Bastan refuge - Chalet Hôtel d'Orédon

(S) From the Bastan refuge (2,230 m), head south along the left bank of the middle lake (2,215 m) towards the Lower Lake (2,141 m). You are on the^GR®10Caccess route (red and white markings). Join the^GR®10.

(1) Fork (2,050 m), turn right onto the^GR®10, red and white markings, south-west. Pass the Cabane du Bastan, then head south. Then turn north-west and enter the forest. Arrive at the Cabane de la Lude (1,818 m) at the mouth of the lake (a nice place to stop).

(2) Fork in the path. Go around Lac de l'Oule on the right bank.

(3) Halfway along the lake, at an altitude of 1,824 metres, turn right (north-west) onto the^GR®10, which climbs steeply. It zigzags through the forest, heads west and comes out onto a mountain pasture (2,069 metres). Continue climbing straight ahead, heading west. You will arrive at the Col d'Estoudou at an altitude of 2,260 metres, where there is a fountain where you can fill up your water bottles.

(4) Fork in the path. From this pass, which is not marked, you can make a short, safe round trip to the summit of Montpelat, which is on the right as you climb north.

(5) You will reach the summit at an altitude of 2,474 metres. Descend to the Col d'Estoudou.

(4). From this pass, you can see Lac d'Orédon. Continue right, still on the^GR®10, for 150 m.

(6) Fork in the road. Take the left fork. Leave the red and white^GR®10markings. The path quickly descends steeply towards Lac d'Orédon. You will reach a paved section. Turn left onto this road.

(E) Arrive at the Orédon refuge (1,852 m), where you will find comfortable accommodation.

If you still have energy, there are some short walks around the refuge.

Regulations concerning the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve:
• Dogs are not allowed in the heart of the Pyrenees National Park, even on a leash
• Dog kennels - information available from Aragnouet Town Hall - Tel: 05 62 39 62 63
• No fires, to prevent fires and damage to the ground
• Please keep quiet to preserve the peace and quiet of the area
• Bring bin bags with you to take your rubbish back down with you
• No picking or collecting of plants, minerals or fossils
• Capturing animals is prohibited
• Regulated camping is permitted more than an hour's walk from a road access point, between 7 p.m. and 9 a.m
• No camping or parking of motorhomes overnight to preserve the beauty of the sites and avoid pollution
• Hunting and fishing are prohibited

Water point at Col d'Estoudou.
The Cabane de la Lude may be useful in case of bad weather.
(4) If necessary, it is possible to skip the climb to Soum de Monpelat
As with the first part of this three-day trip, you must be fully equipped.
The days are long, so remember to bring water (at least 2.5 litres per person), some dried fruit and lunch.
A map and compass are essential so you don't get lost at the junctions.
Don't forget your camera.

On the descent from the refuge (S), there are breathtaking views of various lakes.
From the Cabane de la Lude, the view of the lake is magnificent.
At the mouth of the valley is the Vallon d'Estibère with Lac de l'Ours, its other lakes, ponds and marshes, which form a wetland of prime importance.
The Refuge d'Orédon is beautifully situated. If you are lucky enough to have a bed on the lake side, you will enjoy an extraordinary sunrise. You can see the huge dam of the Lac de Cap de Long..

Chalet hotel
Refuge d'Orédon