6 km
Église Saint-Laurent de Serres
3.9 km
Church of St John the Baptist
9.6 km
Église Sainte-Léocadie de Luc-sur-Aude
8.4 km
Église Saint-Nazaire et Saint-Celse de Rennes-les-Bains
5.3 km
Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste du Bézu
10 kmReviews
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