Étang d'Eychelle

Étang d'Eychelle is a small mountain lake in the French Pyrenees, set within the commune of Bethmale in the Ariège department, in the Couserans area. Sitting at roughly 1,894 metres above sea level, the lake covers less than a hectare — a quiet, secluded pool ringed by grassy slopes and rocky ridges, characteristic of the high-altitude zone of the French Pyrenees.

Where exactly is the lake?

Eychelle lies on the eastern flank of the ridge overlooking the Bethmale valley, close to two distinctive peaks: Tuc de la Seube (2,096 m) and Tuc d'Eychelle (2,315 m), which lends its name both to the lake and to the nearby shepherd's hut, the Cabane d'Eychelle, standing at about 1,900 m just above the water. The whole area falls within the Parc Naturel Régional des Pyrénées Ariégeoises (Ariège Pyrenees Regional Nature Park).

How do you get there?

The most common starting point is the Col de la Core (1,395 m), reached by a local departmental road. From there, the trail climbs toward the Col d'Auèdole (1,727 m), from which the lake is a short distance further on — the ascent from the pass typically takes about ninety minutes. Part of the route follows a variant of the GR10, the well-known long-distance Pyrenean trail (the GR10D branch).

A second option is a longer approach from the Étang de Bethmale (1,074 m), sitting further down the same valley. This variant lengthens the walk but lets hikers combine both lakes in a single outing. The hike is generally rated moderate, with total elevation gain running into several hundred metres depending on the chosen approach.

What is there to see?

The scenery around Eychelle is classic high-Couserans terrain: a modest sheet of water framed by alpine grassland and bare rock, with no tourist infrastructure beyond the shepherd's shelter. The lake holds brown trout (truite fario), making it a target for anglers, though swimming is prohibited here, as it is at the neighbouring Étang de Bethmale.

Given the altitude and terrain, the best window for a visit runs from spring through early autumn; in winter, snow cover can make the trail difficult or impassable without proper equipment.

Who is this hike for?

This is a destination for hikers looking for a quiet, low-key goal away from the busier Pyrenean trails. The absence of crowds, the untouched surroundings, and the views toward Tuc de la Seube and Tuc d'Eychelle are the main draws. Sturdy hiking boots, water, and a good trail map are worth bringing, since waymarking on the higher stretches can be sparse.

Frequently asked questions

How high up is Étang d'Eychelle? The lake sits at an altitude of around 1,894 metres.

Where's the best place to start the hike? The Col de la Core (1,395 m) is the most convenient trailhead; from there, via the Col d'Auèdole (1,727 m), the lake is roughly ninety minutes away.

Can you swim in the lake? No, swimming is prohibited, just as it is at the nearby Étang de Bethmale.

Are there fish in the lake? Yes, Eychelle holds brown trout (truite fario).

When is the best time to hike here? Spring through early autumn is best; in winter, snow can make the trail hard to access.