Lac Gentau

Lac Gentau sits at 1,947 metres above sea level in the commune of Laruns, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department of southwestern France. Covering just under 0.1 km², it is the best-known and most easily reached of the Lacs d'Ayous, a small cluster of mountain lakes in the upper Ossau valley, part of the French Pyrenees.

Where is Lac Gentau located?

The lake lies in the upper reaches of the Vallée d'Ossau, above the village of Laruns, within the grounds of the Pyrenees National Park. The surrounding landscape is classic high-Pyrenean terrain — open pastures, rocky ridgelines, and, dominating the skyline, the twin-peaked silhouette of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau. On calm days that summit reflects in the still water, making Gentau one of the most photographed viewpoints in the range.

How do you get there?

Most visitors set out from the car park at the Bious-Artigues reservoir, following a signposted trail that climbs through forest and then open meadow toward the Lacs d'Ayous. Lac Gentau is the first and lowest of the group to be reached along this route. The moderate gradient and clear waymarking make it a popular half-day or full-day hike for both seasoned walkers and families looking for a manageable outing in the mountains.

What else is there to see nearby?

Right on the shore stands the Refuge Ayous, a mountain hut that opens in summer, offering meals and overnight accommodation to hikers continuing further into the range. From Gentau, paths lead onward to the other lakes of the Ayous group and further up the valley toward routes used to approach the Pic du Midi d'Ossau itself. The lake is fed by snowmelt and rainfall typical of this altitude, and its shoreline shifts slightly with the seasons, receding somewhat by late summer.

When is the best time to visit?

The hiking season in this part of the Pyrenees generally runs from June to September, when trails are clear of snow and the refuge is staffed. Outside these months, snow can linger on the higher sections of the approach, so checking current trail conditions before setting out is worthwhile.

Frequently asked questions

What is the elevation of Lac Gentau? The lake sits at 1,947 metres above sea level.

How large is the lake? Lac Gentau covers an area of approximately 0.093 km².

Is Lac Gentau the same as Lac Bersau? No. They are separate lakes within the Lacs d'Ayous group, situated at different points in the valley and at different elevations.

Where does the hike to the lake begin? Most walkers start from the car park at the Bious-Artigues reservoir, near Laruns.

Can you stay overnight at the lake? Yes, the Refuge Ayous, right on the shore, is open and staffed during the summer season.

What is the view like from the lake? The distinctive twin summit of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau dominates the skyline and, in calm conditions, reflects in the water.