A mosaic of crystalline and sedimentary rocks, battered by erosion and glaciation has given rise to the fabulous landscapes of the Pyrenees National Park.
Between granitic landscapes and emerald lakes, this magical place delivers an incomparable beauty with its exceptional flora and fauna.
The lakes route allows the greatest number of people to get as close as possible to these great untouched spaces through the Néouvielle Nature Reserve. One discovers magnificent lakeside landscapes where water bodies and torrents follow each other… In short, an unforgettable experience to share with the family.
Closed in winter, this road usually opens from late May to early November (first snowfall).
At Fabian (km 9), turn right onto the lakes road, which winds along a gorge to a vast flat area:the Artigusse parking lot (pedestrian departure for the Oule lake). The winding road continues untilthe lake of Orédon (20 km from Saint-Lary) where it splits to reach the parking of the dam of Cap de Long or the upper lakes of Aumar and Aubert
At the Artigusse parking lot, you will find a trail that will take you to the Oule lake (1820m) in 45 minutes. At the end of the lake upstream, you will then be able to recover the GR10 trail and thus reach the first laquets and then the Bastan lakes (2250m) (1h45 from the Oule dam).
Another possibility of access: By car, you will have to take the Pla d’Adet road and turn towards Espiaube. You will then take the road to the Portet pass (open from June 1 until the first snow *) and leave the car at the top to then join the GR10 on foot in the direction of Bastan (2h15) or Oule (1h15).
The Oredon and Aubert lakes are connected to the Oredon dam intended to feed the Neste canal.
After the Oredon dam, you will have the possibility to take by car the road to thelake of Aumar at 2192m (road closed to the ascent from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm from June to the end of September with paying parking lots) or on foot by the path towards the Laquettes which will allow you to reach the lake of Aubert in 1h30.
This is an impressive Dam not to be missed during your visit. It was completed in 1954. It feeds the hydroelectric power station of Pragnères (Gèdre canton of Luz). To reach it leave the junction towards the lake of Orédon and continue your road which ends at the foot of the Dam. You will find a parking lot to park (beware a lot of affluence during the vacations) as well as a snack to restore you.
For hikers eager for summits, you can reach, among others,the Campbielh (3173 meters) from the dam.