Isabe Lake and Sesques Peak circular

Lake Isabe is one of the most beautiful and mysterious lakes in the Pyrenees and, in any case, a real gem set in a mineral landscape with steep cliffs. Towering above it, above the last snowfields of summer, rises the Pic de Sesques (or L'Escarbu). To reach it, you will have to traverse chaotic landscapes and climb a narrow couloir to reach an aerial ridge, but it is not dangerous. A beautiful mountain hike with a nice 1,700 m elevation gain over a fairly short distance of 14 km.

Details

13967176
Creation:
Last update:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 13.53 km
  • ◔
    Duration according to the author: 8 hrs 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Very difficult

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,673 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,664 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,591 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 938 m

Photos

Description of the walk

On the D934, shortly after leaving the village of Eaux Chaudes (commune of Laruns), pass the Miégebat hydroelectric power station and turn right onto a forest track heading north-west, then due west, into the Gorges du Bitet. Continue along the track as far as possible, until you reach a bridge marking the end of authorised road traffic. There are around twenty parking spaces on either side of the track.

(S/E) Take the well-marked path that runs along the right bank of the stream through the forest. Pass under the Sesques water intake penstock.

(1) At the Cabane de Raziès junction, turn right. Climb gently through the Gorges du Bitet forest.

(2) At the end of the forest track, cross the Bitet. Climb up through the Bois d'Isabe. When the woods thin out, climb up with a ravine below on the right (note the Cuellar de Lhecq, a magnificent rock face, on the other side). Continue climbing and note several waterfalls on the right.

(3) After the Québot d'Isabe, the climb becomes steeper and the ground more stony. Depending on the season, the floral display rewards all your efforts. The last third of the climb is particularly steep. Shortly before 1900 m, you will come to a quiet section that leads to a first small lake, then to the weir and finally to Lac d'Isabe. The lake is surrounded by high, rocky cliffs and a stream ending in a magnificent waterfall flows into the lake.

(4) Near the spillway, you will quickly find an unmarked path on the left that allows you to gain height. The initial climb is quite steep. The path, which is fairly well marked, then heads south-west and is marked by a few cairns. Cross a plateau of either boulders or sharp limestone pavements.

(5) At an altitude of 2,300 metres, cross the stream coming from the upper lake of Lac d'Isabe. Continue climbing south-west, keeping your eyes on a V-shaped gap in the ridge. The slope becomes steeper as you approach the gap. At around 2,440 m, the slope rises again for a few dozen metres in a couloir before reaching the hollow of the gap. To the west, the landscape opens up onto the Aspe Valley.

(6) Climb the ridge to the south (on the left when you reach the gap). Immediately above the hollow of the gap, find a fairly marked couloir facing west for a few metres where you will need to use your hands. NB: avoid staying too far to the east under the ridge, which is too exposed, even if you can also pass that way.
Quickly reach the ridge and follow it closely, making a few forays below the ridge to the right, i.e. to the west. This ridge is exposed but not dangerous. The route heads south then south-east until it reaches the secondary summit of Pic de Sesques (2583 metres).

(7) Continue south-east along the ridge, which becomes steeper, keeping the Pic de Sesques antennas in your sights. Reach the antennas and broadcasting building, then the summit of Pic de Sesques (or L'Escarpu).

(8) Head south, slightly to the right of the ridge line. Aim for a clearly visible white rock in the hollow of the Col de Sesques.

(9) At Col de Sesques, make your way through the valley and head generally south-east until you reach a path on the northern flank of Capéran de Sesques. The path turns east, then goes around two rocky hillocks and finally heads north into the bottom of Vallon de Sesques. The trail is clearly visible and marked by a few cairns.

(10) At around 1,770 metres, the route arrives at the bed of the Arrec de Sesques, a wide torrent that is practically dry in summer as it is partly underground. The route heads north-east across or along the left bank of the torrent. When you see the Cujala de Sesques farm (a building and several enclosures), cross to the right bank. Reach Cujala de Sesques.

(11) Leave the building on the left bank, then cross the stream via the left bank and join a well-marked path. Follow this path to the right (north-east) and enter the forest. Then head roughly north. Leave the forest and pass the ruins of the Cabane d'Artigue de Sesques in the distance.

(12) Pass by an unnamed refuge hut and re-enter the forest. Descend the winding path towards the Gorges du Bitet.

(1) At the ruins of the Cabane de Raziès, turn right onto the path you took on the way up. This will take you back to the car park where you started (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 938 m - Parking-Terminus autorisé Gorges du Bitet (916m)
  2. 1 : km 0.83 - alt. 1,054 m - Raziès hut
  3. 2 : km 1.97 - alt. 1,145 m - End of forest track - Crossing the Bitet
  4. 3 : km 3.25 - alt. 1,488 m - Québot d'Isabe
  5. 4 : km 4.48 - alt. 1,929 m - Lac d'Isabe (1925m)
  6. 5 : km 5.95 - alt. 2,258 m - Crossing a stream
  7. 6 : km 6.48 - alt. 2,455 m - Breach in the Sesques ridge at Isabe
  8. 7 : km 6.79 - alt. 2,564 m - Antécime
  9. 8 : km 7.16 - alt. 2,580 m - Pic de Sesques (2606m)
  10. 9 : km 7.84 - alt. 2,376 m - Col de Sesques (2385m)
  11. 10 : km 9.57 - alt. 1,767 m - Arrec de Sesques
  12. 11 : km 10.16 - alt. 1,648 m - Cujala de Sesques
  13. 12 : km 11.55 - alt. 1,413 m - Unnamed cabin
  14. S/E : km 13.53 - alt. 938 m - Parking-Terminus autorisé Gorges du Bitet (916m)

Notes

⚠️The description is based on a solo hike in summer (July 2021). From (4) onwards, no markings are visible! Most of the route will use the description accompanied by a GPS track.

