How about exploring Lac d’Oô? Thanks to our guide, the best hiking itineraries at Lac d’Oô will no longer hold any secrets for you!
Both easily accessible and quite spectacular, the Lac d’Oô is a well-known spot for hikers… And also for crossword puzzle fans, thanks to its funny name! Located in Haute-Garonne, near Bagnères-de-Luchon, Lac d’Oô is an artificial lake that feeds a hydroelectric power station. But above all, it’s a peaceful place, nestled in the heart of the mountains.
These form a beautiful green setting in summer, which is adorned with a fine blanket of snow in winter. So, as you’ll have guessed, the landscape is worth a look in any season! Not least thanks to the waterfall that plunges into the calm waters of the lake.
To enjoy the magic of the area, follow the guide! Here are the best walks around Lac d’Oô.
1. The Lac d’Oô trail
Duration: 2 hours
Distance: 6.3 km
Difference in altitude: 410 metres
Difficulty: Difficult
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Here’s the must-do walking route near Lac d’Oô! It takes about an hour one way to reach the lake. The trail, which is mainly forested, is shaded and therefore very pleasant in summer. On arrival, you can take advantage of the superb terrace of the refuge-auberge to admire the view and enjoy a bite to eat. Although you’ll have to be prepared to climb a little, the trail is easy on the whole. You’ll come across lots of families, and even a number of dogs on leashes!
The only downside to this hiking route to Lac d’Oô is that it’s very busy, especially in summer. So don’t hesitate to take it outside peak hours or out of season. Winter can be a good option, provided you ask around, as the landscape is quite magical when decked out in snow. Finally, a good alternative for getting away from the crowds is to extend the hike beyond Lac d’Oô.
2. Lac d’Oô and the Espingo refuge
Duration: 3h30
Distance: 10.5 km
Difference in altitude: 958 metres
Difficulty: Medium
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Here’s a nice way to extend the previous itinerary, for a richer but calmer experience. After taking the path leading to Lac d’Oô, the hike takes you to the Refuge d’Espingo. From here, you’ll enjoy a magical view of the Lac d’Espingo cirque!
This round trip is a little longer and more difficult than the previous one, with a fairly steep slope at the end. But the panorama alone makes it well worth the effort. With mountains and estives as far as the eye can see, you’ll be completely immersed in this beautiful corner of the Pyrenees.
3. Pic des Spijeoles via Lac d’Oô
Duration: 7h30
Distance: 20.3 km
Difference in altitude: 1,941 metres
Difficulty: Difficult
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If you’re a seasoned hiker, then this hike via Lac d’Oô is perfect for you! Please note, however, that as this is a long and difficult hike, it is reserved for trained adventurers and early risers, and can only be done in summer. You’ll start by repeating the stages described above, first at Lac d’Oô and then at the Espingo refuge. But you won’t stop there! In fact, you’ll continue for several kilometers with a good gradient to reach the Spijeoles peak. Along the way, you’ll pass pretty Lac Saussat.
For the ascent of the peak, let yourself be guided by the cairns, the stone mounds that mark the route. After a landscape of alpine meadows and large rounded rocks, you’ll end up on a steep ascent up a scree chimney. Don’t be put off by this somewhat technical passage. First, you’ll admire the beautiful ice-covered lake of Port d’Oô along the way.
Above all, at the summit of the peak, at an altitude of 3,065 metres, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of the region. Not only can you admire the surrounding peaks, but also the plains of Toulouse and the Garonne valley. All in all, you’ll feel almost on top of the world!
4. Granges d’Astau and Tussé de Montarque
Duration: 8h30
Distance: 24.9 km
Difference in altitude: 1,857 metres
Difficulty: Difficult
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This challenging itinerary follows much the same route as the previous hike. In fact, it’s only on the last section that the two paths diverge. Once past Lac Saussat, you’ll soon come to an intersection. Instead of heading west to Pic des Spijeoles, you’ll head east to Tussé de Montarque.
From here, the view of the frozen lake and its cirque is truly spectacular! Along the way, you can also admire the large Lac du Portillon and recharge your batteries at the nearby refuge.
5. From Lac d’Oô to Bagnères-de-Luchon (GR10 stage)
Duration: 7 hours
Distance: 20.1 km
Difference in altitude: 1,158 metres
Difficulty: Difficult
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For many hikers, the passage to Lac d’Oô is a highlight of the GR10. This major crossing of the Pyrenees, which takes 45 to 60 days, is not for everyone. But don’t worry: here we’ll concentrate on just one stage. More specifically, the one between Lac d’Oô and Bagnères-de-Luchon. As the Lac d’Oô is only accessible on foot, please note that this hike requires you to bivouac the day before. A long day awaits you, with a challenging 20-kilometer itinerary.
But make no mistake: this one’s well worth the effort. As well as the pleasure of discovering Lac d’Oô in the early hours of the morning, you’ll be riding along some unforgettable trails. Here, you’ll be totally immersed in a high-mountain atmosphere. Climbing summit after summit, you’ll discover breathtaking panoramas of neighboring massifs, peaks and glaciers. And if you tire at the end, the Luchon Superbagnères gondola can save you a long descent.
With these five hikes around Lac d’Oô, we’ve given you five different ways to discover an unmissable place. So, whatever your level, your motivation and the time you have available, you should find the perfect itinerary.