Lac de Fabrèges

Lac de Fabrèges is a mountain lake in the French Pyrenees, in the commune of Laruns in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department, at the heart of the Ossau valley. It sits at an altitude of 1241 metres and covers an area of roughly 0.54 square kilometres. The lake marks a well-known stop on the road climbing up the valley, right next to the cable car station that carries visitors further up the mountainside toward the Artouste ski area.

Where exactly is the lake?

Lac de Fabrèges lies in the upper Ossau valley, on the road heading toward the Col du Pourtalet, the mountain pass on the border with Spain. Its coordinates are approximately 42.875°N, -0.397°W. Steep, forested slopes and high alpine meadows surround the water, with the distinctive silhouette of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau, one of the emblematic peaks of the French Pyrenees, visible in the background.

What draws visitors here?

The main draw of the area is the cable car (télécabine) that departs from the lakeshore. In a matter of minutes it lifts passengers to roughly 2000 metres, at the La Sagette station, opening up wide views over the Ossau valley and the surrounding summits. From that upper station runs the famous Petit Train d'Artouste, a narrow-gauge tourist railway ranked among the highest-altitude rail lines in France. The train follows the mountainside for around an hour before reaching the vicinity of Lac d'Artouste, a separate and much higher lake that visitors then reach on foot after a short walk from the final station.

Lac de Fabrèges itself is also a pleasant stop for a short stroll along the shore, whether before or after riding the cable car. In summer, the valley draws hikers heading up toward the high passes and ridgelines; in winter, its position next to the Artouste ski area keeps the whole area busy with winter sports.

How to get there?

The Ossau valley is easily reached via the main road running from Pau through Laruns toward the Spanish border. Following this route past Laruns, drivers reach a car park by the lower cable car station, right at the edge of the lake. This is the natural starting point for anyone planning to ride the cable car or simply take a short walk around the area.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim in Lac de Fabrèges? The lake mainly serves as a scenic starting point for the valley's attractions rather than as a swimming spot.

How long does the cable car ride from the lake take? The télécabine to the upper La Sagette station takes only a few minutes, climbing several hundred metres in altitude.

Can you walk from Lac de Fabrèges to Lac d'Artouste? No — Lac d'Artouste is a separate, much higher lake, reached by taking the cable car and then the Petit Train d'Artouste, followed by a short walk.

When is the best time to visit? Summer offers green valley scenery and hiking trails, while winter turns the area into the base for the Artouste ski resort.

Is parking available near the lake? Yes, a car park at the lower cable car station beside the lake serves visitors during the tourist season.