Brèche de Roland walks

Landscapes “rich in nature” on this hike in the area of Gavarnie, accompany your steps towards the peak of Taillon, through the legendary Roland breach. Taillon, a summit that at the top of its 3144 m, offers a stunning panorama and striking views as far as the eye can see.

Hike above the Cirque de Gavarnie to visit a mountain pass made famous by its name.

Want to climb one of the legendary "3000" peaks of the Cirque de Gavarnie with breathtaking views? The Casque du Marboré could be your next goal! The entire route offers magnificent views of the surrounding mountains: Vignemale, Néouvielle, Mont Perdu, Canyon d'Ordesa. However, it is important to bear in mind that part of this hike takes place in a high mountain environment, with sometimes unstable scree and passages where you will need to use your hands.

The summit of the Taillon as seen from Gavarnie, via the Brèche de Roland refuge.

This hike will take you around the Taillon and the Gabiétous, passing through the legendary Brèche de Roland and the Escuzana ledge. Good weather will allow you to admire the Cirque de Gavarnie, as well as the 3,000-metre peaks of Ordesa National Park, such as Mont Perdu. Please take careful note of the practical information and read the route description before setting out on the full circular route.

To explore the Mont Perdu massif, this two-day trek starting from the Col des Tentes passes through the Brèche de Roland, crosses the foothills of the Casque, the Tour, the Cylindre and the Pic de Marboré before ascending to Mont Perdu. After a night in a bivouac or at the Goriz refuge, you’ll explore the ledges overlooking the Ordesa Canyon: the Luenga ledge, the Fleurs ledge, the Tardiador ledge and the Escuzana ledge, passing via the Mondarruego (2,845 m). A high-mountain atmosphere is guaranteed on the first day; the long second day will be more exposed on the narrow paths amidst the vertical faces of the Ordesa Canyon. The terrain is almost entirely rocky, with very few water sources. A few springs and hidden water sources are scattered here and there. The final scree slope up to Mont Perdu really gets the heart racing. Take care at the Forqueta de Gabietou – which doesn’t seem to pose a problem when approached from the other direction; we struggled to work out how to cross it on its southern face, where there is a slightly exposed section.

There’s no need to describe the Cirque de Gavarnie any further – this ‘colosseum’ of stone, snow and water cascading in countless waterfalls… But let’s describe here the hike to its peaks, all those legendary summits over 3,000 metres high overlooking the cirque on the French side and the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park on the Spanish side. It is a demanding route, at times somewhat technical and quite long (though it can be shortened by skipping a few peaks or by spending the night before or the night of your return at the Refuge des Sarradets). This hike can, however, be completed in a single day, which makes it all the more exceptional! Please note, 18 September 2026: water shortage at the refuge; it is not possible to refill water bottles!

The ridge bordering the Cirque de Gavarnie and its immediate surroundings boast several legendary ‘3,000-metre’ peaks. This route to the west of the Cirque allows you to tackle four of them in a single day whilst traversing a stunning ridge! The ascent to the Taillon via the south-western ridge of the Gabiétous—a climb requiring no equipment other than your hands—is fun, exposed, yet without any major difficulty. The route remains at PD level (slightly difficult), making it accessible to many experienced mountaineers. The entire hike takes place in the high mountains in a marvellous setting, on both the French and Spanish sides, leaving you with memories to last a lifetime! Please note, 18 September 2026: water shortage at the refuge – it’s impossible to fill water bottles!

First day of the trek to Mont Perdu. Departure from Col de Tentes, passage through Brèche de Roland, at the foot of Pic du Marboré, and ascent of Mont Perdu. The first day is the most technical. You quickly reach the high mountain ranges of the Gavarnie massif.