Lac de Bassias

Lac de Bassias is a small high-mountain lake sitting at roughly 2,070 metres of altitude in the commune of Beaucens, in the Hautes-Pyrénées department. Locally it also goes by the name Lac de Couy Séque. Tucked into a rocky, grassy hollow on the north face of Soum de Lascours (2,485 m), it draws hikers looking for a genuine high-altitude Pyrenean lake away from the crowds.

Where exactly is the lake?

The lake lies right on the ridge that separates the Gave valleys, which drain toward Argelès-Gazost, from the Adour valley around Campan. That position means it can be approached from either side of the massif: from the Hautacam side within Beaucens, or from the Lesponne valley. Several other small lakes dot the same high pastureland nearby, making this stretch of ridge a favourite for lake-hopping hikes in the area.

How do you get there?

The most common approach starts from the parking area near Col de Moulata on the Hautacam side, climbing past Hourquette d'Ouscouaou onto a long, scenic ridge traverse. An alternative route begins at Chiroulet, in the Lesponne valley. Either way, the climb takes roughly three hours or a bit more. The final stretch down to the lake is steep and exposed in places, so this outing suits experienced mountain hikers rather than casual walkers — the path itself isn't waymarked, and while it's easy enough to follow in clear weather, fog can make it disorienting; turning back is the sensible call if visibility drops. Dogs are welcome but must stay on a leash.

What does the lake itself look like?

Lac de Bassias covers about 2.5 hectares and reaches a maximum depth of 10 metres. Scree slopes (éboulis) tumbling down from the surrounding terrain give it a stark, high-mountain feel. It has no permanent surface outflow — water only spills over a rock sill on the northeast side when levels run high, otherwise seeping away underground. Brown trout, rainbow trout and minnow all live in its waters, which makes it a destination for anglers as well as hikers. Even in July, patches of ice can still linger in shaded corners near the shore.

When is the best time to hike here?

The route is generally walkable from early June through to early November; outside that window, snow can still cover both the approach and the final descent to the lake. Given the altitude and the exposed nature of the last section, it's worth checking current snow conditions before setting out, particularly in early summer or late autumn.

FAQ

Can you swim in Lac de Bassias? It's a protected high-mountain lake, and swimming isn't recommended — the water stays cold and the surrounding environment is fragile.

Is this hike suitable for beginners? Not really. The steep, exposed final stretch and the lack of waymarking mean it's better suited to hikers with mountain experience.

Where's the best starting point? Two main options: the Col de Moulata parking area on the Hautacam side (within Beaucens), or Chiroulet in the Lesponne valley. Both require around three hours of climbing.

Is fishing allowed? The lake holds brown trout, rainbow trout and minnow, though as with most Pyrenean lakes, local fishing regulations apply.