Col d'Estoudou (2260m) walks

This three-day hike takes in at least 20 lakes.It is divided into three sections and includes two nights in a mountain refuge (or in a tent).The first day is still quite challenging, though.The durations of each stage are those I noted down. They include breaks for photos, meals, chats and dipping your feet in the water, and I’d like to remind you that these are three hikes (at a normal walking pace). Please note: booking issues have been reported at various mountain huts on 10 August 2026. Furthermore, the Bastan mountain hut will be closed by the authorities from May 2025 until safety standards are met.

Circular starting from Lac d'Orédon, climbing to Col d'Estoudou, then to the summit of Soum du Monpelat, then balcony trail to Lac Aumar, the prettiest lake, Lac d'Aubert and return to Orédon via Les Laquettes. View of all the lakes, including Lac d'Oule from Soum, and the entire Néouvielle Massif. No major difficulties. You are entering the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve, which is protected by regulations. Please respect these regulations (see practical information).

Loop among the large lakes of the Néouvielle Nature Reserve: Lac d'Orédon - Les Laquettes - Lac d'Aubert - Lac D'aumar - Lac Supérieur - Lac de l'Île - Lacs d'Anglade - Lac du Pé d'Estibère and Lac de l'Oule.You are entering the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve, which is protected by regulations. Please respect these regulations (see practical information). A sense of direction, map reading and GPX tracking are essential from (3) to (11).

A hike for experienced walkers, but a feast for the eyes: Lake L'Oule, the Col d'Estoudou and its superb panorama of the Néouvielle and the lakes of Oredon and Cap de Long. This is one of the most magical places in the Pyrenees. You are entering the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve, which is protected by regulations. Please respect them. (see practical information).

Second stage of the Three Days in the Néouvielle Reserve and its lakes. From the Bastan refuge to the Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon. The tour and contemplation of the 20 lakes continues. You are entering the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve, which is protected by regulations. Please respect these regulations (see practical information).

The final day of the 4-day Tour of the Néouvielle Massif. The longest and most challenging of the four stages, passing by the viewpoint of this multi-day hike: the Pic de Bastan. This peak offers a magnificent view over the entire massif and the surrounding lakes.

First day of a three-day circular route, from the Tournaboup car park to Lac de l’Oule. The first section up to the Col de Madamète is quite stony and requires good footwear, but after that it’s a real pleasure to walk past the magnificent Néouvielle lakes, including, amongst others, Lac d’Aumar, Lac d’Aubert and Lac de l’Oule.

This tour of the lakes will take you into the heart of the Néouvielle Nature Reserve. Two elements are omnipresent: water, from the large Lac de l'Oule and Lac d'Orédon to the small lakes, the Miroirs d'Aubert and Miroirs d'Aumart, and the tiny lakes that are gradually filling up, and pine trees, either solitary or in groves. All the riches of this protected environment are fragile. So please be careful to leave no trace of your visit.