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A hike to the lakes of Oô and Espingo

This superb hike, not too difficult, allows you to discover the lake of Oô in the Pyrenees and then to continue towards the lake of Espingo.

If you are near Bagnères-de-Luchon it is the most famous hike in the Pyrenees. After one hour of walking you will reach the lake of Oô with this superb panorama on the waterfall which feeds it. Nothing difficult to reach the first lake but the path becomes steeper to reach the second lake: the lake of Espingo.

At the beginning you will find a large parking lot for your car. You can even come by bus from Luchon during the good season. There are several refuges along the way. The return is done by the same path.

To come: In Luchon, go up to the col de Peyresourde. In Castillon take the D 76, to Oô and continue the small road to the barns of Astau (1139 m).

Interest: great (1 user)
Difficulty:
Duration: 4 h.
Practical information

The barns of Astau

The start of the hike is easily accessible. There is a large parking lot and even a small restaurant to eat before or after the effort.

Start of the hike

No problem to find your way, the path is very well marked. The ascent to the first lake, the lake of Oô, is easy, once arrived at the lake of Oô you can continue towards the lake of Espingo (the ascent is more difficult).

The refuge of the lake of Oô

The Lac d'Oô refuge is an ideal base from which to explore the natural wonders of the region. Visitors can admire Lac d'Oô, a crystal-clear jewel surrounded by towering mountains, and enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding peaks.
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The lake of Oô and its waterfall

The site is imposing, we pass not far from the famous waterfall of the lake of Oô which is 300 meters high.
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The lake of Oô seen from above

Very quickly the altitude rises to go to the lake of Espingo. One can then have a splendid sight on the lake of Oô situated below.
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Waterfall along the wall

After several days of bad weather, water is running down the wall.
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The lake of Espingo

The lake of Espingo marks the arrival of the hike. There is a new refuge which allows to take strength before starting the descent. The return is done by the same way as the first one.
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The circus of Espingo

The arrival allows to see one of the most beautiful panoramas of the Pyrenees with summits of more than 3000 meters.
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The shores of Lake Oo

On the way back down, you pass by Lake Oo again, the perfect place to relax along the shores of Lake Oo. All that remains is to return to the car at the Astau barns (1 hour's walk downhill).
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Bagnères-de-Luchon

The town can be used as a starting and ending point for hiking. It is nicknamed the "Queen of the Pyrenees". It has indeed kept a lot of charm with its streets and its houses of the Belle Epoque Napoleon III.
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Other walks

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The castle of Peyrepertuse

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Biscarosse
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