Intermediate Pic du Midi d’Ossau

This stage starts at the Lac de Bious-Artigues. From the Bious-Oumettes car park, you will dive straight in. After a gentle warm-up by the lake, the real ascent begins, with the trail steadily gaining altitude as it winds deeper into the lush Ossau Valley.

Follow a series of switchbacks through wooded slopes and open fields, and watch as the impressive 2,884-metre-high Pic du Midi d’Ossau looms larger on the horizon. Keep your eyes peeled for grazing sheep and horses, and the occasional isard darting across the rocks.

After a couple more zigzags, you will reach Suzon Pass (2,130 m), having climbed more than 800 metres. Wow! A final stretch along rocky paths will bring you to the Pombie Refuge (2,031 m), located in a wide alpine basin overlooking the Lac de Pombie. With unbeatable views of the looming Pic du Midi, the hut is perfect for a first night in the Pyrenees.

Leave the high alpine basin of the Refuge de Pombie behind you and embark on a rocky yet manageable ascent. Today, enjoy the stunning combination of lakes, peaks and pastures that is so emblematic of the Pyrenees!

As you reach the top of Peyreget Pass (2,280 metres), you will walk by a lake and be rewarded with one of the most iconic views of the Pic du Midi d’Ossau. Take a break, catch your breath and take in the scenery. From there, the trail drops through challenging scree and boulder fields to another lake. Surefootedness is essential! As you continue to descend into the Peyreget Valley, the landscape will transform into lush green pastures.

At a crossroads, take the path to your left, and shortly afterwards you will cross a bridge over the Gave de Bious river. The trail then climbs again, leading you towards Lac de Castérau. Then, take the Tour des Lacs d'Ayous trail on the right towards Lac Bersau, a stunning alpine lake nestled beneath steep cliffs.

Further on, the path leads to the Refuge d'Ayous, which is located on the shores of Lac Gentau. This mountain hut boasts unbeatable views of the Pic du Midi reflected in the lake. Rest your legs and admire the view!

The day begins gently, allowing you to ease into the descent as you follow the picturesque lakeside trail and take in the lingering views of the Pic du Midi in the morning light.

The trail then gradually descends through the Ayous Valley. You will pass Lac du Miey and Lac Roumassot, which are both perfect spots for a break or a photo session, with mirror-still waters backed by rugged peaks. Further along, the forest becomes denser and the trail follows the winding Ossau stream downhill. Small waterfalls and wooden bridges add to the charm of this shaded section of the route.

As you reach the shores of Lac de Bious-Artigues, the path flattens out a bit and you will soon arrive at the parking area. You have now completed a full loop around one of the most iconic lakes in the French Pyrenees. Take one last look at the mountain before heading home. What a trek!