Matemale: Lake, Hiking and Winter Activities

Matemale combines Lac de Matemale with hiking trails, forest and seasonal leisure activities. You can focus your stay in different ways: activities on the lake, multi-day hikes or winter sports. When looking for hotels in Matemale, your travel dates and planned activities can help guide your search.

Lac de Matemale and seasonal activities

Lac de Matemale is a 223-hectare artificial reservoir in the municipality of Matemale, at an altitude of 1,541 metres. The leisure centre by the lake includes a sailing school and pedal boat, kayak and canoe hire. Water sports are seasonal; if you are planning a particular activity, check its availability for your intended travel dates.

In summer, the Association NATAPH organises a half-day Joëlette hike around the lake. It is also advisable to check the seasonal availability of this tour before travelling.

Hikes with different focuses

For a multi-day hike, the GR® de Pays Tour du Capcir is a specific option: this 63-kilometre circular route starts and ends at Lac de Matemale and takes four days. If you are weighing up different timeframes, you can compare this tour with the half-day Joëlette hike. The GR® also passes the Church of Saint-Pierre in Matemale, a converted 13th-century church. La Tour de Creu offers a different historical focus: the circular hike starts in Matemale, follows old Roman roads and reaches the remains of a Romanesque castle. Conditions on the trail and access at La Tour de Creu may change; check both before setting out.

At La Tour de Creu, two periods should be distinguished: the roads are Roman, while the castle remains are Romanesque. This helps distinguish the route’s historical connection from that of the Church of Saint-Pierre on the GR®.

Natural surroundings and winter activities

Matemale is in the Pyrénées Catalanes Regional Nature Park and is among the municipalities listed in the Natura 2000 Massif de Madres-Coronat area (FR9101473). The Forêt royale de la Matte borders Lac de Matemale; centuries-old Scots pines define the forest. The artificial lake and the adjacent forest, shaped by old pines, are distinct landscape features in the same place.

In winter, activities in Matemale include classic cross-country skiing and skating, snowshoe hikes and dog sled rides on Nordic trails and groomed, marked pistes. Winter conditions can change with the season; check current conditions before making firm plans. The options include more than one cross-country skiing technique: alongside classic style and skating, snowshoe hikes and dog sled rides are separate activities.

Cycling and other leisure activities

Several mountain biking routes start in Matemale, and mountain bikes are also available to hire at the leisure centre by Lac de Matemale. The centre also offers equestrian centres, mini golf and archery. Cheval’Rando offers riding lessons, pony hire and a pony club for children aged three and over. Operators, availability and individual activities may change, so it is worth checking before your visit.

Plan your hotel stay in Matemale around the season

When looking for hotels in Matemale, it is best to start by deciding on your travel dates and main activity. The seasons also differ clearly: the Joëlette hike is organised in summer, water sports are seasonal, and the pistes are a winter activity. Then compare the specific hotel offers for your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Pia, Oms, Los Masos, Saint-Génis-Des-Fontaines, Tordères, Sorède, Sainte-Léocadie, Espira-De-L'agly

For the regional travel overview: Pyrénées-Orientales.