Loop via the Saunères hut from Artigue

de fr

This easy hike will allow you to discover Artigue, a charming village in the Luchonnais region, beautiful forests and a superb panorama of Bagnères-de-Luchon surrounded by its 3000m peaks, all on very different paths and trails.

Details

n°1607007
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 10.34 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 602 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 601 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,679 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,221 m
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐
    Area: Pyrenees
  • ⚐ City: Artigue (31110)
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 42.829862° / E 0.619275°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 1848OT, 1848OTR
  • Hour-by-hour weather
    Discover Visorando Premium
Downloads
Open in the mobile app
Download GPX GPX
Download PDF PDF

Photos

View of the 3000-metre peaks of Luchonais
View of the start of the hike
Saunères fountain
Saunères hut

Description of the walk

(S/E) From the car park with its beautiful view, head north towards the village of Artigue. Walk through the village.

(1) At the village exit, take the wide path that climbs to the right (GR®10) and follow it for about 1.6 km. Red and white markings.

(2) At the crossroads, follow the wide path heading due east opposite (PR®). This path remains level. Follow it for about 1.2 km. Cross the Ruisseau du Bois des Ayres stream (1,482 m).

(3) Do not cross another stream (1,470 m), but take the path on the right that climbs steeply for about 400 m. At the edge of the woods, you will see the Plan de Bosc hut. Continue on the path that descends to the right, leaving the hut on your left. The path climbs steeply.

(4) Turn left along the stream, taking the path that climbs steeply for about 100 metres.

(5) Turn right onto the path that continues through the forest, heading south-west, crossing the Ruisseau du Bois des Ayres stream. Please note: this path is not easy to see, so keep your eyes peeled. It then turns into a track. Follow it for about 2 km until you reach the edge of the forest at a crossroads.

(6) Take the wide path on the left that climbs up to the Saunères hut.

(7) After stopping to enjoy the view, continue eastwards along the path that descends towards the Fontaine de Saunères (watering hole).

(8) At the fountain, turn right, heading south-west, without crossing the stream. The path is not immediately visible, but you can see it a few metres ahead as you cross a short marshy section. This path winds along the mountainside with a significant slope, but it is not very dangerous. Nevertheless, please be careful. Continue along the path until you reach a pine forest.

(9) In the forest, turn right onto a wide grassy path that descends northwards. __Caution_: this path may not be easy to find immediately after entering the woods. Follow this path downhill for about 800 metres towards a barn.

(10) Caubet barn. At the edge of the woods, turn right immediately and take a wide, drivable path that descends. Cross three streams. Follow this path for about 1.6km to reach the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,228 m - Panoramic car park.
  2. 1 : km 0.42 - alt. 1,224 m - Path climbing to the right GR10.
  3. 2 : km 2.03 - alt. 1,442 m - Crossroads.
  4. 3 : km 3.47 - alt. 1,469 m - Path on the right
  5. 4 : km 4.28 - alt. 1,598 m - On the left, there is a steep path.
  6. 5 : km 4.41 - alt. 1,634 m - The path is not very visible at the start on the right.
  7. 6 : km 6 - alt. 1,567 m - On the left, a wide path climbs uphill.
  8. 7 : km 6.7 - alt. 1,671 m - Saunères hut.
  9. 8 : km 7.05 - alt. 1,655 m - Watering hole, marshy ground on the right.
  10. 9 : km 8.12 - alt. 1,481 m - Grassy path leading downhill.
  11. 10 : km 9.06 - alt. 1,290 m - Caubet barn, accessible by vehicle.
  12. S/E : km 10.34 - alt. 1,229 m - Parking at the finish.

Notes

Access from Toulouse: D125 towards Bagnères-de-Luchon. A few kilometres before Bagnères-de-Luchon, turn left towards Salles-et-Pratviel and Juzet-de-Luchon (D27) and then towards Sode and Artigue (D46). Car park at the entrance to Artigue.

Equipment: suitable walking shoes, walking sticks, water, cold/rain gear and sun protection...

No water source, no shelter.
Please note: The huts were closed when I visited but may be open at other times. The Saunères fountain is a drinking trough.

Worth a visit

(1) Car park: orientation table and panoramic view

In the village of Artigue, there is a house with a thatched roof worth seeing.

(7) At the Cabane de Saunères: superb panorama of the Luchonnais region.

Bagnères-de-Luchon and all its surroundings.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Downloads
Open in the mobile app
Download GPX GPX
Download PDF PDF

Reviews and comments

4.4 / 5
Based on 22 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.3 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.3 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
Urbanspeech
Urbanspeech
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 10, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hike completed on 10/03/2026, starting late morning.
Superb hike, very well described, with splendid views of the Luchonais peaks.
The path was still snowy in places but passable with caution.
A must-do!

