Jg Soula Photo Neouvielle (2)
|
Set amongst granite landscapes and emerald lakes, this magical place offers unrivalled beauty with its exceptional flora and fauna.
The Lakes Route allows as many people as possible to get up close to these vast, unspoilt spaces through the Néouvielle Nature Reserve. Here, you’ll discover magnificent lakeside landscapes where lakes and torrents follow one after another… In short, an unforgettable experience to share with the family.
lake aumar Reserve d Néouvielle laetitia
Closed in winter, this road is usually open from late May to early November (first snowfall).
At Fabian (km 9), turn right onto the Route des Lacs, which winds its way along a gorge to a large clearing: the Artigusse car park (starting point for the walk to Lac de l’Oule). The winding road continues to Lac d’Orédon (20 km from Saint-Lary), where it splits, leading either to the car park at the Cap de Long dam or to the upper lakes of Aumar and Aubert.
At the Artigusse car park, you’ll find a track that will take you to Lac de l’Oule (1,820 m) in 45 minutes. At the upstream end of the lake, you can then join the GR10 trail and continue on to the first small lakes and then the Bastan Lakes (2,250 m) (1 hour 45 minutes from the Oule dam).
Another way to get there: By car, take the Pla d’Adet road and turn off towards Espiaube. You will then take the Col du Portet road (open from early June until the first snowfall *) and leave your car at the top, before walking to the GR10 trail towards Bastan (2 hours 15 minutes) or Oule (1 hour 15 minutes).
The lakes of Oredon and Aubert are connected to the Oredon dam, which is designed to supply water to the Neste Canal.
After the Oredon Dam, you can drive along the road to Lake Aumar at 2,192 metres (the road is closed to traffic on the ascent from 9.30 am to 6.00 pm from June to the end of September, with pay-and-display car parks) or on foot via the path towards Les Laquettes, which will take you to Lake Aubert in 1½ hours.
This is an impressive dam that you shouldn’t miss during your visit. It was completed in 1954. It supplies water to the Pragnères hydroelectric power station (Gèdre, in the canton of Luz). To get there, pass the turn-off for Lake Orédon and continue along the road, which ends at the foot of the dam. You’ll find a car park (please note it gets very busy during the holidays) as well as a snack bar where you can grab a bite to eat.
For hikers keen to tackle the peaks, you can reach, amongst others, the Campbielh (3,173 metres) starting from the dam.
Jg Soula Photo Bastan Et Oule (2)
Horses Lake of Aumar
default
lake aumar Reserve d Néouvielle laetitia
You’ll need to head towards Spain after the Templar chapel. The start of the walk is then at the first hairpin bend on the right.
Allow 3 hours to reach the Barroude Lakes (2,383 m), overlooked by the Baroude Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This valley is very pastoral; dogs are not permitted here, even on a lead. If you keep a sharp eye out, you may spot some chamois on the high pastures.
For the more adventurous, you can reach several peaks, including the Pic du Port-Vieux.
cow valley of the gela
Valley of Géla and Wall of Barroude from the pass of Port Vieux laetitia
July 20, 2022-DSC01074
©nbirrien Fishing Children Monitor Rioumajou (2)
18 Juillet 2022 Dsc00573
Heading towards Spain, drive to the village of Tramezaïgues and take the small road that climbs into the fir forest. You will arrive at the Frédancon car park (1,381 m, 12 km from Saint-Lary). Closed in winter, this road is usually open from late May to early September.
Boasting a wealth of flora and fauna, this valley is now a protected area.
Designated a Natural Area of Ecological, Faunistic and Floristic Interest, the valley stretches along a mountain stream. From the car park, you can reach the Hospice du Rioumajou (a 1 hour 15 minute walk) and its vast, welcoming meadows via an easy footpath. There are other signposted walks to choose from, as well as two ‘No Kill’ fishing routes for brown trout near the Hospice du Rioumajou: one ‘children’s’ route of 120 metres and one ‘adult’ route of 400 metres. Donkey rides are also available.
A wild valley, home to numerous chamois (a game reserve) and a ferruginous spring, the Moudang leads you to a remarkable cluster of high-altitude barns (1,521 m), once the centre of intense pastoral activity. After the Eget factory (towards Spain), at a place called Pont du Moudang, cross the bridge to the right bank and leave your car there. A wide track will lead you to the barns (2 hours).
Perisse_Moudang_landscape_granges_IMG006
Arbizon sunset laetitia
The Aulon Regional Nature Reserve, situated at the foot of the Arbizon.
The Aulon Reserve is a rare gem of biodiversity where you can explore unspoilt nature. It is situated within the Pic du Midi International Dark Sky Reserve and close to the Massif du Néouvielle National Reserve.
Follow signs for Aulon from the village of Guchen (6 km – 10 mins). Take the track towards Les Granges de Lurgues before entering the village of Aulon. If you’re passing through the village, do pop into the Maison de la Nature.
For experienced hikers keen to tackle peaks, you can reach the famous summit of the Arbizon (2,831 metres) from Les Granges de Lurgues.
Paddle Lake Genos Loudenvielle Ete21
