Col de Tentes 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.

A border route featuring two lovely lakes and the ascent of a peak offering a breathtaking panoramic view.

This is an easy, short hike starting from the Col des Tentes in Gavarnie, offering views of Spain, the Plana de Sandaruelo, the peaks of the Spanish foothills, and the border ridge as far as Vignemale, climbing to the summit of a peak at almost 2,500 m, the Pic entre les Ports (the Port de Boucharo and the Port des Espécières). The return via the Col des Espécières and the lake of the same name offers views over the Vallée des Espécières and the ski resort. Please note: Pic Entre les Ports has a bivouac area sheltered by low walls and may be a good option for those who want to set off early the next morning for Brèche de Roland, Taillon or the Spanish ledges, and who want to sleep there the night before, as camping outside, in tents or cars, is strictly prohibited (and often fined) at the Col de Tentes.

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!

A very beautiful walk that takes in a variety of very different sections of trail. The spectacular view from the Bellevue plateau – which certainly lives up to its name – is particularly memorable: the Marboré, the Pics de la Cascade, the Tour and the Casque, the great waterfall, with the Hôtellerie du Cirque at its base.

A lovely cross-border circular route starting from the Bujaruelo Valley, taking in varied landscapes and beautiful views over the Taillon and the Otal Valley. The route passes through woodland and over scree before passing two lakes after the Col des Tentes, then descends.

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!

Second day of the trek between the Mont Perdu massif and the ledges overlooking the Ordesa Canyon: Faja Luenga, Faja de las Flores, Faja Tardiador and Faja Escuzana, with a passage via Pico Mondarruego. This hike leaves the mineral landscape of the high mountains for a succession of vertiginous ledges and grassy sections between the peaks. A long route offering thrilling experiences on the ledges and spectacular views of the mountains around Ordesa. Not recommended for those who suffer from vertigo.

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.