?️Parking at the start
The Bitet road or forest track running through the gorges of the same name was rebuilt in 2015. In 2021, it is in perfect condition. It is blocked by numerous transverse gullies, which can be crossed slowly but without difficulty. Even if some unscrupulous hikers do so, do not cross the bridge at the sign prohibiting it.

⏰Time indicated
I completed this route in just under 7 hours, including breaks and a picnic, leaving the car park at 8.30am. This is a fairly short time. Allow between 7.30am and 8.30am.

?‍♀️Difficulty
This hike is classified as very difficult due to the significant elevation gain over a fairly short distance, the very steep sections just before (4) and up to (6), and the entire unmarked section from the lake onwards. It is a challenging route, reserved for mountaineers who are not afraid of these difficulties.
Don't be afraid to use your hands to reach the ridge and forget all your fatigue along the way!
The IBP Index (automatic route difficulty rating system), a partner of the FFRandonnée, is 174 HKG, which corresponds to a Difficult route for hikers with a high level of physical fitness.

Water sources
There are no drinking water points along the route. Springs, lakes, rivers and runoff water are not guaranteed to be drinkable due to grazing livestock. Allow 1.5 litres per person.

?Shelter
Only the Cujala de Sesques can truly serve as a permanent shelter along the route. However, in an emergency, you can take shelter along any of the huts mentioned, including the radio communication facilities at Pic de Sesques.
There are no huts or refuges for overnight stays along the route.

?Equipment
Bring the usual equipment for hiking in the high mountains in summer: hiking boots, suitable clothing, rainwear, sunglasses, water, food, survival blanket, knife, compass, map, whistle, sun cream, lip balm and walking sticks if necessary. A GPS or the Visorando app on your smartphone can complete your equipment to make your hike truly safe.

?‍?‍?‍?Traffic
- In summer, the route is fairly busy up to Lac d'Isabe. Beyond that, you may encounter a few hikers on the way to the summit of Pic de Sesques. The return trip to Vallon de Sesques is usually uncrowded.
Whatever the season, don't forget to tell your friends and family your exact route and inform them of any changes by text message or telephone.

Météo-France mountain report
Check the weather forecast.

If you notice any errors in the signposting or place names on your route or on the map you are using, you can become a contributor and report them:
- Marking errors, safety issues, conflicts of use, environment, etc.: click here
- mapping errors, place names, etc.: click here

Worth a visit

On the climb to Lac d'Isabe, between WP (2) and (4)
Your efforts will be rewarded with carpets of colourful flowers, including Iris latifolia, Iris des Pyrénées or broad-leaved iris, thousands of blueberry bushes and even wild strawberries...

At Lac d'Isabe (4)
The arrival at the lake via its lower inlet and the cascades of the spillway is enchanting.
The lake is nestled in a setting of impressive cliffs. It is beautiful and always impressive.
Its waterfall feed gives it incredible charm (a bit like Lac d'Oô (31)).

Arriving at the breach in the ridge, at (6)
To the west, the landscape opens up onto the Aspe Valley, with Permayou (2,344 m) on the right, Aygarry (2,099 m) and the grassy slopes of Montagne d'Ourtasse or the rocky slopes of Espétouse (2,376 m), and to the west-southwest in the distance, the Aiguilles and Pic d'Antsabère (2362 m) and Pic d'Anie (2504 m) on the border ridge.
Iris latifolia, Iris of the Pyrenees or Broad-leaved Iris.

At the summit of Pic de Sesques (8)
Splendid 360° view over the two valleys of Aspe and Ossau, as far as the Spanish peaks of Aspe, Llana de Garganta, etc.
From this viewpoint, you have a great view of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau, a must-see in the valley.

Village of Eaux-Chaudes
The reputation of Eaux-Chaudes is based on more than twelve centuries of history and experience...
Find out more

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 12 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.3 / 5
Route interest
4.8 / 5
MCTOUL
MCTOUL

Thank you, Vincent Lafori,
We look forward to your return to this trail!
Kind regards

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Vincent Lafori
Vincent Lafori

Hello...yes, indeed, the trail was difficult to see because of the pile of leaves. I was certainly a little harsh, and I apologise for that. I note that it is not winter. I will gladly return, and the rating will certainly be much higher. Best regards, Vincent

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MCTOUL
MCTOUL

Hello Vincent Lafori,

I find your rating of the reliability of the description rather harsh...
And regarding the ease of following the route, it is certainly true that walking in the forest in autumn (rather than winter) can make the trails more difficult to follow than in summer.
But 1) is the trail really that difficult to see?
2) you had the Visorando app, didn't you, so you wouldn't get lost?

