Lacs d'Ayous hike
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Lacs d'Ayous & Pic du Midi d'Ossau - by Chemi Grante on Google
Description
The Lacs d'Ayous is an intermediate level hike near the Pic du Midi d'Ossau in the Pyrénées mountain range (on the French side). It can be done as an out-and-back until the refuge or as a loop of about of about 16kms mostly along single tracks with 800m ascent, starting at 1400m from the Bious Artigue lake. On the way up, hikers will go past 3 lakes and then reach a refuge.
Access & Transport
Driving instructions: head to Pau or Oloron Ste Marie and then to Laruns. From there, continue on in the Ossau Valley on the D934 and then on the D231 on your right until the lake of Bious Artigues where it is possible to park. In peak season, there is an overflow parking about 600m before that (15min uphill walk).
Instructions & Recommendations
Make sure to bring proper footwear, some snacks (and possibly a picnic), plenty of water, sun protection and rain/wind coat depending on the weather forecast. Cloudy doesn't mean the UVs won't get to you and the weather changes very fast in the high mountains.
Environmental & Social
Eco-friendly activity. Brings some revenues to the villages in the valley and the people running the refuge.
Conclusion
The Lacs d'Ayous trail is stunning, we can vouch for it. There are several lakes and a refuge that are all great spot for a lunch break / picnic and the views over the shark tooth of the iconic Pic du Midi d'Ossau are simply breath-taking.
Key positive
Amazing views
Easy to find the trailhead and well-marked
Key negative
Can be crowded on weekends and public holidays during the summer
Suitability
Suitable for all ages but kids under 8 may not make it to the Lac Gentau without being carried part of the way.
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:1h 30m
est. visit time:5h 30m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo