Top 15 Lakes around Aulus-Les-Bains

For easy access, Lac de Bethmale is an excellent choice. It features a parking area a few hundred meters away and a wooden pontoon, making parts of the lake accessible for people with reduced mobility and strollers. An accessible path also encircles the lake, perfect for walks and picnics.

Yes, Étang d'Izourt, an artificial reservoir lake, holds historical significance. The GR®10 hiking trail, which passes by the lake, was used by those fleeing the Nazi regime during World War II. A commemorative plaque marks this history.

Both Étang du Garbet and Lac de Bethmale are popular for fishing. Étang du Garbet is a favorite among fishermen, while Lac de Bethmale is known for trout fishing, particularly brown and rainbow trout. A valid fishing license is required for Lac de Bethmale, with fishing permitted from May to October.

The area around Aulus-Les-Bains offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including a moderate route to Étang du Garbet and a difficult loop around Guzet Pond. Mountain biking is also popular, with challenging routes like the Pic de Risoul loop. For more strenuous adventures, there are mountain hikes such as the Pica d'Estats Summit loop.

Guzet Pond is considered family-friendly and is bordered by vegetation, making it an idyllic spot. Lac de Bethmale also offers a shaded and accessible path, perfect for walking and picnicking, with stone barbecues available at two entrances.

For exceptional views, Étang d'Arbu is highly recommended, offering clear water and stunning vistas. The cirque surrounding Étang du Garbet also provides magnificent views, including a cascade from the Étang Bleu. Additionally, the hike to Étang d'Izourt offers majestic views of peaks like Pique d'Endron and Picot.

While many lakes are beautiful, swimming and water sports are generally prohibited in some, such as Lac de Bethmale, to preserve their rich ecosystems. Always check local regulations for specific lakes before planning to swim.

The region features several high-altitude lakes. Étang du Garbet is at 1,683 meters, and Étang d'Izourt is at 1,647 meters. Higher still, Pinet Pond (near Pinet Refuge) is at 2,240 meters, and Estats Pond is approximately 1.5 kilometers from the Pinet refuge, nestled in a rocky valley.

Beyond the more well-known lakes, the region offers several smaller, peaceful ponds. The Senó, Colatx, and Punturri ponds are found in the same glacial basin as Estany de Romedo de Dalt, offering tranquil breaks amidst rocky valleys and mountain peaks.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. For instance, the Estany de Romedo de Dalt area is noted for its quiet and scenery, making hikers feel 'alone on the planet.' The clear, abundant water and exceptional views at Étang d'Arbu are also highly valued.

While specific recommendations vary by lake and altitude, summer is generally ideal for hiking in the Pyrénées, offering warmer weather and blooming rhododendrons, particularly along trails leading to lakes like Étang d'Izourt. However, some high-altitude refuges, like Pinet Refuge, may close by mid-October, though winter rooms might be available.