Kind regards

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Vincent Lafori
Vincent Lafori

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 17, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A superb hike to do in spring or summer. In winter, the forest path becomes very difficult to navigate due to the carpet of leaves that hide the stones. The 2.5 km climb before reaching the magnificent Lake Isabe is very challenging.

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MCTOUL
MCTOUL

Thank you, Domidu4054!
Thank you, User 15545043! I am very impressed by your performance! I agree with you, this lake is one of the most beautiful in the Pyrenees. For me, it's number two after Lake Oô (on a weekday in September during lockdown, for example !).

)

It really is absolutely beautiful!
Best regards

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User 15545043

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

I walk fairly regularly in the Pyrenees and thanks to you I discovered this beautiful hike. I only did the route leading to Lake Isabe. I am 80 years old. But after a 3-hour walk, what a marvel! A lake of great beauty. It's worth the trip. For me, it is certainly the most beautiful lake in the Pyrenees that I know.
The route is fine, but given the stony path, avoid doing it in wet weather.
In conclusion, thank you for offering us such beautiful hikes.

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Domidu4054
Domidu4054

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 17, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Superb hike

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MCTOUL
MCTOUL

Thank you Bastien64, Didier du 44, Klodeko, nathandelHM, User 20938891 and danielfr40 for your great comments and ratings!

To danielfr40, thank you also for your humility and sorry for the inconvenience... It was undoubtedly a beautiful (and long...) day! I was in the mountains myself, and the day was wonderful!

Best regards

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danielfr40
danielfr40

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 19, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Easy hike to the lake. Climbed up the ridge, mainly to avoid the snow.
Reached the ridge too far to the right, descended and climbed back up more correctly.
Very nice view from the peak.
Disoriented, I didn't understand that I had to descend on the other side, even though it was clear, but I'm not used to a pass not being on the same ridge as the peak, so I followed the ridge.
The terrain was much more difficult on the way back.
Between my mistakes and the difficulty of the terrain, I'm very slow in these situations, and it took me 12.5 hours.
Thanks for the route and the descriptions. I'll try to make fewer mistakes next time.

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User 20938891

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 11, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The description is accurate.
A beautiful hike, but be warned: it requires a good level of fitness.

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nathandelHM
nathandelHM

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 24, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent place with a lake that takes our breath away.
We encountered quite a few izards.
We started off fairly low down and made our way up to the peak of Sesques and its steep slopes.
Steep slopes and elevation changes are the main factors to consider.

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Klodeko
Klodeko

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 28, 2024
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Parked the van along the road before the forest road for safety reasons. We could have driven up to the car park. Did it in beautiful sunshine with two dogs. The climb to Lake Isabe is steep, and the raspberries and blueberries are a great energy boost. The lake is superb. There is a small lake to the left of the route that is worth seeing.
The climb from the breach is a little technical, but don't hesitate. The dogs made it through fine.
Breathtaking view at the top. The effort was well worth it.
Long descent, keeping an eye on the cairns, interrupted by a pleasant chat with the shepherd who was bringing his flock back up through the forest.
20km and 1950m of elevation gain on the clock for 5½ hours of walking without breaks.

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Didier du 44
Didier du 44

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 20, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We didn't do the whole loop and stopped at Lake Isabe. So it's a 9 km round trip, but it's still quite steep for occasional hikers like us... The start is gentle in the Isabe woods, with a passage through large rocks covered in abundant moss, giving it a somewhat mysterious, even mystical feel (you expect to see leprechauns behind every rock) at the beginning of the hike. Then you leave the woods and begin the ascent to the lake, surrounded by abundant flora including wild irises, azaleas, blueberries, columbines, wood anemones, etc.
Returning to the climb, it's about 600 metres over 2.9 kilometres without interruption, which is a good average... exhausting! But what a wonder when you arrive at the emerald lake nestled at the bottom of a magnificent cirque... and swimming is pure bliss... crystal clear water and a very acceptable temperature.

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Bastien64
Bastien64

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 13, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Difficult hike (steep incline over a short distance). Passage where you need to use your hands to reach the ridge.
Very beautiful view at the summit.
Unmarked descent off the trail.

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MCTOUL
MCTOUL
• Edited:

Thank you, Vinspe33, for your comments. Very good.
Regarding the comment about the ridge crossing, here is the information for you and any other internet users who may read this:
"Difficulty:
This hike is classified as very difficult due to the significant elevation gain over a relatively short distance, very steep sections just before (4) and up to (6), and the entire unmarked section from the lake onwards. It is a challenging route, reserved for mountaineers who are not afraid of these difficulties.
Don't be afraid to use your hands to reach the ridge and forget all your fatigue along the way!
The IBP Index (automatic route difficulty rating system), a partner of the FFRandonnée, is 174 HKG, which corresponds to a Difficult route for a hiker with a high level of physical fitness.

Best regards

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