A stroll around Lake Estaing: an immersion in pastoral lands

Estaing
Culture and Heritage

At the gateway to the Pyrenees National Park, the Val d'Azun is an authentic and unspoiled place where you can breathe in the pure air and gaze out at the horizon. In the heart of this collection of high Pyrenean valleys, Lake Estaing, perched at an altitude of 1161m, is a glacial lake that immerses you in abundant and majestic nature in every season. Nestled in the hollows of the mountains, this veritable patchwork of sublime mountain landscapes will captivate you with the charm of this pastoral region!

Nature puts on a show!

To reach Lake Estaing from Argelès-Gazost, accessible via the D103 departmental road, allow about half an hour by car. Along the way, following the Gave de Labat de Bunnous river, we pass through charming little hamlets, often consisting of just a few scattered houses. As we travel along the narrow, winding road, the diversity of the vegetation is remarkable, and the peaceful atmosphere is palpable. Very soon, the view opens up to the high peaks of Pic Arrouy and Pic du Midi d'Arrens, which rises to 2267m. The Estaing valley unfolds on the horizon.

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

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

Upon arrival, the lake displays a striking palette of colors ranging from turquoise blue to emerald green. Like a mirror of water amidst wild and lush nature, the lake timelessly reflects the enchanting and divinely beautiful wooded mountains that surround it. Its name comes from the Occitan word "Estang," meaning body of water.

On this plateau nestled among the peaks, the plain is velvety, covered in abundant grass of an absolute green, much to the 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 shouts and to respect their space as their reactions can be unpredictable and brutal.

An adventure playground for lovers of wide open spaces

A walk around Lake Estaing promises one of the most beautiful panoramas in the Pyrenees. Whether you're looking for a sporting outing or a family stroll, lace up your sneakers and explore the lake's shores to enjoy breathtaking views of the landscapes of the Col d'Ilhéou (2256 m) or the Pic du Midi d'Arrens, reflected in the water. Nature, relaxation, and hiking are the key elements of this invigorating exploration of Lake Estaing, accompanied by the gentle melodies of cowbells from grazing herds.

Looking up at the sky, you can see the impressive silhouettes of griffon vultures with their 2.80-meter wingspan. They are among the largest birds of prey in France.

For those who enjoy walking, several routes are available to fully appreciate this magnificent setting.

Accessible to all, the walk around the lake takes about an hour along the path that follows the left bank. It crosses the river downstream via a footbridge and climbs above the road through the forest to the Arriousec path. A perfect opportunity for a lovely family walk !
A second route allows you to discover the Arriousec plateau in 2 hours (elevation gain 239 meters) and the Ilhéou pass in 3 hours 30 minutes (elevation gain 1168 meters).
Finally, a third hiking option leads to the Plaa de Prat waterfalls and lake in 2.5 hours (495-meter elevation gain) by taking the trail upstream from the lake after the Pont du Pescadou. The waterfalls appear after a half-hour walk. Animal lovers will be delighted: dogs are welcome on a leash up to the edge of the Pyrenees National Park, just 10 minutes from Plaa de Prat lake. However, you'll need to continue for another 1.5 hours to reach this lake nestled within the Pyrenees National Park. A truly unique place where every hike offers the chance to admire magnificent views!

Plaa de Prat Lake

For water sports enthusiasts, paddleboarding and kayaking are popular activities on the lake, offering spectacular views from the water. To alleviate the frustration of not being able to swim in hot weather or to allow children to splash around, the small stream at the Plasi bridge is a favorite spot for families and those seeking tranquility to cool off, relax, picnic, and unwind on the green lawns.

Often exposed to the wind, the lake is ideal for the sport Kites ! 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 for the valley's livestock farmers. As soon as the good weather returns, the silence of the valley is broken by the joyful melodies of cowbells, those metal bells attached to the necks of the cows.

At the beginning of summer, every last Saturday of May, the herds gather in the late morning in the village of Estaing where they receive the blessing of the parish priest. This marks the beginning of the transhumance of the animals and the start of a season in the heart of the mountains for the shepherds, in perfect harmony with nature.

A breath of boundless freedom emanates from these preserved places offering breathtaking views of the Pyrenees mountain range.

Practical Information

This natural site has many parking areas for cars and camper vans.
You will find two restaurants on site where local produce is showcased.
In this pastoral area, domestic animals must be kept on a leash.
Swimming is prohibited, but water sports (paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking) are allowed.
Fishing in mountain lakes is permitted between the second Saturday in March and the first Sunday in October (i.e., from March 13th to October 3rd in 2021), but remains regulated. Contact the tourist office for more information.