Machine-translated

Grizipi
Grizipi

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 14, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A superb hike offering magnificent views of the peaks.
We thoroughly enjoyed it and will definitely do it again.
Thank you to the author!

Machine-translated

Cathare09
Cathare09

Overall rating : 3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 29, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

The loop via the Saunères hut is very interesting. However, the descent after the hut is very poorly marked. At the entrance to the woods, we didn't see the "grassy path" and went straight down, which was quite dangerous (lots of slippery leaves on rocks, steep slopes, etc.). Above all, don't go straight ahead; you absolutely must find the path. Otherwise, you'll have to go back down from the hut via the path you took on the way up, which is quite pleasant although it's quite steep... Enjoy your hike!

Machine-translated

Toto32
Toto32

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful hike in glorious weather, with fascinating views of the Luchon valley and the surrounding peaks.
We encountered difficulties at points 5 and 9, where the description says "Caution", and lost the path before finding it again. The GPS was a great help...
Nevertheless, we were very satisfied with the day, and this outing is definitely worth the trip.

Machine-translated

LYS JAUNE
LYS JAUNE

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 16, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Review paint marks, which are difficult to see in certain places

Machine-translated

PtitBreton3531
PtitBreton3531

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : May 25, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We went (as recommended) from point 2 to 6 to shorten the route (skipping points 3, 4 and 5).

Remember to continue past the hut (point 7) to continue the route (do not turn left at the hut).

You can climb behind the hut to the peak (20-30 minutes max) to enjoy the view, which is ideal for a picnic.

Be sure to read the comments. I can confirm that without a GPS, we would probably have taken a wrong turn or two (particularly at points 7 and 8). But nothing to worry about .

Otherwise, a very beautiful hike 👍🏼! I highly recommend it. The route is very pleasant.

Machine-translated

Marielyne
Marielyne

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 08, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The possibility of shortening the route should be mentioned

Machine-translated

gunam
gunam

Overall rating : 4.5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 04, 2023
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

I took inspiration from the suggested route (many thanks to its author) to create a personalised route that was also very enjoyable, avoiding the slope between 8 and 9 mentioned in the description:
1 - I followed points 1 - 2 - 6 - 7 (Saunères hut) - 6 - 5.
2 - Descent to the Plan de Bosc hut due west from the PR that passes above (dotted line on the IGN map), as the descent via point 4 seemed a little complicated to me due to the presence of snow.
3 - Visit to the Cunau hut
4 - Return to Artigue via points 3 - 2 - 1.
A very beautiful and easy hike, using GPS to confirm the position and validate the correct trails.
The presence of snow above 1,400 metres was a bonus.

Machine-translated

Bonet
Bonet

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 01, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk, perfect for the whole family! Or not!!!

Machine-translated

Amarette
Amarette

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 24, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very accessible hike offering beautiful views of the snow-capped Pyrenees throughout. Its unique feature, with a bit of luck at the Saunère hut, is the behaviour of the kites, which do not hesitate to swoop down on the remains (bread crusts) of successive picnics, without fear of our presence (about four metres away). This is a fleeting moment, perhaps linked to the nesting period.

Machine-translated

EstelleKbs
EstelleKbs

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 30, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Superb hike! There was still quite a bit of snow on most of the route, but it was very easy going in hiking boots. We had a little trouble following the route because of the snow, but we quickly got back on track (thanks to the GPS). The view is magnificent.

Machine-translated

ORCC
ORCC

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 27, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful hike completed in 3 hours and 10 minutes in good weather.
We missed the PR at the crossroads (2) by continuing straight ahead along a wide forest path that climbs uphill, and found the trail again just after the marker (5)

Machine-translated

bramioul
bramioul

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 16, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent hike. If you have a GPS, don't hesitate to use the track. Otherwise, you may need to search a little at times, but nothing insurmountable. On my GPS, it was just over 14 km.

Machine-translated

OURS31
OURS31

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 13, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful hike that alternates between different landscapes and passages between shade and sun.
The map route is accurate. For those who need more details, here are a few observations:
- Point 2 can be confusing: the path to take is simply the one furthest to the left...
- Point 3 refers to a stream that is not visible because it is "dry". Simply take the first forest path that climbs to the right, just before a nearly 90° left turn.
- Further on, the path on the right in the forest is relatively visible, but it is more than 200 metres away rather than 100 metres
- At the end of the route, you have to search a little for the grassy path, but it's nothing insurmountable.
- According to my GPS watch, the route is 14.6 km long

Machine-translated

FC44
FC44

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 20, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A hike that alternates between magnificent panoramas and forest passages, flat terrain and slopes (some very steep), shade and open passages (no shade at all between points 6 and 9). It took us 2½ hours to reach the Saunères hut and then 1½ hours from the hut to the car park, after struggling a bit in the woods at point 9 (we probably turned right too early; I think we should have continued a little further along the edge of the forest). We also couldn't find the path that runs alongside the stream at point 4, so we continued straight ahead on a wide, steep, rutted path, which took us to the PR shortly after point 5. You need to pay close attention to the description and the route on the map, as several paths are not marked.

