Lac d'Estaing from Argelès-Gazost

An idyllic driveway with a surprise at the very end, I recommend driving it up through Saint-Savin then there is less traffic and more shade, which is especially important on a hot day.

This climb does deserve a slightly higher rating. Admittedly, the first stretch is a bit crowded and a steep start. But the closer you get to Estaing, the nicer the ride becomes. You ride along a small river, see beautiful things and it is (except for the beginning) nowhere tough.

Tip: take the over-hard climb with the MTB or Gravelbike. You then turn left up the mountain at Reservoir de Bernata. It is an MTB route, lots of boulders. But doable on your gravel bike. The views along the way and especially on top are stunning (segment on Strava is called 'La Montée 13km' and is an HC climb). Then the descent towards Estaing is super, a nice single track that doesn't get tricky anywhere and ends on a fast gravel section and lovely quiet tarmac road (you then end up in the hamlet of Sireix).

Nice not too difficult ride from Argeles Gazost to the lac. The first few kilometres on the main road to the Aubisque/Soulor, but via Arras-en-Lavedam you leave the crowds and ride on a fine road (with some gravel at times) towards the lake. Good to combine with the Col de Borderes, and as Patrick points out just a fine warm-up for all the tougher cols in the area.
Oh yes, at the lake there is a stall where you can get a delicious piece of cake (see the 2nd photo), highly recommended!

Climbing to the beautifully situated Lac d'Estaing is great to combine with the Col de Bordères, which is almost on the same route (see CF).
To climb out of the starting town of Argelès Gazost, it is a bit of a pedal push on the at times busy road towards Aubisque/Soulor, which you can leave on the left in the first village of Arras-en-Lavedam. Signposts to Lac d'Estaing indicate exit after which you first cycle through the small streets of the village centre followed by a short descent to the river (La Gave d'Azur). After the bridge over it, there is a steep climb but from then on the narrow low-traffic road between the forests follows the river gently upstream. In Estaing, you can immediately turn right for the Col de Bordères but the beautiful lake surrounded by mountain peaks is a further four kilometres or so of gentle climbing. Along the tourist (catering) shore lots of sunbathers, hikers and some cows/horses running loose.
Ideal warm-up for firmer and better-known cycling on the tour classics in the area.