D3 : AINSA/The mountain lakes route/SAINT-LARY

The Cap de Long dam

It is a monumental construction totalling over 100 metres in height, this dam is one of the largest water reservoirs of the Pyrénées. It is like a real fjord and is surrounded by the cliffs of the Pic de Néouvielle. There are 40 k of galleries dug into the mountain which allow the waters to be used by the hydroelectric power plant in Pragnère in the neighbouring Gavarnie valley. It took 7 years (1946 to 1953) and over 6000 workers to build this exceptional construction.

On the road down from the tunnel, after traversing Aragnouet, just before the Fabian hamlet, follow the D929 to the left, towards Cap-De-Long.

The Neouvielle National Reserve

Make a U-turn at the Cap-de-Long dam. Take the first road on the left, towards Orédon. The highest road through the lakes of the Pyrénées starts here, it leads to the Orédon lake (1849m), the Aumar lake (2150m) and the Aubert lake (2150m). On the edge of the Pyrenean National Park, and in the heart of the Néouvielle Natural Reserve, this wonderland is an absolute must-see.

The lakes circuit

A wonderful walking circuit where the lakes follow one another in a magnificent setting of mountain pines, rhododendrons and granite outcrops.

From the Orédon lake parking (1 856m), take the path rising on the left of the road that follows the lake. This path passes through a pine forest before reaching the Aubert mountain pass (45 min). Take the Laquettes path on the left, you will then pass through more woodland to reach the first small lake. The view then opens up with a magnificent view, as astounding as it is beautiful, where small lakes dot the landscape as drops of azure, surrounded by luxuriant grasslands and mountain pines. It is a small corner of paradise.

The Laquette path then steepens towards the end, eventually reaching the Aubert lake (2150m) and its surprising spit of land, almost an island. To continue on to the next lake, follow the large path towards the parking. And within minutes you are there! Another splendid setting. The Aumar lake (2198m, 1h30) is nestled in the middle of the sumptuous grasslands, and watched over by the great Vignemale. After this 1h30 walk, you can go back to the Orédon parking for the shuttle bus, but it is also possible to loop back around on foot: follow the path along the Aumar lake on the right until you reach its outfall, then cross the footbridge. Follow straight on through the Passades d'Aumar pine forest to the Estoudou mountain pass (2260m). Just before the pass, turn right and descend into the forest, follow to the refuge and eventually back to the Orédon lake parking (3h45).

Length : 3h45 round trip • Height gain : 300 metres • Level : easy and family-friendly • Start and end-point: Orédon lake parking.

Col d'Aubert (Hourquette d'Aubert)

Follow the signposted Hourquette d'Aubert path, which skirts around the north eastern part of the Aubert lake. This 2498m mountain pass offers a stunning panorama onto the lakes and their surrounding pine forests, a beautiful blend of verdant  greens and turquoise blues. On the other side of the pass is another fantastic view, towards the Barèges valley.

Length : 3h round trip • Ascent : 350 metres • Level : medium • Start and end-point: Aubert lake (accessible by shuttle bus from the Orédon lake parking).

Evening and night in Saint-Lary

The Hautes-Pyrenees holiday shop proposes you a small selection of very favorite accommodations in Saint-Lary and surroundings. For more choices, contact directly the Shop to 05 62 56 70 00.

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Worth the detour

The Pineta valley

After leaving Ainsa, and on the road towards the tunnel, turn left just after Bielsa towards the secret valley of Pineta. Follow the river until you are stopped by the giant Mont Perdido, 3555 metres tall, the second highest mountain in the Pyrenees!  This is the final stop: the Parador hotel provides a pleasant stop and is surrounded by grandiose scenery. On the other side of the massive wall of rock which is the frontier lies the momental Cirque de Gavarnie. You will get to look at this in just a few days...

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