Lake Lassiédiouat from the Tech Dam

Access: on leaving Arrens-Marsous, take the D905 towards Lac du Tech. Park at the second car park 3 km past the end of Lac du Tech. Follow the signs for Barrage de Migouelou (see photo). Do not go all the way to the end of the road: “La Maison du Parc”.

(S/E) The path starts steeply heading north-west and climbs through an old mountain pasture with scree and rocks. Climb by following the path without trying to cut across the switchbacks. The path then enters a forest.

(1) The path now turns due west, still through the forest.

(2) On leaving the forest, the path heads west then north-west. Continue climbing through a mix of mountain pastures and rocks. The path is very well marked and climbs along the left bank of the Arriougrand stream. At an altitude of 2,100 m, the path turns left, heading south-west. We are still on the left bank of the stream. The path is stony and well marked. The foot of the dam is in sight.

(3) 500 m before the foot of the Migouelou dam, turn left, cross the stream below and head for the two pools. Continue due south for 200 m, passing to the left of these pools. At the end of the second pool, turn left (east). Stay on the left bank of the small stream.

(4) Cross the stream where it curves to the left and head right (south-southeast). Do not go down. You will soon come to a well-marked path on the ground. Head towards a large footbridge (the remains of an old EDF railway line are visible).

(5) Leave this footbridge on your left and head right (west). Go round Lake Lassiédouat on the right, initially passing over the site of another old railway line. You must now stick to a path that is more or less well-marked and cairned, heading south. This path stays on the left bank of a torrent. Stay in “this valley floor”. Continue climbing towards “a pass” following the stream. You will discover no fewer than six lakes. The path continues to climb and heads south-west.

(6) You emerge at an unnamed pass (elevation 2427m). Head north, climbing up a rocky, grassy ridge. Follow the cairns. The dam and Lac de Migouelou are visible below on the left. Descend westwards, heading for the path coming from the Col d’Artouste. Make use of the slopes and sections of track in the old summer pastures. Stay on the grass. With plenty of switchbacks, there is no risk: descend calmly towards Lac de Migouelou.
(7) Once you reach a path (alt. 2,360 m), turn right towards the north and arrive at the Refuge de Migouelou (alt. 2,300 m).

(8) Continue northwards, following the signposts and the well-marked path. Cross a small stream that feeds the small lakes encountered earlier.

(9) Turn right onto the stony path that descends (leave the path leading up to the Col de l’Hospitalet on your left). Return to the junction from the outward journey.

(3) Follow the path until you reach the edge of the forest.

(2) Turn right and head down into the forest, following a well-marked path with cairns. Only use this alternative route in good weather. You will reach a fork you passed on the way out.

(1) Turn right and head down towards the cars visible below. Follow the path without trying to cut across the hairpin bends until you reach the (S/E).

This hike is only possible from the end of June (circular route via Lac de Lassiédouat). The ascent to the Migouélou Refuge is possible as soon as the refuge opens (check in advance).

Do not try to cut across the switchbacks as this accelerates erosion and increases fatigue.

We are in the high mountains, where the weather can change very quickly. You will therefore need clothing to protect against rain and cold, as well as 2 litres of water and a packed lunch.

Migouélou Refuge (8): water source; in season, you can eat, drink and stay overnight.

A 1:25,000 map or GPX track is required, as well as this description of the hike.

In Arrens-Marsous, there is accommodation (stopover lodges, inns, campsite), various activities, places to eat, and shops selling regional produce.
Migouleou