Col de Riou walks

First day of a three-day route in the Central Pyrenees National Park. This circular is best done from mid-June until the first cold spells. Ascent to Lac Noir, Col d'Ilhéou, Ilhéou Refuge and Lac d'Ilhéou.

Explore the Pyrenees National Park (central section) with a trip to Spain, lakes and mountain passes at an altitude of 2,600 metres. With an average elevation gain of ± 1,230 m and a distance of 17 km per day, this trip is, all in all, quite strenuous. Please take into account the cumulative elevation gain and the distance to be covered. The trip takes place between 1000 m and 2655 m altitude. The start of this route is accessible by public transport (coaches and shuttle bus from Cauterets in summer).

Approach walk starting from Pont d'Espagne, passing by the magnificent Lac de Gaube, the Oulettes de Gaube and the refuge of the same name. The stage continues with a steeper climb to the Lacs d'Arraillé, then the Hourquette d'Ossoue pass before descending to the Refuge de Bayssellance.

Second stage of the four-day adventure from Cauterets to Luz-Saint-Sauveur via Petit Vignemale and Gavarnie. It can be done in one day, but I think it would be more enjoyable to split it into two days to take the time to appreciate the magnificent scenery!

Second day of a three-day route in the Central Pyrenees National Park. The day will begin with a fairly steep climb, but will allow you to see a multitude of high-altitude lakes before arriving at the Wallon refuge. If there is not enough time, the visit to the Opale lakes can be omitted.

This circular is best done from mid-June until the first cold spells. This isthe third and fairly longday of a three-day route in the Central Pyrenees National Park. In case of bad weather or unforeseen circumstances, it is possible to shorten the route by descending directly from the (1) to the (8).

First stage of the Three Days in the Néouvielle Reserve and its lakes. From the Tournaboup car park to the Bastan refuge. This is a fairly challenging hike due to its elevation gain and short distance. At (6), you can listen to the stage and remove some of the elevation gain. See Practical Information. At (7), you can shorten the route and remove some of the elevation gain by starting on a south-facing balcony trail.

Day three of the four-day Tour du Massif de Néouvielle, the shortest route of the four days, but no less magnificent.This hike is classified as difficult due to the ascent of Pic d'Aygues-Cluses (T5 ridge). See the variants if you wish to avoid the peak or climb it in the other direction (less complicated).