Lacs d'Arrémoulit

Lacs d'Arrémoulit are a group of high-mountain lakes in the commune of Laruns, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department of France, at the head of the Ossau valley in the Pyrenees. Sitting at an altitude of 2265 m, with a combined surface area of just 0.11 km², they form a small but strikingly scenic cluster of tarns near the border with Spain.

Where exactly are the lakes located?

The lakes lie in the upper Ossau valley, inside a glacial cirque enclosed by the walls of the Palas (2974 m) and Arriel (2824 m) summits. This is a clearly distinct area from the better-known Ayous lakes (Lac Bersau, Lac Gentau), which sit in the same commune but in a separate mountain range further west — Arrémoulit lies further east, close to the Col d'Arrémoulit and the pass leading toward Spain. Their approximate coordinates are 42.8459 N, -0.3292 W.

What does the surrounding landscape look like?

The setting is classic high-Pyrenean terrain: bare granite walls, shattered rock faces, and patches of snow that can linger into summer. The water takes on a deep, distinctive colour, and the remoteness and quiet of the cirque draw hikers looking for genuine wilderness in the Western Pyrenees, away from the busier trails.

How do you reach Lacs d'Arrémoulit?

The usual starting point is the car park at Caillou de Soques, roughly 9 km up the valley from Gabas, at about 1400 m altitude. From there, the most common route crosses the Col d'Arrious: around 13 km with close to 900 m of ascent, typically taking about 4 hours one way. An alternative is a longer loop over the Col de Peyreget, which is more demanding — about 13.5 km, 1250 m of elevation gain, and roughly 7 hours of walking. Along the way hikers cross the Passage d'Orteig, a narrow rock ledge fitted with a security cable that looks more intimidating than it actually is to cross.

Is there a refuge nearby?

Right beside the lakes, at 2305 m, stands the staffed Refuge d'Arrémoulit, part of the FFCAM network. It serves as a natural base both for day hikers and for those continuing on toward the Spanish border or down into the Arrens valley on the far side of the massif. The refuge's opening season depends on snow conditions and generally falls within the summer months.

Who is this destination suited for?

Given the altitude, the absence of any road access, and the demanding approach, Lacs d'Arrémoulit is best suited to hikers with solid fitness and proper gear who value the silence of a high glacial cirque over easily reached viewpoints. It is also a well-known stage on longer treks across the Western Pyrenees, close to the passes marking the Spanish frontier.

FAQ

Are Lacs d'Arrémoulit the same as the Ayous lakes (Bersau, Gentau)? No. They are a separate group of lakes, sitting in a different mountain cirque, well to the east, closer to the Spanish border.

How long does it take to reach the lakes? From the Caillou de Soques car park, the shortest route via Col d'Arrious takes about 4 hours one way.

Can you stay overnight near the lakes? Yes — the staffed Refuge d'Arrémoulit (FFCAM), at 2305 m, sits right next to them.

Is the route technically difficult? It requires good fitness and crossing the Passage d'Orteig, a cable-secured ledge that looks more daunting than it actually is.

Are the lakes large? No — their combined surface area is only 0.11 km², making them small, intimate mountain tarns rather than expansive lakes.