Right in the middle of the forest, the lake of Pas du Houx is a spot enjoyed by hikers and cyclists for its pastoral landscape. Created in the Middle Ages, it is one of the largest lakes in Paimpont, with a surface of 65 hectares! Because of its shallow depth, this surface varies quite a lot with the seasons…
The lake is situated upstream from the Pas du Houx, a tributary of the Aff river. It is classified as a natural area of interest for ecology, flora and fauna (ZNIEFF) and is part of a zone Natura 2000.
Surrounded by two private castles dating back to the nineteenth century, the lake is home to many plant and animal species, including some that are protected at the national level, such as the floating water-plantain (Luronium natans) or the pillwort (Pilularia globulifera). You may also be lucky enough to spot some other species endangered in the Armorica massif, such as Antinoria agrostidea, Juncus pygmaeus (pygmy rush) or Eleocharis ovata (hair grass).
The wealth of the lake of Pas du Houx is not only found in its flora but also its fauna… The lake is a breeding zone for Eurasian otters (lutra lutra)! Other important species in Brittany also live there: large marsh grasshoppers (stethophyma grossum) and harvest mice (micromys minutus).
The lake is private property, so it is not possible to walk around it and fishing is prohibited. The lake is drained once every three years, between November and February, providing an opportunity to fish Roach, Pike and Tench, all of which are farmed in the lake.
If you want to enjoy this beautiful spot, remember the hiking and cycling trails! On a bike or on foot, two forest trails allow you to observe and enjoy from afar the quiet beauty of this lake: the Lake of Pas du Houx circuit and the Two Lakes trail.
From Paimpont, follow road D40 then drive towards Saint-Péran/Telhouët.