Lac d’Oô is an ideal destination for those wishing to discover the mountains without major difficulties. Its accessibility, the beauty of its natural setting and the diversity of its landscapes make it the perfect place to spend a day in the great outdoors, whether you’re a beginner or a veteran of Pyrenean trails.
Whether you’re looking for a simple stroll, a picnic break by the waterfall or a more in-depth exploration of the high-altitude lakes, a hike to Lac d’Oô will appeal to all nature lovers. Lac d’Oô is now the most popular nature destination in the Haute-Garonne.
Follow itinerary 41 on the Haut-Garonne Pyrenees hiking map
Walking, especially in the mountains, stimulates reflection, so a little culture before you set off along the path to Lac d’Oô.
Visited by the painter Louis-François Lejeune in the 1830s, and then by the botanist Nérée Boubée, Lac d’Oô quickly attracted scientific interest before becoming a popular destination for walkers. By this time, visitors were already flocking to admire this majestic site, and it was not uncommon for the “farmers of the lake” to charge hikers and horse riders a fee for passing through. The lake’s natural origins were transformed in 1921 when a hydroelectric dam was built, turning it into an artificial lake. Today, this infrastructure regulates the flow of the Neste d’Oô and supplies the power stations downstream. Despite this transformation, Lac d’Oô remains a jewel in the Pyrenees, with its dizzying 275-metre waterfall.
The trail starts at Les Granges d’Astau, at an altitude of 1,139 metres. To get there from Toulouse, allow around two hours’ drive in the direction of Bagnères-de-Luchon, then follow the D76 to the village of Oô. From here, there is a fork in the road leading to Lac d’Oô. Several free car parks are available at Les Granges d’Astau.
The path is well signposted and follows an old cobbled track. From the outset, it runs alongside the Neste d’Oô, offering pleasant views over the river. The climb is steady, with no major technical difficulties, making this walk accessible to a wide audience.
Along the way, you’ll cross pastures where cows, sheep and horses graze. It is therefore advisable to keep dogs on a lead to protect the peace and quiet of the livestock.
Arrival at Lac d’Oô
Once you arrive at the lake, you’ll be greeted by a view of its 275-metre-high waterfall, one of the highest in the Pyrenees. The nearby Espingo refuge (well, you still have to climb up) offers a friendly place to stop for a bite to eat or a rest before setting off on your return journey.
Beyond Lac d’Oo lies a world of high mountains, with trails leading to some exceptional sites. The Espingo and Saussat lakes offer grandiose panoramas in a wild, mineral setting, while the Portillon lake, perched at over 2,500 metres, is the culmination of a challenging hike.
These routes provide access to the highest peaks in the Luchonnais massif, some of which are over 3,000 metres high. Between alpine meadows, persistent névés and rocks polished by glaciers, the upper Oô valley reveals all the raw beauty of the central Pyrenees.
The 275-metre waterfall, fed by the waters of these upper lakes, is one of the most breathtaking natural spectacles in the Pyrenees.
Before tackling the upper lakes, why not consider taking a break at the Lac d’Oô refuge. In this typical mountain refuge, travellers will find a haven of peace where mountain conviviality meets respect for the natural environment.
A blend of tradition and modernity, the refuge offers an authentic experience of life at altitude, punctuated by the seasons and the passing of hikers from all horizons.
This privileged stopover allows you to savour the serenity of the surroundings and soak up the unique atmosphere of Pyrenean refuges, true guardians of mountain heritage.
