Stroll on Lake Estaing: immersion in pastoral lands

sponsored content

Nature puts on a show!

To access Lake Estaing from Argelès Gazost, served by the D103 departmental road, allow half an hour by car. On the way, following the Gave de Labat de Bunnous, we cross small hamlets full of charm, often made up of a few scattered houses. Along the narrow and winding road, the diversity of the vegetation is remarkable, the sweetness of life that reigns here is perceptible. Very quickly, the view opens on the high summits of Pic Arrouy and Pic du Midi d'Arrens which culminates at 2267m. The Estaing valley looms on the horizon. We reach the village of Estaing located 4 km downstream from the lake, the starting point for many cyclists and hikers ready to attack the Pyrenees National Park.

Accessible by car but also by hiking trails, Lake Estaing is a natural lake, for fishing and recreation, but not for swimming. Popular with anglers, it is renowned for its variety of fish: pike, trout Fario, trout Arc-en-Ciel, brook trout and Fountain Chevalier.

Upon arrival at the site, the lake displays a palette of striking colors varying from turquoise blue to emerald green. Like a mirror of water in the middle of a wild and luxuriant nature, the lake timelessly reflects the wooded mountains which surround it, bewitching and divinely beautiful. Its name comes from the Occitan term "Estang" which means body of water. On this plateau nestled between the peaks, the plain is velvety, covered with abundant grass of absolute green, to the delight of the animals which graze peacefully. Used to the presence of hikers, the cows, sheep and horses graze calmly and pay little attention to us. However, be careful to avoid sudden gestures, cries of children and to respect their space because their reactions can be unpredictable and brutal.

sponsored content

Adventure ground for lovers of the great outdoors

A walk around Lake Estaing promises you one of the most beautiful Pyrenean panoramas. On a sporting outing or with the family, put on your sneakers and walk the shores 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 Lake. Nature, relaxation and hiking are the key words of this invigorating discovery of Lake Estaing, lulled by the sweet melodies of the bells of grazing herds. Looking up to the sky, it is possible to see the impressive silhouettes of griffon vultures with their wingspan of 2.80 meters, it is one of the largest raptors in France.

Lovers of walking, several routes are available to you to fully savor this grandiose setting. Accessible to all, the tour of the lake is done in 1 hour by the path that runs along the left bank, crosses the Gave downstream by a footbridge, and rises above the road through the forest to the path of 'Arriousec. The opportunity for a nice family walk!

A second route allows you to discover the Arriousec plateau in 2 hours (drop 239 meters) and the Ilhéou pass in 3 hours and 30 minutes (drop 1168 meters). Finally, a third hiking option leads to the waterfalls and to the lake of Plaa de Prat in 2 hours and 30 minutes (drop 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 it will be necessary to continue for another 1h30 to reach the lake of Plaa de Prat in the Pyrenees National Park. A place out of the world where each hike is an opportunity to admire magnificent views!

For water sports enthusiasts, paddleboarding 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 bathe in very hot weather or allow children to wade, the small stream at the Plasi bridge is very popular with families and contemplatives for cooling off, resting, picnicking. picnic and relax on the lush green lawns. Often exposed to the wind, the lake is ideal for 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 bells, these metal bells hanging from the necks of cows. At the beginning of summer (every last Saturday of May), the herds regroup 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 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 Pyrenean chain.

Practical information:

• This natural site is provided with numerous parking lots for cars and camper vans.
• You will find two restaurants on site in which local products are showcased.
• In this pastoral zone, pets must be kept on a leash.
• Swimming is prohibited, but water sports (paddle, canoeing, kayaking) are allowed.
• Mountain lake fishing is authorized 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.

sponsored content

Did you like this report? Find others on the Toulouse Pyrenees Guide Blog. We are on social networks, find the Facebook page of the Toulouse Pyrénées Guide and the Instagram account @Guidetoulousepyrenees

Report and photos produced by Lesley Williamson for the Toulouse Pyrenees Guide

Back to "Culture and Heritage"