From Lannemezan, take the D 929 towards Arreau, Saint-Lary, Spain. After Aragnouet, continue towards the Bielsa tunnel. After a series of hairpin bends, pass the old customs buildings. Continue along the road for 2 km. Park 280 m after the fourth avalanche barrier. Drive very slowly so as not to miss the turn-off on the left that leads down to a small sheepfold.
(S/E) To the right of the small car park and on the other side of the stream, you will see the path that climbs up to the lake.
Fork left at the sign for "Ruisseau de Pène Abeillère".
Cross the stream using a few stones to steady yourself; the stream is often dry, so this should not be a problem. Quickly enter a forest of mountain pines.
The path climbs quite steeply through the woods in a series of small switchbacks, which makes the climb easier. Leave the woods at an altitude of 1900 metres.
(1) Continue climbing through the heather and approach the Catchet stream.
(2) It is possible to climb up the left bank over the scree by following cairns. The best option is to ford the stream; there are several easy places to cross.
Continue climbing in a few hairpin bends through the grass, cross a little further on a muddy slope caused by late snow and arrive at a grassy plateau.
(3) The slope becomes considerably gentler. Continue along the path through the meadow and you will arrive at the lake, which you will see at the last moment.
To enjoy the beauty of the landscape, walk around it on the left, settle down on the other side and admire the lake with all the peaks of the Bigorre in the background.
(4) Return by the same route to get back to the sheepfold (S/E).
. We were rebuffed by a fisherman who claimed that swimming was prohibited in all the lakes in the Pyrenees (except 12) because of pollution from perspiration; he must have been trying to make us leave, but without success. In the end, there were quite a few people: about forty (including us