Circular of Lac d'Orédon

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).

Details

n°22582194
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.69 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 05 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 2,336 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 2,310 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 8,094 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 6,089 ft

Photos

Description of the walk

Park in the Lac d'Orédon car park, which is subject to a charge in summer.

(S/E) Return to the car park entrance, pass the gatehouse and follow the road to the refuge on the right-hand side of the road.

(1) Opposite, on the left side of the road, a path begins leading to the hotel-restaurant. Walk up to it and turn left onto the road.

(2) Before the junction with another road, leave the road and take the path on the right towards the Col d'Estoudou.
Climb the winding path through the forest with views of Lac d'Orédon through the trees until you reach the ridge. There is usually a fountain flowing on the left, slightly below.

(3) Turn right towards Col d'Estoudou.

(4) At the pass, do not descend on the other side as this leads to Lac d'Oule. Turn left (no sign) and climb straight up to Soum du Monpelat. Follow the cairns carefully as there are many alternative paths.

(5) The summit is wide. Move around to admire Lac d'Oule, Lac d'Aubert and, behind them, you can just make out Lac d'Aumar, Lac d'Oredon, the Lac de Cap Long dam and the Néouvielle mountain ranges.
Descend back to the pass.

(4) Turn right, a little further down, and rejoin the fork in the path you took on the way up.

(3) Head towards Lac d'Aumar along a balcony path offering views of Lac d'Orédon, the Néouvielle Massif and, further away, Laquettes.
The path descends then climbs again, with an elevation gain of 120-150 metres.

(6) Admire Lac d'Aumar, my favourite lake, and walk along its left side near the road.

(7) You can quickly reach Lac d'Aubert by road, or cross a bridge and continue along the lake.

(8) Leave Lake Aumar by heading towards Lake Aubert/bivouac until you reach the dam.

(9) Go down below the dam and take the path that descends towards Lac d'Orédon. Turn left and follow the small lakes: Les Laquettes. Continue keeping the Route des Lacs on your left, walk along part of Lac d'Orédon and arrive at the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 6,089 ft - Parking - Lac d'Orédon
  2. 1 : mi 0.15 - alt. 6,099 ft - Refuge d'Oredon
  3. 2 : mi 0.28 - alt. 6,201 ft - Start of the trail to the Col d'Estoudou
  4. 3 : mi 0.98 - alt. 7,300 ft - Common fork in the road. Source
  5. 4 : mi 1.08 - alt. 7,388 ft - Common fork in the road. Round trip to the summit - Col d'Estoudou (2260m)
  6. 5 : mi 1.55 - alt. 8,094 ft - Soum de Monpelat
  7. 6 : mi 3.73 - alt. 7,215 ft - Lac d'Aumar
  8. 7 : mi 4.06 - alt. 7,205 ft - GR10, along the lake
  9. 8 : mi 4.45 - alt. 7,195 ft - Towards Lake Aubert
  10. 9 : mi 4.75 - alt. 7,051 ft - Dam - Lac d'Aubert
  11. S/E : mi 6.69 - alt. 6,099 ft - Lac d'Orédon car park

Notes

Regulations concerning the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve:
• Dogs are not allowed in the core area 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 respect the silence to preserve the tranquillity 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 is permitted
• 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 motorhome parking overnight to preserve the beauty of the sites and prevent pollution
• Hunting and fishing are prohibited

This route passes through a protected area, which may be subject to special regulations:

Reviews and comments

4.9 / 5
Based on 21 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.9 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.9 / 5
F8DHA
F8DHA

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 28, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk; the climb up to the Col de Soum isn’t the hardest part – it’s a steep climb but steps have been laid out, and you’re in the shade. However, once you reach the pass, the climb up to the Sum de Mepalat is trickier and there are no signposts, the cairns aren’t always visible; in particular, the first one on the left is obscured at one point where the path is ‘blocked’ by stones and pebbles. Once you’ve found the first one, the others follow on from there, and you sometimes need to use your hands. At the top, there’s a fabulous 180° view. The descent is then straightforward past the lakes. From the dam, the descent via the small lakes is pleasant but very, very long. A superb hike, though it took me longer than the guide suggests – but I did enjoy an extra stroll around the lakes.

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Cléonard
Cléonard

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 21, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

This circular walk offers superb views, so you really mustn’t miss it.

