Vallée d'Oô and the Cirque d'Espingo

ByTravesía Pirenaica

Considered one of the most beautiful spots in the Pyrenees, Lac d'Oô is located in the Vallée de Luchon, less than half an hour's drive from the French town of Bagnères de Luchon. Vertical walls covered with vegetation, high peaks full of snow for most of the year and an incredibly high and crystalline waterfall make this area one of the most beautiful in the Pyrenees. Are you already excited just reading about it? Here are some facts to help you plan your next adventure to Lac d'Oô and its beautiful waterfall.

How to get to the Lac d'Oô area

Accessing the Lac d'Oô area is not too difficult, as it can be reached in just an hour and a quarter's walk and is not very tiring as it is only 400 metres uphill.

Remember that Lac d'Oô is some 76 kilometres from Bielsa, the nearest Spanish town. You can get there by taking the A-138 regional road to the Bielsa-Aragnouet tunnel. Then, in French territory, you have to descend the mountain pass to St-Lary Soulan.

Once there, you can continue towards Arreau and take the detour to Bagneres de Luchon up the Louron Valley to the village of Loundenvielle. Alternatively, you can cross into the valley via the Col d'Azet mountain pass to Loudenvielle.

Once in Loudenvielle, continue along the road towards Bagneres de Luchon via the Peyresourde pass. When you descend and pass the village of Garin, you will find the turn-off to the village of Oô. Cross the village of Oô until you reach the asphalted road and the car park of Les Granges d'Astau.

Routes

  • Granges d'Astau - Lac d'Oô - Refuge d'Espingo
  • Refuge d'Espingo - Refuge du Portillon
  • Espingo Hut - Port d'Oô - Estós Hut

What to do in the Lac d'Oô area

Once you park in the free car park at Les Granges d'Astau, you can take the forest track which is closed to traffic. At the beginning of the trail, you will see the Cascade de Chevelure de la Madeleine on the other side of the valley. This part of the route is extremely comfortable because you don't even feel the ascent and you can walk there even with the little ones in the family. There you will have an excellent view of the whole of the Val d'Astau.

After a somewhat zigzagging path, you can descend to the stone bridge over La Neste d'Oô, where you will get an incredible view. Returning to the main path, you can reach the stone bridge where you will see the magnificent Cascade d'Oô. You can choose, at this point, to continue straight on towards the dam or you can cross the bridge and go towards the Auberge-Refuge du Lac d'Oô.

In total, the walk takes just over an hour, but it is advisable to stop for lunch in the many shaded areas along the way.

Lodging and food in the Lac d'Oô area

It is possible to find accommodation in the car park area of Les Granges d'Astau and, during the summer season, Aubergue-Refuge du Lac d'Oô is open to visitors. You can also eat there, thanks to the many small restaurants.

Picnicking is also allowed in the trail area, so don't miss the chance to get some snacks with amazing views.