Hike: La Fruitière and Lake Estom

Here is a magnificent and easy hike in the Lutour valley, starting from Chalet La Source , to the place called La Fruitière.

From this point, many possibilities are available to you to extend the walk towards high-altitude lakes, first and foremost the famous Lake Estom and its turquoise blue waters.

A real feast for the eyes, and even more so if you take advantage of the Hôtellerie de la Fruitière, whether for a hot chocolate or your lunch break!

What are you going to see during this hike?

You'll discover the Lutour Valley , following the Gave de Lutour river which flows between the imposing Vignemale and Ardiden massifs . The path begins in the undergrowth, then opens up at the valley entrance. A magnificent landscape unfolds before you: the verdant softness of the meadows and the sparkling river, all against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks.

Your first stop, La Fruitière , at 1374m altitude, is the starting point for several routes to access high-altitude lakes located between 1800 and 2400 meters - in particular Lake Estom , one of the most beautiful lakes in the High Pyrenees - or even to climb to the peaks above 2800m.

Along the way, near the arrival or departure, you will find two renowned establishments for meals: the shelter of Benquès in La Raillière, and the Hôtellerie de la Fruitière.

Not forgetting, at the start in La Raillière, a short detour to the Lutour waterfall , which sets the tone for this magnificent walk.

Duration and difficulty

The hike from the Pauze thermal baths to the Hôtellerie de la Fruitière is 9.2 km with an elevation gain of approximately 400 meters. Allow about 2.5 hours for the round trip.
The hike to Lake Estom adds another 3 hours round trip with an elevation gain of 450 meters from the Fruitière.

If you wish to quickly access the high-altitude lakes without walking to La Fruitière, you can start directly from the Hôtellerie de la Fruitière. Depending on snow conditions, it can also be reached by car from Cauterets, taking the road towards Pont d'Espagne, then turning left at the exit of the hamlet of La Raillère.

From Cauterets to La Fruitière and then to Lake Estom

The hike from Cauterets begins at the Pauze thermal baths (behind the Bains du Rocher) via the Chemin des Pères, which climbs to the right through the undergrowth towards La Raillère.

After about 45 minutes, at a fork in the path, a sign indicates the direction of La Raillière to the left.

The path then becomes a little steep with switchbacks, before opening up and leaving the forest, to follow the Gave de Lutour to the Fruitière hotel .

From La Fruitière, you can reach Lake Estom and its refuge at 1804m altitude in 1 hour 30 minutes. Continue along the Gave de Lutour which forms some pretty waterfalls after the Pouey-Caut , in a setting of clearings dotted with rhododendrons.

The path is initially clear and then enters a pine forest after the cabin and the Pouey-Caut footbridge.

Emerging from the undergrowth, you discover Lake Estom , a deep blue reflecting the mountains: the Pic d'Estom Soubiran (2829 m) and the Pic de Labas (2946 m). At the foot of the lake lies the refuge , a charming stone house with wooden shutters.

To be discovered from Lake Estom

From Lake Estom, you can continue upstream along the stream that feeds the lake, called the Gave d'Estom Soubiran . This leads to Lake Labas , then Lake Oulettes d'Estom Soubiran , and finally Lake Couy . Experienced hikers can even ascend to Lake Glacé , on the way to the Pic d'Estom Soubiran via the Col des Gentianes.

Another option is to reach the foot of the Vignemale glacier and the Oulettes de Gaube refuge via the Arraillé pass, from where you can return to the Pont d'Espagne, via the fabulous Gaube lake .

Other routes from the Fruitière

Russel Refuge and Ardiden Peak
To reach the Russel Refuge from La Fruitière, first follow the path towards Lake Estom. Once past the Pouey-Caut hut, take the slightly steeper path on the left. This climbs through the forest and leads to the refuge (2 hours in total from La Fruitière).
This refuge is the starting point for the ascent of Ardiden Peak, which rises to 2,988m above the Luz-Ardiden ski resort.

Estibe Aute Lakes
To reach the Estibe Aute lakes, you have to go up to the Pouey bridge. Then turn right about 500 m after it, to reach the Estibe Aute lakes in 3h30 (2330 m).