Lac de Payolle, Mountain reservoir at Col d'Aspin, Hautes-Pyrénées, France
Lac de Payolle is an artificial reservoir in the French Pyrenees at approximately 3,700 feet elevation. The water comes from mountain streams and sits calmly between rocky peaks.
The reservoir was built in the twentieth century to supply water for farming and electricity to the region. The dam construction opened new possibilities for economic development in the mountain area.
The lake became known to cycling enthusiasts after hosting a Tour de France stage finish in 2016. The mountain route attracts riders from around the world each year.
The area offers activities for all seasons: hiking and mountain biking in summer, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter. The best time to visit depends on your interests, as the lake freezes completely during cold months.
The water source comes from melting snow in the surrounding peaks, and the place takes its name from the nearby mountain pass. In winter, the frozen surface transforms the landscape completely, creating an unusual environment that few visitors experience.
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