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Ancien Pont de la Soula walks
Soula refuge
A very beautiful hike which, initially through the woods with informative signs, allows you to cover the elevation gain without even noticing. Ideal for children. Then the Clarabide Gorges with the path carved into the rock are magnificent and the reward is not far away.I would like to point out that, having done this hike again, the altitude figures given by the Visorando software are incorrect. The elevation gain is around 550 m.
Lake Caillauas
A very beautiful hike which, initially through the woods with explanatory panels, allows you to cover the elevation gain without even noticing. Then the Clarabide Gorges with the balcony path carved into the rock are magnificent. From the refuge to the lake, the landscape becomes more rocky. On arrival, there is a splendid view of the 3,000 m mountain range. I would say it is more difficult than very difficult, as recommended by Visorando
Walks near Ancien Pont de la Soula
Lake Espingo - Granges d'Astau
A gentle descent after the exertions of the previous days. From the Col d’Espingo, the Lac d’Oô below accompanies us for a long while. Once at the stone bridge, don’t hesitate to make a short detour to the Auberge du Lac d’Oô, where you can enjoy the view of the great waterfall, which will help you forget, if only for a moment, the increasingly obvious and cruel shortage of water. The return to Les Granges d’Astau brings this getaway in one of the most beautiful spots in the Luchon area to a pleasant close.
Jean Arlaud Mountain Hut – Pic des Spijeoles – Espingo Lake and Mountain Hut
From the ascent route, the east face of the Pic des Spijeoles immediately catches the eye. The ‘miners’ path’ route suggested here includes an exposed and dangerous section where there is no room for error. After Lac du Port d’Oo, the route continues over large, smooth slabs and scree, involving the crossing of two chimneys to reach the summit. The descent follows the standard route via the Coume de l’Abesque before reaching the Espingo Mountain Hut.
Viados Mountain Hut – Angel Orus Mountain Hut
Day three of the Tour du Posets with a long day ahead: a long climb to reach the Collado de Eriste at an altitude of 2,862 metres before descending to the Angel Orus Refuge. Varied landscapes, starting with woodland before moving onto more open terrain that becomes increasingly rocky. The day ends with a section of boulders that makes you really appreciate arriving at the refuge!
Estos Mountain Hut – Viados Mountain Hut
The second day of the Tour du Posets begins with a steady climb along the GR®11 to reach the Col d’Estos. The second part of the day is a long descent leading to the Refuge de Viados. There are stunning views of the valleys, followed by views of the summit of Posets and its neighbouring peaks during the second part of the day.
Granges d'Astau - Lac du Portillon
Starting from Les Granges d'Astau, there is a long climb with some steep sections, made more pleasant by the presence of several lakes. Lac d'Oô and its inn, and Lac d'Espingo in its magnificent setting are ideal places to stop for a break. After Lac du Saussat (pronounced Sa-ou-sat), the much smaller Lac de la Coume de l'Abesque marks the start of the steep, winding climb that leads to a plateau dotted with smooth rocks and small lakes, and then to the Jean Arlaud refuge.
From the Hospice de Rioumajou to Saint-Lary-Soulan
The first stage starts at the Hospice du Rioumajou. You are at the start of the summer pastures, one of the arrival points of the Ténarèze. This ancient path, first traced in prehistoric times and then developed by the Romans, linked the Adour and Garonne basins, avoiding fords and tolls. A major transhumance route, it allowed herds to move between the plains and the mountains, while serving as a commercial and cultural link between Gascony and Spain, notably via passes such as the Ourdissétou.
Refuge du Maupas – Pic de Maupas – Lys Valley
On this day’s hike, you’ll need to find your own way up to the Pic de Maupas over rounded boulders, where the numerous cairns mean you’ll have to locate the next one each time to continue the ascent to the ‘Mal Pas’, which gave the peak its name. This is the only pass – difficult to access – allowing you to cross over to the western slope and complete the ascent with a few easy climbing moves. The return will follow the same route as the ascent, with a pleasant alternative route via Lac Vert.
Lac Vert, the Cirque de la Glère and the Hospice de France
A truly beautiful walk leading from the Vallée du Lys to the Hospice de France via the Lac Vert. The route is varied and the elevation gain is certainly significant, but this is more than made up for by the magnificent views over the Haut-Luchonnais and the ridge marking the border with Spain.
Lys Valley - Maupas Refuge
This first stage, which serves as an approach walk, is difficult. The climb is steep and sustained along the Torrent de Houradade up to the junction at the Cabane de la Coume. Continuing the route to reach the Cabane de Pratlong allows you to catch your breath a little before tackling the final stretch via the numerous tight hairpin bends leading to the pumping station and then to the Refuge du Maupas, where the warm welcome will quickly make you forget the day’s exertions.
Angel Orus Mountain Hut – Estos car park
The final stage of the Tour du Posets starts from the Angel Orus refuge and leads to the car park in the Estos Valley. The first part of the day takes place over very stony terrain before moving into a more wooded area for the second half of the descent. The route offers further stunning views of the eastern slope of the Posets and of several lakes dotted along the way.