Walk at Lake Estaing: immersion in pastoral lands

At the gateway to the Pyrenees National Park, the Val d'Azun is an authentic and preserved place where you can breathe in the pure air deeply and where your eyes can gaze far into the horizon. At the heart of this group of high Pyrenean valleys, the Estaing lake, perched at an altitude of 1161m, is a glacial lake that immerses us in abundant and majestic nature in all seasons. Nestled in the hollow of the reliefs, this true patchwork of sublime mountain landscapes will make you succumb to the charm of this pastoral territory!

Nature puts on a show!

To reach Lake Estaing from Argelès-Gazost, served by the D103 departmental road, allow about half an hour by car. Along the way, following the Gave de Labat de Bunnous, we pass through small hamlets full of charm, often composed of a few scattered houses. Along the narrow and winding road, the diversity of the vegetation is remarkable, the gentle way of life that reigns here is perceptible. Very quickly, the view opens up onto the high peaks of Pic Arrouy and Pic du Midi d'Arrens which peaks at 2267m. The Estaing valley appears on the horizon.

We reach the village of Estaing located 4 km downstream from the lake. This is the starting point for many cyclists and hikers ready to set off to conquer the Pyrenees National Park.

Accessible by car but also by footpaths, Lake Estaing is a natural lake, for fishing and leisure but not for swimming. Very popular with fishermen, it is renowned for its variety of fish : pike, brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout and Arctic char.

Upon arrival at the site, the lake displays a striking palette of colors ranging from turquoise blue to emerald green. Like a mirror of water in the middle of wild and lush nature, the lake timelessly reflects the wooded mountains that surround it, captivating and divinely beautiful. Its name comes from the Occitan term "Estang" which means expanse of water.

On this plateau nestled between the peaks, the plain is velvety, covered with abundant grass of absolute green, to the great delight of the animals that graze peacefully. Accustomed to the presence of hikers, the cows, sheep and horses graze calmly and pay little attention to us.

Be careful to avoid sudden movements, children's shouting and to respect their space because their reactions can be unpredictable and brutal.

Adventure playground for lovers of the great outdoors

A walk around Lake Estaing promises you one of the most beautiful panoramas in the Pyrenees. Whether you're on a sporty outing or with your family, put on your trainers and walk along the banks of the lake to enjoy a breathtaking view of the landscapes of the Col d'Ilhéou (2256 m) or the Pic du Midi d'Arrens which are reflected in the lake. Nature, relaxation and hiking are the key words for this invigorating discovery of Lake Estaing, lulled by the sweet melodies of the bells of the grazing herds.

Looking up to the sky, it is possible to see the impressive silhouettes of the griffon vultures with their 2.80 meter wingspan. It is one of the largest birds of prey in France.

Walking enthusiasts, there are several routes available to you to fully enjoy this magnificent setting.

Accessible to all, the tour of the lake takes 1 hour by the path that runs along the left bank. It crosses the Gave downstream by a footbridge and rises above the road through the forest to the Arriousec path. The opportunity for a beautiful family walk !
A second route allows you to discover the Arriousec plateau in 2 hours (elevation difference 239 meters) and the Ilhéou pass in 3.5 hours (elevation difference 1168 meters).
Finally, a third hiking option leads to the waterfalls and the Plaa de Prat lake in 2h30 (elevation difference 495 meters) by taking the track upstream of the lake after the Pont du Pescadou. The waterfalls are revealed after half an hour of walking, but you will have to continue for another 1h30 to reach the Plaa de Prat lake in the Pyrenees National Park. A place out of this world where each hike is an opportunity to admire magnificent views !

For water sports enthusiasts, paddle boarding and kayaking are practiced on the lake and allow you to contemplate the spectacular landscapes from the boat. To remedy the frustration of not being able to swim in very hot weather or allow children to paddle, the small stream at Plasi Bridge is very popular with families and contemplative people to cool off, rest, picnic and relax on the green lawns.

Often exposed to the wind, the lake is ideal for practicing kite flying ! Spring is the occasion for a large gathering of kites as part of the Eolo Tempo festival.

Pyrenean Pastoralism

The vast plateau of the Estaing Valley has remained the domain of shepherds for generations, a summer pasture area for the valley's breeders. As soon as the fine weather returns, the silence of the valley is disturbed by the joyful melodies of the cowbells, these metal bells hung around the necks of the cows.

At the beginning of summer, every last Saturday of May, the herds gather at the end of the morning in the village of Estaing where they receive the blessing of the parish priest. It is the beginning of the transhumance of the animals and the beginning of a season in the heart of the mountain for the shepherds, in perfect harmony with nature.

A breath of limitless freedom emanates from these preserved places offering a breathtaking view of the Pyrenees mountain range.

Practical information

This natural site has numerous parking areas for cars and camper vans.
You will find two restaurants on site in which local products are showcased.
In this pastoral area, domestic animals must be kept on a leash.
Swimming is prohibited, but water sports (paddle, canoe, kayak) are permitted.
Fishing in mountain lakes is permitted between the 2nd Saturday in March and the 1st Sunday in October (i.e. from March 13 to October 3 in 2021) but remains regulated. Check with the tourist office.