Réaltor lake, Cabriès, Aix en Provence

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Explo writer

fritz

24675 pts.

Off the path Explo

92 %

Off the path Explo rate

Score

4.6 / 5

Comments

This lake is not famous from a touristic point of view. And the trek you describe is quite off the path!
Article Quality

92 %
Article Quality rate
- Description
  
  Score
  
  5 / 5
  
  Comments
  
  Nice description and tips for a unique visit Fritz!
- Plans & useful information
  
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  3 / 5
  
  Comments
  
  Yes. A plan might be useful huh?
- Pictures
  
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  5 / 5
  
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  Yes, 5 pics.
- Precise localization on map
  
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  5 / 5
  
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  Yes!
- 1 specific article for 1 specific spot
  
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  5 / 5
  
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  Yes!
Explo Popularity

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Réaltor is a little lake located 12km (SW) from Aix en Provence. It hosts many ducks during the winter time.

All year long, you can enjoy a very pleasant walking tour around the lake...

My experience, Explo description:

Until 1970, the canal was Marseille almost unique source of the water supply. It still supplies 2/3 of water of the city.

The canal is 80km long, bringing water from the Durance river. The route is sinuous because of the mountainous landscape : 17km of tunnels and 18 bridges were built. The most impressive work is the aqueduct of Roquefavour, built by Montricher in 1849.

The lake has a 63 hectares surface.

The former inn "Auberge du Lac Bleu".

Directly accessible by car, it is one of best birds observation points. This site presents a real interest in winter, when ten thousands ducks come there to find diurnal resting zone. The duck population is essentially consisted of "Fuligules milouin" (Aythya ferina) and "morillon" (In. Fuligula). You can also see mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and Winter teals (Anas crecca).

Ballad on the South-east bank of the lake (3km to go and return).

You can park your car close to the "Auberge du Lac Bleu" inn. Then go to the lake rail, and go right on the road which leads to a private property. 30m before the portal, between two cement borders, you will find the starting point of a small path which sinks into the vegetation. Follow it without hesitating. This path is going to drive you along the lake through a varied vegetation, with numerous sight and observation points to watch the birds.

My personal recommendations:

Make the walking tour about 1 to 2 hours before the sunset : then, the light is really amazing !

How getting there:

By car : take the RD9 road from Aix en Provence to Marignane. Beware : access is only possible in the direction from Aix en Provence to Marignane.

Park you car close to the former inn "Auberge du Lac Bleu".

A tip to eat:

The inn is closed. Bring a pic nic !

Useful information:

Open hours:

All day long.

Visit duration:

2 hours.