The Ayous Lakes

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Presentation

The Ayous Lakes, a hike to multiple lakes!
Nestled in the heart of the Pyrenees, the Ayous lakes offer an exceptional setting where the crystal-clear water reflects the surrounding peaks, including the majestic Pic du Midi d'Ossau. 
Between green pastures, summer pastures and silence, this iconic site invites you to contemplate and escape, following the rhythm of the seasons and hikes.
 
 

Hiking the Ayous Lakes


With a full rucksack and hiking boots on our feet, the trails of the Ayous Lakes immerse us in a magnificent natural mountain landscape.
Nature expresses itself unrestrainedly, with short grass, wind, bright flowers, sublime natural scenery, lakes, waterfalls, peaceful herds and the sound of cowbells...
As the trail winds its way through summer pastures, plateaus and forests, the lakes appear one by one before our eyes, each with its own unique character and intense colour, their waters translucent.
Each step invites us to slow down and enjoy the moment, listening to the lapping of the water or watching the birds of prey.
 
  • Summer pasture on the plateau - Ayous - © Le64 - JM Decompte

The lakes


The first lake we come across on our route is Lake Bious-Artigues.
Located near the car parks, it offers families and those who want to enjoy the mountains without hiking a breathtaking view of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau.
 
  • Lake Bious-Artigues - Ayous - © Florian Monot
For hikers, once on the vast plateau, the trail heads right into the forest and leads us successively to Lake Roumassot, then Lake Miey, before reaching the famous Lake Gentau.

A true gem of the site, Lake Gentau is one of the most famous lakes in the Pyrenees.
Located at the foot of the Ayous refuge, it offers an exceptional view of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau, whose silhouette is majestically reflected in this magnificent mirror of water.
 
  • Ayous Lakes - © Entre2Pôles
To extend the hike, there are several routes to choose from:
  • the GR10 takes you to the Col d'Ayous and offers a panoramic view of the Ayous lakes hike (round trip)
  • the path towards Lake Bersau continues the hike to form a loop.
Lake Bersau is the largest and highest lake (2,082 metres above sea level) on the hike.
The hike continues towards Lake Castérau before reaching the vast plateau. 

Please note: this hike is estimated to take around 5 hours to complete, covering 14.2 km and 720 metres of elevation gain.
 
  • Hike to the Ayous lakes - © C.Migeon

Practical information about hiking around the Ayous lakes


The unmissable hike around the Ayous lakes, which offers every hiker an exceptional view of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau, says Jean-Pierre, has a few rules to follow.

To admire this giant rock in complete peace of mind, here is some useful information.
Access / Transport
 

Where to park your car?


During weekends, long weekends and public holidays in May and 1 June until mid-October 2025, attendants will be present at Bious to enforce the new parking rules.

Please note!
  • Camping, bivouacking or using vehicles as a place to live (sleeping or cooking in your vehicle) are prohibited on the site, including near the car parks. 
  • During busy periods, the car parks may be full and therefore temporarily closed.
  • During the winter, the road and the Ayous lakes hiking trail are closed until conditions return to normal.
    Road information

Bious-Artigues car park (second car park - next to the lake)

Accessible to light vehicles, prohibited to motorhomes and vans.
Open from 7am to 7pm.
No entry after 5pm and vehicles must be removed before the barriers close at 7pm.
Car park emptied every evening, and no vehicles may be parked in this car park overnight. If you are camping, you must park at Bious-Oumettes.

Price: €8
Payment: credit card, cash, cheques


Bious-Oumette car park (first car park)

Accessible at all times, for all types of vehicles.
Payable from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Price: €5
Payment: credit card, cash, cheques


Special cases of free parking
  • Holders of disabled parking permits: in the upper car park until all spaces are taken.
  • Passengers on public transport.
  • Beneficiaries: nothing changes for pastoral activities. The pass giving access to the track must still be presented to the attendants.
  • Permanent residents of a municipality that owns the site (Bielle, Bilhères and Laruns) with a pass: request for free parking ONLY at Bious-Oumettes.
    This request must be sent to csbbl@laruns.fr or submitted to the reception desk at Laruns Town Hall.
 


Getting there by public transport


In summer, the 525 bus connecting Laruns - Artouste - Col du Pourtalet stops at Bious Oumettes (starting point for the Lacs d'Ayous hike).
From Pau, take bus line 524 to Laruns, then change to bus line 525. 
 
Practical information about camping and hiking

Hiking with my dog
 

If you want to hike to the Ayous lakes with your four-legged friend, you should be aware that part of the hike is in the Pyrenees National Park, where dogs are not allowed.
Dogs are allowed, on a leash, only from Lake Bious-Artigues to Lake Gentau at the foot of the Ayous refuge. Beyond that, they are not allowed.
 
 

For camping


Camping is highly regulated on the Ayous Lakes hiking trails.

Camping is prohibited on the shores of Lake Bious-Artigues (municipal by-laws).

The first two lakes (Lake Roumassot and Lake Miey) on the hike are off-limits for camping as they are in a pastoral area where herds can drink.

Lake Gentau is the first lake where camping is permitted. It is located at the foot of the Ayous refuge and offers a remarkable view of the majestic Pic du Midi d'Ossau.

PLEASE NOTE: camping is permitted but regulated.
Around this lake, camping is only permitted between 7 p.m. and 9 a.m., and camping is prohibited in a designated pastoral area.
 

For the lakes following the refuge, Lakes Bersau and Castérau are subject to the regulations of the Pyrenees National Park.
   
  • Camping and hiking map - Ayous