Lac d'Ourrec

Lac d'Ourrec is a small mountain lake sitting on a quiet shelf in the Lesponne valley, part of the commune of Beaucens in the Hautes-Pyrénées department, in the Occitanie region of France. At roughly 1,667 metres above sea level, on the northern flank of the Lascours massif within the wider Pic du Midi de Bigorre range, it's the kind of lake you earn rather than stumble upon — reached only on foot, after a walk through forest and pasture.

Where exactly is it?

The lake sits in a natural amphitheatre formed by three peaks: Soum de Lascours (2,490 m), Pène de Lounqué (2,275 m), and Pic du Montaigu (2,339 m). That backdrop of bare granite ridges above turquoise-tinted water is what draws hikers here in the first place. The lake itself is modest in scale — around 1.3 hectares of surface area and a maximum depth of about 3 metres — closer to a mountain tarn than a large reservoir.

How do you get there?

Two established routes lead to Lac d'Ourrec, and they differ considerably in length and effort.

From the Chiroulet car park

The shorter and easier approach starts at the Chiroulet parking area in the Lesponne valley. The path follows the Adour de Lesponne stream, climbs through forest, and passes the Ouscouaou waterfall before the lake comes into view. The round trip takes about two hours and is generally rated easy, making it a realistic option for families.

From Hautacam (Col de Tramassel)

The longer route begins at Col de Tramassel, near the Hautacam ski area. It's a loop of about 12.5 km with roughly 474 m of elevation gain, and hikers should plan on close to four and a half hours. This version is rated moderate — manageable for anyone with reasonable hiking fitness, but a step up from the Chiroulet approach.

Is it worth pairing with another lake?

Lac Bleu lies nearby, and many hikers link the two into a single "two lakes" loop. Doing so means covering two distinct mountain-lake landscapes in one outing, without doubling back along the same path to the start.

When should you go?

The hiking season here runs roughly from late April to mid-November, with May through October the busiest and most reliable window. The route is not recommended in winter or whenever snow lingers on the surrounding ridges, and guides advise against attempting it in fog, since the terrain can be hard to read without clear visibility.

Is it grazing land?

Yes. The slopes around the lake are used for summer grazing, so dogs are welcome but must stay on a leash while livestock is present.

Frequently asked questions

How high up is Lac d'Ourrec? The lake sits at an altitude of approximately 1,667 metres.

How long does the hike take? It depends on the route: about 2 hours round trip from the Chiroulet car park, or closer to 4.5 hours for the loop starting at Hautacam.

Is the trail suitable for children? The Chiroulet approach is rated easy and is commonly recommended for families; the longer Hautacam loop is more demanding.

Can I bring a dog? Yes, but on a leash — the area is used for livestock grazing in summer.

What's the best time of year to visit? Between May and October, avoiding winter conditions and periods when snow is still present on the trail.