The Lake Peïroou is an artificial lake with a unique name located in the Alpilles in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a charming village that reveals all its charm when summer arrives. Formerly known as “Pirou,” this water reservoir is a result of ancient Roman engineering, making this place a window into the region’s past.
Want to know more about this lake? Read on and discover Lake Peïroou like you’ve never seen it before!
What to Do at Lake PeïRou: Must-Do Activities
Once an artificial lake whose primary role was to supply water to the city of Glanum, Lake Peïroou is now a true haven of peace for the residents of Saint-Rémy and tourists, all attracted by the tranquility and beauty of the surrounding landscape. This lake is a pleasant place, representing a perfect getaway for those who wish to recharge, take a walk, and even fish, while respecting certain rules to preserve the wonderful ecosystem it hosts.
Although Lake Peïroou may seem idyllic for swimming, it’s important to note that the site is particularly fragile and requires specific protection. Therefore, swimming is prohibited, and it is mandatory to keep dogs on a leash and leave no waste behind.
That being said, Lake Peïroou is an excellent starting point for going for a walk or hiking; in fact, the surrounding trails, notably the GR6, a renowned long-distance hiking trail, will lead you through breathtaking landscapes, along the ridges and through the rocky landscapes of the Alpilles. For those who only wish to take a tour around Lake Peïroou, there are two main routes for your walk: the first is an accessible trail for all, ideal for a peaceful walk along the ridges, while the second, more challenging, crosses the rocky landscapes of the Alpilles, offering a breathtaking view of the surroundings. To make the most of its unique setting, we recommend starting your hike from the ancient site of Glanum.
As mentioned earlier, it is also possible to fish at Lake Peïroou. To do so, you must obtain a special fishing permit for the lake, as the national fishing license does not work at this location. You can purchase one at the Saint-Rémy-de-Provence Tourist Office. Options are available for daily, weekly, or monthly permits.
Why is Lake PeïRou a True Hidden Treasure?
Lake Peïroou is a true treasure, both historically and environmentally; it’s important to know that it is retained by the Glanum dam, an ancient structure located in the eponymous city, whose foundation dates back to the “Roman era and which today” bears the name of Saint-Rémy-en-Provence. Destroyed during the construction of a modern structure in 1891 (the Peiròu dam), this dam, which regulated the water of a gaudre, a small often dry stream in Provençal, served to supply water to the inhabitants but also to the aqueduct of the same name used to irrigate the crops of the Auge valley in the Alpilles. Moreover, according to Esprit Calvet, the Glanum dam appears to be the first known arch dam.
Tips for Visiting Lake PeïRou
Before setting out to discover Lake Peïroou, we advise you to follow the tips below to make the most of your activities on site, whether they are in nature or in town, such as in Saint-Rémy-en-Provence:
- Book your accommodation in advance: before choosing the activities you want to do near the lake, it’s advisable to find where you’re going to stay: if you’re staying in Saint-Rémy-en-Provence, it’s better to create a list of activities based on what the place offers, and book in advance those you want to do. Also, to help you know where to stay, we provide on our website a whole range of accommodations which, we are convinced, will allow you to make the right choice.
- Bring appropriate clothing: needless to say, you should bring clothes suitable for the activities you have chosen: for those who want to go for a walk at Lake Peïroou, plan for good shoes and clothes adapted to the weather and season. This advice also applies if you’re taking a trip to the cities that make up Provence.
- Take your trash with you: whether you plan to go there for a picnic or simply for hiking, and due to the fragile fauna and flora of the region, you should keep your waste with you. Therefore, plan accordingly and bring bags to store your garbage. As a reminder, offenders are subject to fines starting from 135 euros.
To access the Peïroou lake from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, simply follow Avenue Van Gogh or Route des Baux. Leaving the town, just follow the stairs on your right to discover a beautiful hiking trail. However, access is restricted during summer, particularly to “anticipate the very high visitor numbers during the summer period and to protect this very sensitive site in the heart of” a protected forest area.
In Conclusion: why Lake PeïRoou is Worth the Detour
Lake Peïroou is a unique place with a dreamlike charm that should be discovered within the Alpilles massif, especially if you’re looking for a place where nature reigns supreme. Moreover, due to its location, you can easily discover other activities and panoramas typical of Provence. Do you want to discover Lake Peïroou and the region? Then all you need to do is visit Provence Plaisirs, book the accommodation that best meets your expectations, and set off for a stay in Provence!
