A Walk Around Barrage de Mialet: Our Favourite Local Trail
A Walk Around Barrage de Mialet: Our Favourite Local Trail
One of the greatest pleasures of staying at Beaux Souvenirs is having this beautiful reservoir walk right on our doorstep. The Barrage de Mialet is just 1.4km from the gîte - a gentle 15-minute stroll through the village - and offers one of the most rewarding circular walks in the Périgord Vert.
We walk this route regularly throughout the year, and it never fails to delight us. Whether you're an avid birdwatcher, enjoy discovering wildflowers, are a photographer, a fitness enthusiast, or simply someone who loves being in nature, this trail has something special to offer.
The Walk at a Glance:
Total Distance: 11.8 km (including 1.4km each way from Beaux Souvenirs)
Reservoir Circuit: 9km Duration: 2-3 hours at a leisurely pace (allow longer for photography and birdwatching)
Difficulty: Easy - flat throughout, suitable for all fitness levels
Surface: Mostly good paths, some pebbly sections
Facilities: Picnic benches, seating areas, free exercise equipment, dedicated birdwatching station
What Makes This Walk Special:
A Photographer's Dream
Every season brings its own magic to the Barrage de Mialet. In spring, the path edges burst with wildflowers - from delicate wood anemones to vibrant orchids. Summer offers dappled shade under the tree canopy, with the lake shimmering in the sunlight. Autumn transforms the landscape into a tapestry of golds, russets and deep reds, while mysterious mushrooms and toadstools appear along the woodland floor. The views across the reservoir are constantly changing with the light and weather - perfect for photographers at any time of year. We always recommend bringing a camera!
Birdwatcher's Paradise
The Barrage de Mialet serves as both a bird sanctuary and an essential stopover on migration routes. The reservoir attracts an impressive variety of species throughout the year.
Regular sightings include:
- Great Crested Grebes
- Grey Herons
- Mallards
- Coots
- Moorhens
During spring and autumn migration periods, you might spot:
- Ospreys
- Winter Teal
- Common Pochards
- Shoveler Ducks
- Pintails
- Gadwalls
- Redshanks
- Dunlins
- Curlews
- Little Ringed Plovers
The dedicated birdwatching station offers an excellent vantage point with information boards to help identify what you're seeing. On a recent walk, I used my Merlin Bird app and captured many species, including a Common Buzzard circling high above the reservoir - an unforgettable sight!
Keep Fit While You Walk
Strategically placed around the lake, you'll find various pieces of free exercise equipment. These outdoor fitness stations are thoughtfully positioned to take advantage of the stunning lake views, so you can work on your health while enjoying the scenery. It's a unique feature that our guests really appreciate.
Perfect for Picnics
Throughout the circuit, you'll discover numerous picnic benches and seating areas in scenic spots. Many overlook the water, making them ideal places to rest, enjoy a packed lunch, or sit and watch the birdlife. We often pack a picnic from the village bakery and butcher before heading out.
Seasonal Highlights
Spring (March - May)
The woodland floor comes alive with wildflowers - bluebells, primroses, and wild orchids create a stunning display. Bird migration is at its peak, bringing rare visitors to the reservoir. This is arguably the most spectacular time to walk the circuit.
Summer (June - August)
The tree canopy provides welcome shade during warm days. The water sparkles invitingly, and you'll see plenty of waterfowl with their young. Perfect for early morning or evening walks when the light is magical.
Autumn (September - November)
The trees put on their autumn show with breathtaking colour changes. The woodland floor becomes a treasure hunt for fascinating fungi - from tiny fairy mushrooms to impressive toadstools. The crisp air and softer light make for perfect walking conditions.
Winter (December - February)
Quieter paths and dramatic skies. Winter birds gather on the reservoir, and the bare trees allow different views across the water. On clear, cold days, the light is stunning for photography.
Practical Information
Getting There from Beaux Souvenirs
It's a straightforward 1.4km walk from the gîte to the reservoir entrance - just 15 minutes through the village. We provide detailed directions and a local map at Beaux Souvenirs. Alternatively, you can drive and park at the reservoir if you prefer.
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes (the path is mostly good but has some pebbly sections)
- Camera or binoculars
- Water and snacks
- Picnic lunch if you'd like to make a leisurely day of it
- Weather-appropriate clothing (it can be breezy by the water)
- Bird identification app (we recommend Merlin Bird ID)
- Sun protection in summer/waterproofs in winter
Best Times to Visit
The reservoir walk is accessible year-round and beautiful in every season. For birdwatching, early morning is best. For photography, the golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic light. To avoid any crowds (though it's rarely busy), weekday mornings are ideal.
Other Wildlife to Spot
Beyond the abundant birdlife, the Barrage de Mialet is home to some fascinating species:
- Pearl Mussels in the water
- Yellow-Bellied Toad (an endangered amphibian)
- Mercury Agrion dragonflies
- Various butterfly species
- White-clawed crayfish
- Fish species, including Sculpin and Lamprey
Keep your eyes open - you never know what you might discover!
After Your Walk
After completing the circuit and walking back to Beaux Souvenirs, you'll have earned a relaxing swim in your private pool! Many of our guests make this walk a regular part of their stay, finding it the perfect way to start the day or work up an appetite for lunch at Casa O, our village brasserie.
The beauty of having this reservoir walk so close to the gîte is that you can visit multiple times during your stay, experiencing different times of day, weather conditions, and seasonal changes.
Explore other local activities
Plan Your Stay
The Barrage de Mialet walk is just one of the many reasons our guests love staying at Beaux Souvenirs. With beautiful countryside walks right from your door, a private pool to return to, and the charming village of Mialet just 6 minutes away, you'll find the perfect balance of activity and relaxation.
We're always happy to provide detailed walking routes, recommend the best times for birdwatching, and share our latest wildlife sightings. Many guests time their visits around the spring or autumn migrations - ask us for recommendations!
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Have you walked the Barrage de Mialet? We'd love to hear about your experience or any interesting bird sightings! Please share your photos and stories with us.