Étang d'Araing, body of water
The Étang d'Araing is an artificial reservoir in the French Pyrenees near Sentein. The water body sits at around 1965 meters elevation and is held back by a solid stone dam built in the 1930s, towering more than 20 meters above the valley floor.
This reservoir began as a natural highland lake but was transformed in the 1930s when a stone dam was constructed to hold back water. This change allowed water storage for irrigation and later for hydroelectric power generation to serve the surrounding region.
The name comes from the village of Sentein and the surrounding mountain landscape. Today, it serves as a quiet place where hikers gather to rest and experience the simple beauty of mountain life among peaceful waters and distant peaks.
The best time to visit is June through September when snow has melted and trails are clear. The area is windy and weather can change quickly, so prepare for shifting conditions and bring appropriate gear for mountain weather.
Beneath the reservoir lies an underground cave system called Grotte de la Cigalère where water seeps through natural passages. This karst network reveals the hidden water dynamics between the visible lake and the subterranean world below.
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