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Col du Lion walks
Mont Né, Lac de Bordères and Pic du Lion from Port de Balès
Visorando Member
7.41 mi
+2,612 ft
-2,612 ft
5h 40
Moderate
Departure from Haute-Garonne
A beautiful hike that can be done with the family and children who are used to walking, starting from the well-known Port de Balès (altitude 1755 m) (Tour de France cycling race). The summit of Mont Né (altitude 2,147 metres) offers beautiful views of the central Pyrenees and the magnificent Lac de Bordères or Lac de Bareilles. From Pic du Lion (altitude 2,102 metres), there is a safe aerial path along the Crête de la Coume du Lion. The cromlech at Port de Pierrefite is also worth noting.
Circular Mont Né path via the Pic de Montious and Lac de Bareilles
10.98 mi
+3,264 ft
-3,248 ft
7h 55
Difficult
Departure from Haute-Garonne
The Mont Né circular route from the Port de Balès offers breathtaking views of the Pyrenean peaks: from the Ariège peaks to the summits of Néouvielle and the Pic du Midi de Bigorre. The route then continues along the Crêtes de Pal, passing through the Port de Pierrefite and the Pic du Lion to reach the summit of the Pic du Montious, the highest point of the hike. The descent to Lac de Bareilles is a chance to relax. On the way back, you’ll come across cows and goats along the path.
Walks near Col du Lion
From Ancizan to Fréchet-Aure
5.60 mi
+984 ft
-1,083 ft
3h 25
Moderate
Departure from Ancizan (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Third stage of the Ténarèze. From Ancizan, follow the GR® 105 north-east, crossing summer pastures and beech woods with views of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre. After Cadéac, the trail leads to Arreau, the former capital of the Aure Valley. Then take the old railway line (now disused), a flat path lined with ferns, to Fréchet-Aure. This balcony village, listed as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France", offers a panorama of the Pyrenees and a preserved pastoral heritage.
Granges d'Astau - Lac du Portillon
6.39 mi
+4,918 ft
-226 ft
7h 15
Difficult
Departure from Oô (Haute-Garonne)
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.
Fréchet-Aure - Sarrancolin
3.18 mi
+446 ft
-807 ft
1h 50
Easy
Departure from Fréchet-Aure (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Fourth stage of the Ténarèze: this section of the route takes you back to the GR®105 from Fréchet-Aure.
The route continues through Camous, a picturesque village with a rich mining heritage. You will then take a path towards Ilhet, following the old railway line, an industrial relic that adds a touch of nostalgia to the hike.
The walk continues to Sarrancolin, the end point of this stage.
From Saint-Lary-Soulan to Ancizan
5.00 mi
+318 ft
-443 ft
2h 35
Easy
Departure from Saint-Lary-Soulan (Hautes-Pyrénées)
The second stage of the Ténarèze, at the bottom of the Aure valley, runs alongside the Neste river through fields. In places, the path widens, suggesting the trace of the old drovers' road, particularly near the Nourde footbridge. A peaceful route that passes through several small rural villages set on a plain ideal for resting herds before the climb to the summer pastures.
Superbagnères – Lac d’Oô – Granges d’Astau
10.50 mi
+2,723 ft
-4,820 ft
7h 10
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Aventin (Haute-Garonne)
Easily accessible without a car, this walk offers views of the surrounding valleys and peaks, as well as the magnificent Lac d’Oô. A perfectly signposted and well-maintained path where it is impossible to get lost. The return journey will be by public transport back to Luchon station.
Lake Espingo - Granges d'Astau
3.84 mi
+72 ft
-2,746 ft
1h 50
Easy
Departure from Oô (Haute-Garonne)
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.
Lys Valley - Maupas Refuge
4.62 mi
+4,245 ft
-3 ft
5h 50
Difficult
Departure from Cazeaux-de-Larboust (Haute-Garonne)
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.