Lac de Matemale is an artificial reservoir covering 223 hectares. It lies within the municipality of Matemale at an altitude of 1,541 metres. The Forêt royale de la Matte borders the lake and is characterised by centuries-old Scots pines. Matemale lies in the Parc naturel régional des Pyrénées Catalanes and is also associated with the Natura 2000 site Massif de Madres-Coronat (FR9101473). The lake, forest and trails offer different focal points for planning a trip to the area.
The lake and activities in different seasons
At Lac de Matemale, the leisure centre includes a sailing school and pedal boat, kayak and canoe rentals. Water sports are available seasonally, so plan your travel dates around the activities you want to enjoy. In summer, the NATAPH Association organises a half-day Joëlette hike around Lac de Matemale. Check in advance whether the hike will take place during your stay.
In winter, options on Nordic trails and groomed, marked tracks include classic and skate-style cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and dog sledding. Operating conditions can change with the season, so it is advisable to check before making plans. The seasons therefore offer different highlights: in summer, water activities and the half-day hike are among the options; in winter, Nordic activities take centre stage.
Hikes and historic landmarks
The GR® de Pays Tour du Capcir is a 63-kilometre, four-day circular hike that starts and ends at Lac de Matemale. When planning your stay, you can distinguish its duration from that of the half-day Joëlette hike: one is a multi-day circular route, while the other is a shorter, seasonal activity.
Another circular hike, La Tour de Creu, starts in Matemale, follows old Roman roads and reaches the remains of a Romanesque castle. The route of the GR® de Pays Tour du Capcir also passes the converted 13th-century church of Saint-Pierre. The hikes therefore have different historical connections: old roads and castle ruins on La Tour de Creu, and the church of Saint-Pierre on the GR. Trail conditions and access rules can change; check them before setting out.
More options for planning your trip
Several mountain biking routes start in Matemale. The leisure centre also offers mountain bike rentals, equestrian centres, mini golf and archery. For cycling, the route starting points and bike rentals are two distinct things to consider: the routes start in Matemale, while rentals are available at the leisure centre.
Cheval’Rando offers riding lessons, pony rentals and a pony club for children aged three and up. Operators at the leisure centre and the activities offered by Cheval’Rando may change; check current availability before your visit.
Choosing accommodation based on travel dates and interests
A four-day circular hike requires different time planning than a half-day activity; seasonal water sports and changing winter conditions also make travel dates important. Search for a hotel based on the activities that will actually be the focus of your stay, and check seasonal offerings in advance.
Explore more destinations: Montauriol, Sainte-Marie-Plage, Les Angles, Nyer, Felluns, Vinça, Finestret, Mosset
For the broader travel overview: Pyrénées-Orientales.
