Take An Unforgettable Drive to Etang de Soulcem in the Pyrenees

Étang de Soulcem is a high mountain reservoir at an elevation of 1.649m (5,410ft) above sea level, located in the Ariège department of France, near the Andorran-Spanish borders.

Étang de Soulcem

Where is Etang de Soulcem?

The reservoir is located in the Occitanie region, in the southern part of France.

Is the road to Étang de Soulcem in the Pyrenees paved?

The road to the artificial lake is fully paved. It was constructed between 1980–1983. At the end of the road there is a parking lot, known as Parking du Chemin des Orris. It’s the starting point of a gravel road leading to the unfinished Port de Rat tunnel.

How long is the road to Étang de Soulcem in the Pyrenees?

Starting at Val-de-Sos, the road is 17.8 km (11.06 miles) long. The road is pretty steep, hitting a 15% of maximum gradient through some of the ramps. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 987 meters. The average gradient is 5.54%.

Is the drive to Étang de Soulcem in the Pyrenees worth it?

The views are tremendous and well worth a trip. The lake, which can be reached from the commune of Auzat, is home to numerous native species of fishes.

Is the road to Étang de Soulcem in the Pyrenees open?

Set high in the Pyrenees mountain range, the road is usually impassable in winters.

Is the road to Étang de Soulcem in the Pyrenees challenging?

The road to the artificial lake is pretty narrow. Near the end are some challenging hairpin bends where you don't want to meet someone coming the other way. The area is prone to rock slides.

 

 

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