Étang d'Ayès

Étang d'Ayès is a mountain lake in the commune of Bethmale, in the Couserans area of Ariège, in the French Pyrenees. Sitting at roughly 1,694 metres above sea level, it covers a modest surface area of about 1.7 hectares. It's one of several small lakes scattered across the upper reaches of the Bethmale valley, not far from the better-known Lac de Bethmale lower down.

Where exactly is the lake?

Ayès sits at the mouth of the Cirque de Campuls, a small glacial cirque ringed by steep slopes. The lake is fed by the Campuls stream, which runs down from the higher ground of the cirque. This natural amphitheatre has long served a practical purpose for local herders: it was here that sheep and cattle were gathered each year during transhumance, before being driven further up to the summer pastures. Traces of that pastoral tradition are still visible across the valley.

How do you get to Étang d'Ayès?

The most straightforward approach starts near Lac de Bethmale. From Castillon-en-Couserans, take the D4 towards Sentein, then turn onto the D17 at Bordes-sur-Lez, which runs alongside Lac de Bethmale. From there, a forest track climbs towards Mont Ner; after roughly 20 minutes of driving you reach a second car park, closed off by a barrier, where the walking route into the Cirque de Campuls begins. The path starts out wide and grassy, then narrows and climbs in switchbacks to a junction. Turning right there, a gentler climb leads up to the ridge, where the trail meets the GR10. Following the GR10 to the right brings you straight to the lake.

A second, considerably tougher option starts at Col de la Core: a round trip of around 10 kilometres with roughly 580-590 metres of elevation gain, typically taking four to four and a half hours.

What should you know before setting out?

The access route through the Cirque de Campuls is typically closed between 1 November and 1 June, so it's worth checking conditions before planning a trip outside the summer months. It's also worth knowing that swimming is banned in every lake within the commune of Bethmale - Ayès included, alongside its neighbours: Bethmale, Eychelle, Milouga, Arouech and Cruzous. The rule is meant to protect water quality and the fragile ecosystems of these high-altitude lakes.

Are there other lakes nearby?

Yes - the Bethmale valley holds several similar lakes at different altitudes, including Étang d'Eychelle, which lies within the same commune but in a different part of the terrain and is reached by a separate route. It's a distinct lake, so if you're planning a hike, it's worth double-checking which one you're actually heading for - routes are sometimes combined into a longer loop, but they lead to different destinations.

Frequently asked questions

How high up is Étang d'Ayès? The lake sits at an altitude of around 1,694 metres.

How big is the lake? It covers a surface area of about 1.7 hectares.

Can you swim there? No - swimming is prohibited in all the lakes of the Bethmale commune, including Ayès.

When is the trail through the Cirque de Campuls closed? The access route is typically closed from 1 November to 1 June.

Is this the same lake as Étang d'Eychelle? No - they are two separate lakes within the same commune of Bethmale, located in different parts of the valley.