Escaunets combines a unique location within the départements with a local history dating back to the Middle Ages. At Lac du Louet, options range from a loop of about four kilometres to walking, jogging, picnicking and fishing. This makes it possible to weigh up different priorities for a stay.

A unique location and early local history

Escaunets is a northern enclave of the Hautes-Pyrénées département (Occitanie region) within the Pyrénées-Atlantiques département (Aquitaine region). For geographical context, its affiliation with the first département and its location within the second should be considered separately.

Escaunets has been mentioned since around the year 1000; at that time, there was a medieval motte and a castle there. The early mention places the village in time, while the motte and castle are specific points of reference in its history at the time. Together, these details give Escaunets’s history a clear medieval context. A motte was a medieval castle built on an artificially raised mound.

At Lac du Louet: a circular route and landscape

The circular route around Lac du Louet is about four kilometres long, follows a surfaced gravel path and crosses a footbridge at the far end of the lake. When planning the walk, you can use its approximate length as a guide; the surface and footbridge section also give an idea of the route. At Lac du Louet, a walking path winds through a harmonious, peaceful landscape with varied vegetation. Walking and jogging are other possible activities.

Picnicking is also possible at Lac du Louet. Picnic tables and sports games are available along the walking path. This means a visit need not be limited to exercise: a break at a table and the sports games complement walking and jogging as other ways to enjoy the area. The main starting point for the circular route is at the dam car park; additional car parks are located around the lake.

Fishing and wetland flora

Lac du Louet is a second-category fishing lake and a good spot for carp fishing. Fishing is also permitted there at night. Fishing from a boat is allowed too; the access points are suitable for belly boats and small, lightweight watercraft. The options therefore vary according to fishing method, time of day and use of a boat. Check local regulations before fishing.

The peaty areas of the Lac du Louet et ruisseau de Louet Daban en amont site are also part of the area’s natural character. Plants recorded there include the nationally protected round-leaved sundew, as well as marsh St John’s wort and Portuguese butterwort, which are protected in Midi-Pyrénées. Some observation records may be older. These specific plant species and their protection status add to the peaceful landscape and varied vegetation along the walking path.

Discover more destinations: Ilheu, Betbèze, Vielle-Aure, Vic-En-Bigorre, Nouilhan, Buzon, Esbareich, Sarrancolin

For the broader travel overview: Hautes-Pyrénées.