Lacs d'Ayous

The Ayous lakes form a group of mountain lakes in the Ossau valley, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, at the foot of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau, in the Pyrenees National Park. The classic loop counts six: Roumassot, Miey, Gentau, Bersau, Castérau and Paradis.

The route generally starts from the Bious-Artigues car park, reached from Laruns by the Col du Pourtalet road. After crossing forest, then pastures, the path leads to the lakes of Roumassot, Miey and Gentau, where the Pic d'Ossau is reflected in calm weather. The Ayous refuge is shortly after, at about 1,960 metres. The path then climbs to Lake Bersau, at over 2,000 metres.

The loop is fairly long and often done in two days with a night at the refuge. Bivouacking is regulated. In summer, access may be limited by a shuttle, and the route is very busy.

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