Although the initial climb is steep, the elevation gain is modest (just under 400 m), so it’s accessible to many walkers.
However, the descent on the way back between Lac d’Aubert and Lac d’Oredon, whilst not very steep, is ‘tough on the legs’ due to the numerous roots and stones. So take care on the descent.

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manu33870
manu33870
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 20, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A really lovely hike that gets off to a flying start with a mountain pass and the summit – almost all the elevation gain in one go. After that, it’s magnificent scenery and lakes.
According to the watch’s GPS, it’s 2 km longer than on the app.
We chose this route to prepare for our GR20 hike; we did the circular loop carrying a 14kg rucksack, the day after a long 20km hike just to get our legs moving.
Thanks for the route!

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fraffermi
fraffermi

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 31, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A superb hike, magnificent scenery… and perfect weather to fully enjoy the beauty of the lakes!
It’s true, the climb up to Sum Mepalat isn’t very well signposted… so do stick to the paths on the left as you climb and follow the cairns.

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Johnny Ducatboy
Johnny Ducatboy

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 06, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely family hike on 6 July 2026, which was exactly as described. However, we didn’t climb up to the Soum de Monpelat. We had lunch at the beautiful Lac d’Aumar (the view of the Néouvielle is magnificent) and walked along its right-hand side to go round it, before joining the route towards Lac d’Aubert.

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User 29844455

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 04, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely hike with a fairly steep first section. But once at the top, the views are magnificent. Views over the lakes and the valley.
The second climb (even steeper) was trickier towards the end, but what a sense of achievement once you reach the top!!!! The scenery is incredibly beautiful and the lakes are azure blue.
This walk is well signposted using the app.
It took us about 5 hours and 10 minutes to complete it, with a final section that was a bit long but fairly flat, running alongside the lakes.
I really recommend this walk as it offers varied and magnificent scenery.
We absolutely loved the route

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celine974r
celine974r

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 12, 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, I would even say the most beautiful in Néouvielle. I would rate it as moderate for experienced hikers and quite difficult for those who are not used to walking. The tour of the lakes is magnificent and the view from each summit was splendid.
I highly recommend it.

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patrick29
patrick29

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 22, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

We start with a slightly steep climb to the Col d'Estoudou, and the arrival at Soum de Monpelat offers magnificent views. Then there is a superb hike along several lakes, including the beautiful Lake Aumar. A route worth doing.

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natmorel
natmorel

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 16, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

The climb is a bit steep, so it's not very busy. From the Col d'Estoudou, there are a few more people coming from L'Oule.
However, there are lots of people on the descent from Lac d'Aubert via the small lakes to the Oredon car park
Superb scenery!

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f8bey
f8bey

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 14, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A fairly strenuous hike between 2 and 3, but without any major difficulties.

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jipi82
jipi82

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 19, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes


We followed the same route without knowing that our trail already existed. A great hike that we rated as moderately difficult.

https://youtu.be/oo62fxpa4Gs

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ValentinM
ValentinM

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 16, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A magnificent route!
The detour via Col d'Estoudou and Soum de Monpelat is definitely worth the effort. When climbing this section, keep your eyes peeled for cairns, as you can quickly find yourself on alternative paths leading further down. Keep to the left, along the ridge line.
Otherwise, there are no particular difficulties.
Thank you for this guide.

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f8bey
f8bey

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 14, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A fairly strenuous hike between 2 and 3.
But otherwise not particularly difficult.

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Britanicus100
Britanicus100
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 18, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

This hike, which combines climbing an easily accessible peak with visiting lakes, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in Néouvielle.
I made a 4K video with the names of the peaks, which shows our route and, in particular,
what you need to do to stay on the Monpelat ridge.
If you take your time, this climb is not difficult.
Here it ishttps://youtu.be/F4-KwLJD25c

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CLODO
CLODO

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 05, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Paths rutted by numerous visitors going up and down. I tried the northern shore of Lake Aumar to get a view of Néouvielle, but the path through the large scree was difficult, so I gave up after 15 minutes of struggling.
The icing on the cake and reward for finding the climb to the summit of Montpelat, where I met eight people. Walking sticks are highly recommended! You need to know how to read the terrain and stay on the ridge. Lake Oule is dry!

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