Lac de Bious-Artigues

Lac de Bious-Artigues is a mountain reservoir in the commune of Laruns, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department, inside the Pyrenees National Park. Sitting at 1,416 metres above sea level in the Ossau valley, in the historic Béarn region, it covers roughly 0.326 square kilometres. Rather than being an endpoint in itself, the lake works mainly as a launching pad into the higher ground of the range.

Where is it and how do you get there?

The lake sits in the upper Ossau valley, above Laruns, about 55 kilometres from Pau — roughly an hour to an hour and a half by car depending on traffic. Two car parks serve the site. The first, Bious-Oumettes, takes all types of vehicles and charges a fee during the day, but overnight stays are not allowed. The second, right next to the water, is gated and only open during set hours, and it turns away motorhomes and larger vehicles. On summer weekends the area fills up quickly, so arriving early in the morning is the safer bet.

What is there to do at the lake?

A footpath circles the entire reservoir, an easy walk that suits families and anyone after a short outing with mountain views rather than a full-day hike. In summer the lake also draws anglers, mainly for trout, and its calm, modest surface is well suited to kayaking or canoeing. Swimming is possible on warmer days too, though the water stays cold even in high summer since it is fed by snowmelt from higher up the massif.

Trails nearby — the gateway to the Ayous lakes

Bious-Artigues is the usual starting point for the hike to the Ayous lakes, one of the best-known loop routes in this part of the Pyrenees. The trail links several small lakes, including Lac Gentau and Lac Bersau, with views along the way of the distinctive Pic du Midi d'Ossau, whose silhouette famously reflects in Gentau's still water on a clear day. The full loop runs about 16 kilometres with several hundred metres of ascent, so it is best treated as a route for reasonably fit walkers rather than a casual stroll. A mountain hut, the Refuge d'Ayous, sits along the way and offers a stopping point for a rest or a meal partway through, and part of the route overlaps with the GR10, the long-distance trail that crosses the entire Pyrenees from east to west. Walkers looking for something shorter can also aim just for Lac Gentau and turn back from there.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim in Lac de Bious-Artigues? Yes, swimming is possible in summer, though the water stays cold because the lake is fed by run-off from higher parts of the Pyrenees.

How long does it take to drive there from Pau? About an hour to an hour and a half by car, depending on traffic and the season.

Can you park right next to the lake? Yes, but the car park closest to the water has limited opening hours and does not accept motorhomes — the other option, Bious-Oumettes, is more flexible.

How long is the hike to the Ayous lakes? The full loop typically takes five to six hours; the walk to Lac Gentau alone can be much shorter if that single viewpoint is the goal.

Is the area suitable for children? The path around Bious-Artigues itself is easy and family-friendly, but the full loop to the Ayous lakes calls for reasonable fitness and proper footwear.