Machine-translated

Other walks in the area

Walking Tour of the barns and huts of Artigue

Visorando Member
↔15.17 km ↗+974 m ↘-980 m ◔7h 05 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Artigue (Haute-Garonne)
Tour of the barns and huts of Artigue, making a large circular loop through the summer pastures via the PR® and GR®10 trails. Pass through Plan de Montmajou and the border markers to Col des Taons de Bacanère. The return journey takes you past two huts and the Cigalère State Forest. A very pleasant hike in the gentle autumn sunshine with beautiful views of the peaks and 3,000-metre summits of the Luchonnais, sometimes whitened by the first snows.

Walking Short circular at Mail de la Pique

Visorando Member
Petite boucle au Mail de la Pique
↔7.62 km ↗+864 m ↘-864 m ◔4h 40 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Baren (Haute-Garonne)
This magnificent walk above Baren allows you to discover the mountain pastures, deciduous forests and a spectacular panorama of the legendary 3,000-metre peaks of the Central Pyrenees: Anéto, Maladeta, Maupas, Crabioules, Perdiguère, Posets, Quayrat, Lézat, Gougs Blancs, Spijeoles, Schrader... The Cabane de la Plagnette and its surroundings, a "true paradise for hikers", provide a pleasant approach for climbing Burat and the border peaks.

Walking Circular Bagnères-de-Luchon via Cazarilh-Laspènes

Visorando Member
Boucle de Bagnères-de-Luchon par Cazarilh-Laspènes
↔4.81 km ↗+359 m ↘-367 m ◔2h 25 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Bagnères-de-Luchon (Haute-Garonne)
A short hike to discover a small mountain village. A view of Bagnères-de-Luchon and its surroundings.

Walking Circular route of Cap de Salières from Cazarilh-Laspènes

Visorando Member
↔10.71 km ↗+870 m ↘-863 m ◔5h 35 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Cazaril-Laspènes (Haute-Garonne)
A beautiful hike in the hills above Bagnères-de-Luchon, featuring a long stretch along a ridge or balcony offering stunning views of the Pyrenean massif, the foothills, the town of Luchon and the Larboust valley. The paths are well marked except for a short section on the return journey, between (5) and (8), which is steep and requires sure-footedness.

Walking Nature and heritage route starting from Bagnères-de-Luchon

Visorando Member
Circuit nature et patrimoine au départ de Bagnères-de-Luchon
↔17.35 km ↗+862 m ↘-863 m ◔7h 25 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Bagnères-de-Luchon (Haute-Garonne)
This medium-altitude hike offers a multitude of sumptuous views over the valleys to the west of Bagnères-de-Luchon: the One, Larboust and Oueil valleys. There is something to delight every hiker, not to mention the small, beautifully restored villages with their first-rate religious architectural heritage. A little bit of tarmac is quickly forgotten thanks to the beauty of the surrounding nature and landscapes.

Walking De Saint-Mamet aux thermes de Bagnères-de-Luchon

Visorando Member
↔9.15 km ↗+637 m ↘-638 m ◔4h 25 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Saint-Mamet (Haute-Garonne)
Une mise en jambe sympathique, à travers la forêt tout du long, pour découvrir la vallée. Plusieurs points particuliers, passerelle, tour, cascade et fontaine, émaillent le parcours, dont une surprenante Fontaine d'Amour qu'il ne faut pas rater (bien faire attention au panneau) pour commencer à comprendre l'histoire de la région.

Walking Espiau Mountain from Benque-dessus

Visorando Member
Montagne d'Espiau depuis Benque-dessus
↔11.14 km ↗+680 m ↘-680 m ◔5h 10 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Benque-Dessous-et-Dessus (Haute-Garonne)
A superb hike in the Oueil valley with the added bonus of meeting local horses and panoramic views of the Pyrenees between Aneto and Grand Quayrat.

Walking Espiau Mountain via the cromlechs and the Croix de Garin

Visorando Member
Montagne d'Espiau par les cromlechs et la Croix de Garin
↔11.39 km ↗+705 m ↘-703 m ◔5h 15 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Benque-Dessous-et-Dessus (Haute-Garonne)
A very pleasant and easy hike, allowing you to stroll between the Oueil Valley and the Col de Peyresourde. Halfway along the route, you will discover rows of cromlechs with views of the Pyrenean peaks between Aneto and Quayrat. The Croix de Garin offers a clear view of the Agudes and the climb up to the pass.

For more walks, use our search engine .

The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.