Espingo Lake

On the trail of the GR10, the Granges d’Astau and Espingo Lake, via Lake Oô.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 11.66 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 55 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 918 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 908 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,970 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,142 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Which route to take to the Espingo Lake, is an ancient path created during the construction of the EDF Lake dam gate of which is much higher, and the dam of Lake . Vestiges of this stony path still exist in places.

From the car park of the Granges d'Astau (S) (1130 m), the path heads south. It is well signposted and marked (GR10, red and white) to Lake Oô. It takes about 1.5 hours to get to Lake Oô and its shelter/hostel (2 hours if carrying a heavy load).
From the dam of Lake Oô (1) (1,500 m), continue to follow the GR10 south to access the Espingo Lake via the many loops leading up to the top of the Oô waterfall. Then we begin the climb to the Col d’Espingo, leaving the GR10 on the left (which goes up to the Superbagnères resort). Expect an additional 2-3 hours from Lake Oô to arrive at the pass.
At Col d’Espingo (1,967 m) discover the lake below at 1,880 m, and the refuge on the right.
From here there is a splendid view of the Cirque d’Espingo and about 3,000 m away (Spijéoles, Grand Quayrat, Mont Arrouy, Pic Lézat).
Come back by the same route.

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,142 m - Les Granges d’Astau
  2. 1 : km 2.78 - alt. 1,505 m - Refuge du Lac d'Oô
  3. 2 : km 4.74 - alt. 1,912 m - Leave the GR10 to the left
  4. 3 : km 4.97 - alt. 1,963 m - Col d'Espingo (1967m)
  5. 4 : km 5.18 - alt. 1,926 m - Turn right towards Lac d'Espingo
  6. 5 : km 5.78 - alt. 1,881 m - Lac d'Espingo
  7. S/E : km 11.66 - alt. 1,143 m - Granges d'Astau, near the - Neste d'Oô (rivière) - Affluent de l'One

Notes

Water isn’t a problem when heading to Espingo even in late summer as there is the refuge of Oô mid-trip, a few waterfalls on the way between Oô and Espingo, and water at the shelter at Espingo .
In principle camping is not allowed during the summer season, but bivouacking in Espingo is tolerated (if you make sure not to leave a trace of your having stayed when you leave), there are often people fishing at the lake.
Booking is essential for the Espingo shelter, which is often full.

Worth a visit

Espingo Lake alone is worth a look, but for those who want to continue to Lake Portillon (shelter) at 2,600 m, continue south along the same path, and passing Saussat Lake below.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 103 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.9 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
User 11865189

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 07, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hike completed in early October, beautiful sunshine, a few people on the first part of the route to Lake Oô, but far fewer after that, so ideal conditions!
No difficulty in following the trail and reaching Lake Espingo.
The view is magnificent when you arrive.

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User 10007746

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 26, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful but quite challenging hike. Using walking sticks helps a lot on the climb. The trail is narrow and technical, especially at the end of the ascent.
But the arrival is really worth the effort. It's a feast for the eyes.

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Michel Rago
Michel Rago

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 01, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

The arrival at Lake Espingo is exceptionally beautiful with its majestic cirque.
The elevation gain is significant at 988 metres, but we met children between the ages of 6 and 12 who were doing it.

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gilles.81fonvieille
gilles.81fonvieille

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 23, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

far too many people on Saturdays in August. Best avoided outside the holiday season, but otherwise a nice picnic spot at Espingo Lake

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Mélanie Agoutborde
Mélanie Agoutborde

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 18, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A magnificent route starting from the barns of Astau, where parking is easy (plenty of large free car parks).
Try to start the hike around 8 a.m. to avoid the crowds in summer.
Stony paths.

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DRotureau
DRotureau

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 18, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Very beautiful route ending at the lake. In summer, during term time, the route is very busy and if everyone doesn't do their bit, it can become a nightmare

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Paskal
Paskal

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 11, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Very beautiful route, mostly shaded with stunning scenery (lakes, waterfalls, etc.)
Very, very busy in high season.

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Cafougnette
Cafougnette

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 11, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

The start of the hike is very busy until you reach Lac d'OÔ, then less so between Lac d'Oo and Lac d'Espingot. This section is not recommended for hikers who suffer from acrophobia as it is on the side of a slope in some places. The view of the turquoise waters of the lake through the trees is breathtaking.
The morning climb is in the shade, which can be pleasant when it's hot.
The arrival at Lake Espingot is also superb, with a refreshing breeze as you reach the pass.
The refuge on the right would benefit from equipping its south-facing outdoor tables with one or two parasols to provide shade for thirsty hikers!
The view of the lake is very pretty in an impressive cirque! There is a beautiful waterfall feeding the lake and a few horses..
The descent is long but fairly easy if you keep your eyes on your feet.

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libellule1452
libellule1452

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 31, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

With breaks, 1.5 hours to climb to Lake Oo and 2.5 hours to Lake Espingo.
Long climb from Lake Oo to Lake Espingo, non-stop... Lots of people along the entire route.
Tricky descent with lots of rocks, 2 hours from Lake Espingo to Lake Oo and 1 hour from Lake Oo to the car park, including breaks.
Magnificent views above Lake Oo, we pushed on to Lake Saussat and its waterfall.

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User 22506938

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 29, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very beautiful hike. The difficulty increases significantly after Lake Oo. The lake is magnificent but well worth the effort.

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fcmimi
fcmimi

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 01, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Well-shaded fitness trail except for the upper section
magnificent site

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User 11276206

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 30, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

We had a wonderful time.
It was our first time on the GR10 trail.
We went as far as Lake Saussat, which was well worth the effort!
It's certainly a climb, but the view at the top is breathtaking!
We can't wait to go back!

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KATELINE1976
KATELINE1976

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 09, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Superb, very popular hike to Lake Oo.
It climbs gently but is manageable.
Don't hesitate to go on to Lac de Saussat, just after Espingo, which is also magnificent.

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Benoît6847
Benoît6847

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 08, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A beautiful hike, even though the weather was overcast that day. We were lucky that Mother Nature gave us a glimpse of the superb panorama of Espingo for a few seconds.
Our thighs and calves got a good workout.

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Vendinielle
Vendinielle

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 30, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A great classic that has to be earned. As well as the difference in altitude, the path through the rocks requires vigilance, but the views are splendid. Today, the level of Lac d'Oô was rather low, so everyone went up to Espingo! That was a lot of people on a public holiday. I recommend going as far as Lac de Saussat and climbing to the waterfalls above it. It makes the walk a bit longer, but it would be a shame to miss out on the spectacle.

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