Worth the detour in Ariège: what to see and do at Lake Bethmale?

At an altitude of 1,074 meters, nestled in a picturesque Ariège valley, Lac de Bethmale is a unique spot in the Couserans region. This heart-shaped lake, surrounded by centuries-old beech trees, is a true corner of paradise. What to see and do on a day out at Lac de Bethmale? Follow the guide!

A heart-shaped lake, a walker’s paradise

Nestled in the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional des Pyrénées Ariégeoises, at an altitude of 1074 metres, Lac de Bethmale is a delight for walkers, anglers and green tourism enthusiasts alike. Hidden in the forest of the Bethmale valley, this lake of glacial origin covers 1.8 hectares. Its emerald-green waters make it a little corner of paradise that many visitors to Ariège dream of discovering.

Leisure activities around Lake Bethmale

Located in the commune of Bethmale, on the way to the Col de la Core, Lac de Bethmale is easily accessible by car in summer. This unspoilt natural area of several hectares lends itself perfectly to hiking, relaxing with the family and fishing – but not only!

Around Lake Bethmale

A flat, shaded path leads around Lake Bethmale. Allow around 45 minutes for the walk. The setting is superb, with picnic tables dotted along the way. Stone barbecues are also available at both entrances to the lake for grilling.

Swimming

Swimming and water sports are prohibited in Lake Bethmale, in order to preserve the rich flora and fauna.

Observation of flora and fauna

The lake and its surroundings are home to a rich and unspoilt flora and fauna, ideal for nature observation. Here you’ll discover liquorice, callune heather and erect potentilla, as well as rare species such as alpine toadflax and horned violet. As for the fauna, butterflies such as the Hungarian negro, griffon vultures and grazing animals such as Gascony cows and Tarascony ewes will provide you with an authentic spectacle.

Hiking in Bethmale

Lac de Bethmale lies on the route of the GR10, the long-distance hiking trail that links the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean, following the Pyrenees chain. From the lake, several signposted hiking trails cross the Couserans region. An easy hike on the heights of the lake will take you to the étang d’Ayes via the cirque de Campuls and its waterfall (7 km loop).

Fishing at Lake Bethmale

If you’re a fishing enthusiast, Lac de Bethmale is the place for you. Created in 1967 by the Balamet local residents’ association, in collaboration with the Ariège fishing federation, this fishing lake is open to all, experienced anglers, beginners, children and people with reduced mobility. You can fish for rainbow trout, brown trout, brook salmon and even large trout weighing up to 7 kg. Every year in July, the Fête de la Peche (fishing festival) gives families the chance to discover this leisure activity without needing a fishing permit.

Visit a clogmaker’s workshop

The Bethmale valley is renowned for its traditional craftsmanship, in particular the famous Bethmale clogs. Since 1984, Pascal Jusot, based in Arrien-en-Bethmale, has been perpetuating this tradition by making clogs with long tapered tips. You can visit his workshop, which has been awarded the “Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant” label, and discover his store, where he also sells traditional wooden objects (lérous, skimming spoons, cattails…).

Attend the Bethmale transhumance festival

Every year in June, the Bethmale valley celebrates transhumance, an event listed as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage site. For two days, the public can accompany the herds of Gascony cows, Tarascona ewes and Couseranne breeders’ horses to the mountain pastures. Every year, the event attracts more and more participants, locals and tourists alike.

Discover the mysteries of Lake Bethmale

This peaceful, mysterious lake is steeped in legend. The most famous is that of the Witch of Bethmale. The story goes that, long ago, an evil witch lived at the lake. One day, the inhabitants decided to chase her away. In despair, the young woman threw herself into the lake, which then took on the emerald-green color of her eyes. Would you dare to stroll here at night and perhaps meet her ghost?

Bethmale is also a very popular Pyrenean cheese.

Bethmale is also the name of a typical cow’s milk cheese from the Ariège Pyrenees. Just 15 km from the lake, make a detour to the Core Cazalas cheese dairy chalet, where you can sample Petit Bethmale, Cosso with three milks (cow, ewe, goat) and Toudeille de brebis.

Where to eat at Lake Bethmale: Auberge de la Core

Just 10 minutes from the lake, on the road to the Col de la Core, you’ll be welcomed into a charming inn in the heart of the mountains. The fries, cooked in duck fat, are excellent, and the Ariège dishes are revisited to delight your taste buds! You can also enjoy a panoramic view of the ruins of the Château de Bramevaque, the summit of Pic du Midi de Bordes and Balam from the terrace. Address: Le Village, 09800 Arrien-en-Bethmale. Tel. : 05 61 04 80 53.

How to get to Lake Bethmale

The Etang de Bethmale is easily accessible by car. It’s an hour and 40 minutes’ drive from our 4-star campsite in Ariège, but well worth the detour. There’s a free parking lot just a hundred meters from the lake, but it’s often full in summer, especially at weekends. We recommend parking at the bottom of the village.

From Castillon-en-Couserans, take the RD17 from the RD4 at the village of Bordes-sur-Lez, towards Arrien-en-Bethmale and the Col de la Core. From Toulouse, take the A64 towards Saint-Girons, then the D618 and D17 to Bethmale. From Pau, take the D938, then the D117 to Saint-Girons, then the D618 and D17.