Hiking to Lac D’Estom

For our last day of activities in France, we decided to do one last hike that was on our list - Lac D’Estom. Located in the Pyrenees, this trek covers 7.5 miles there and back and gains 1,765 feet in elevation. It’s another constant uphill challenge that delivers the entire climb, especially with the spectacular lake views at the end.

We parked our van in the small gravelly parking lot, passed through a little gate and came onto the path below that stretched out before us and disappeared into the mountains.

We looked up and upon a hill we saw a mother with her calf who looked like it had just been born. A man was nearby trying to coax them down the hillside with difficulty; the baby looked like it could barely walk.

We then met up with the river and followed the path alongside it.

We came across a group of horses, some almost blocking our path, and as beautiful as they were and as gentle as they seemed, I have to admit it was intimidating having to carefully skirt around them. Up close and personal, you realize how massive and powerful these animals really are.

Spotted: a herd of cows coming down the mountainside. Family to the mom and baby, perhaps?

There were so many beautiful things to appreciate on our hike. Gorgeous scenery, cool temperatures, and great company.

We finally arrived at the lake, marked by the mountain cabin we could see up in front of us. A few more tiring steps to the top and we were in awe.

It was surprisingly a bit chilly at the top near the lake. Even though the mountain cabin was technically closed for the evening, a woman staying there offered to take a photo of us and to make us some espressos, which we were so thankful for after our three hour journey.

We stayed at the lake for as long as we could, basking in the sunlight and the warmth it provided while admiring the crystal clear waters at our feet. But it was getting late and if we wanted to make it back to our van before dark, we would have to say goodbye.

We made our way back down through the mountains as the sun dipped behind them.

Back at the beginning, we turned around one last time to take in the beauty of the Pyrenees as the sun lit up the peaks in a luminous golden glow. The clouds were settling in for the night, the cool air had grown colder, and all felt quiet and still as if the whole landscape was going to sleep.

This hike marked the end of our trip and it was the perfect way to say goodbye to France. The two weeks we spent there were filled to the brim with experiences I will never forget and some of the most breathtaking scenery I have ever beheld. All that was left to do was return our van the next day, stay the night in a hotel, and then get to the airport the next morning to make our way over to Iceland.