Lac du Lurien

de fr

This is a fairly challenging hike in terms of elevation gain, but offers varied landscapes. This little-visited lake is a haven of peace and ideal for a picnic with family or friends.

Details

n°2437889
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 7.12 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 45 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 958 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 958 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,215 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,257 m
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Description of the walk

On leaving Laruns, leave the Gourette road and take the D934 towards Spain and the Col du Portalet. At the end of Lac de Fabrèges, turn left towards the Artouste resort. The hike starts before you reach the resort. There is a car park on the left-hand side of the road.

(S/E) On the other side of the road, take an open path that climbs north-northeast to the forest.

(1) The slope becomes steeper heading north-east then east into the forest. After emerging slightly from the woods at around 1,540 m, the path approaches the Ruisseau des Pinatas stream.

(2) Continue climbing in successive switchbacks until you finally exit the woods.

(3) The path continues through the pastures on the right bank of the Lurien. On the other side of the stream, you can see the Cabane du Lurien.

(4) Continue climbing south-east on the right bank through the grass. The path is marked with cairns. Pass the Quintètes ravine.

(5) Continue along the right bank of the stream until you reach an altitude of 2,070 metres.

(6) Cross to the left bank and you will come to a hut. Go over it to reach a small lake.

(7) Follow the stream that feeds this small lake to reach Lac du Lurien.

(8) Return via the same route (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,257 m - Car park
  2. 1 : km 0.13 - alt. 1,293 m - Forest
  3. 2 : km 0.76 - alt. 1,540 m - Pinatas Stream
  4. 3 : km 1.08 - alt. 1,639 m - Exiting the woods
  5. 4 : km 1.39 - alt. 1,690 m - Cabane du Lurien
  6. 5 : km 2.33 - alt. 1,915 m - Ravin des Quintètes
  7. 6 : km 2.95 - alt. 2,074 m - Altitude 2070 m
  8. 7 : km 3.23 - alt. 2,139 m - Laquet
  9. 8 : km 3.56 - alt. 2,215 m - Lac du Lurien 2,211 m
  10. S/E : km 7.12 - alt. 1,257 m - Car park

Worth a visit

(8) For those who want to go further, the path continues around the lake on the left and arrives at Col du Lurien (2342 m). Experienced hikers can go to the summit (2826 m). It is not climbing, but it does require some experience of high mountains.

Reviews and comments

4.4 / 5
Based on 13 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.4 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.4 / 5
Route interest
4.3 / 5
BGS Jex
BGS Jex

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 02, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Superb... in good weather! But the "moderate" rating is a bit misleading: very steep and often slippery, bordering on rock climbing, not recommended for children.

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Dim1780
Dim1780

Luckily, I stopped because of the snow; there was no longer any visible path.

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Pascal donard
Pascal donard

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 01, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Hike done in the clouds, but once you reach the lake and the clouds clear, it's fantastic!

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Honortemplar
Honortemplar

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 23, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful hike 👍. It offers forests, mountain pastures and rocky terrain.
Quite short but with a lot of elevation gain.
Not suitable for people who are new to hiking. No particular difficulties, very pretty views and landscapes even in very overcast weather, which gives it a Scottish or Lord of the Rings feel, depending on your references 😅... The lake is magnificent with a beautiful waterfall at the end. It's really worth the climb. Be careful at the start of the walk, which is a bit hidden. Before the avalanche barrier on the right, there is a tiny green sign indicating the start. Once you leave the forest, there are lots of cairns to show you the way, so it's easy to find your bearings.
I recommend it for people who have a bit of stamina. It took me 3 hours to climb up, taking my time.

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Dim1780
Dim1780
• Edited:

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 06, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Hike on Sunday, 28/04/2024.
The sign at the start of the hike by the roadside is missing.
The difficulty level is rated "medium", but it is quite difficult at the beginning when crossing the forest, then it gets easier. However, I was unable to finish the hike because the trail was not visible due to snow. I completed 6/8 stages.
But I'll do it again.

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Hameaux Nathalie
Hameaux Nathalie

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 19, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent hike
A complicated finish in snowy conditions. Difficult to find the right route.
Crampons required on the last section.

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LEFRANC Sylvie
LEFRANC Sylvie
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 06, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

What can I say about this hike other than that it is magnificent, especially when you have a beautiful blue sky.
You go from the forest to the mountain pastures and high mountains with a beautiful lake.
It's true that there are a few small ramps that give you an idea of how difficult the hikes can be... but if you take your time, you can climb them... there's no point in rushing because you won't see the marmots and you won't have time to chat with the shepherds... and that's what hiking is all about, discovering the fauna, flora and locals.
Be careful at the start in the heather, which is easy to miss, just before the welcome sign (30 metres) and the avalanche barrier. The car park is just opposite.

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Luc 68
Luc 68

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 26, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A new definition of climbing
Continue to the pass, or even the peak if you are feeling fit.
A wild and unspoilt area that is rarely visited and well worth the effort.
The lake is a jewel in its setting, and water accompanies you throughout the route.

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Simon971
Simon971

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 24, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent hike with a simple, easy-to-follow route. The climb through the woods is quite steep and may seem long, but it's nothing you can't handle if you take your time.

The scenery is beautiful and varied, and we saw marmots, eagles and even bears (very rare)!! There were a few hikers on the trail on this beautiful July weekend, but once we reached the lake, we were almost alone, as many continue on to the Pic du Lurien and Artouste.

The lake itself is magnificent and relaxing, and the water is a little cool but refreshing.

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Le Cyclope
Le Cyclope
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 18, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Easy parking at the start along Lake Fabreges. Ideal for a light day trip. A stop at the refuge is possible in case of bad weather. Don't hesitate to push on to the nearby summit above Lake Lurien. The trail is easy to follow and not very busy. There are streams everywhere, so it can be a bit noisy if you walk along the waterways. But it has its charm... Peaceful and soothing. I recommend it.

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pamoncla
pamoncla

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 09, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The most beautiful mountain descent.
It takes about 5 hours and 15 minutes if you want to enjoy the scenery.
The climb through the forest is steep, but once you reach the clearing, the scenery is magnificent.
The arrival at Lurien Lake after a short gorge is wonderful.
What's more, there were no sheep or cows at the lake when we got there.
Alone in the world!
We regretted not continuing on to the pass and Lurien.
Another time?

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taboulechat
taboulechat

Well done and thank you for your supportive comment.

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marmotteluz
marmotteluz
• Edited:

Anyone who describes the Lurien hike as average and uninteresting has completely misunderstood the mountains!
What does it mean to say that a route or a lake is uninteresting? A hike is not limited to the final destination. It is the magic of the mountains that unfolds throughout the day: the surrounding landscapes, the fauna and flora. It is an adventure, and you have to be prepared and know how to find your way. All hikes are different and each has its own charm. Only Sunday hikers don't know how to appreciate them and spread negative information. What do they imagine: a well-marked trail with signposts from start to finish, pubs to stop for a drink? They should refrain from commenting! I advise them to go to the seaside instead.

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taboulechat
taboulechat

Hello Flo 17.
How can you justify the fact that previous reviews are all positive and very positive... No further comments.

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Flo 17
Flo 17

Overall rating : 2.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 12, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Very busy route : No

Hike rated black in other guides.
Very steep at the start and end, and rocky.
Not suitable for families.
Lake of little interest.

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