From Rioumajou to the Cortail de Batoua hut

A superb hike to enjoy in both winter and summer! Far from being monotonous, this hike, with its varied scenery, is easy to follow and offers different views of the beautiful Rioumajou Valley and the surrounding peaks.  
The first section, up to the Cabane du Cortail de Batoua, follows a stream before heading into the forest and climbing up to the cirque where the hut is located – perfect for the sweltering summer heat! 
The second section is very pleasant to walk and, above all, magnificent; the path is quite fun to follow, with a few sections where you need to use your hands, but nothing too complicated. It’s accessible to everyone! 
You’ll see several waterfalls and wildlife along the way, before returning to the valley by following the stream. 

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 10.65 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 50 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 634 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 632 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,942 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,373 m

Photos

Description of the walk

The starting point is the car park at Fredançon, in the Rioumajou valley. It takes about fifteen minutes from Saint-Lary-Soulan. During the winter, the road is officially closed but remains accessible, so there’s no problem there. 

(S/E) From the car park, head due south along the Sentier de Gerbelongue to the bridge over the Neste de Rioumajou.

(1) Cross the bridge, then follow the path to the left until you reach a second bridge on the left.

(2) Ignore the bridge and follow the path to the right until you reach a fork in the road.

(3) Follow a small path on the left. Expect a 400 m climb; it’s a bit of a slog but nothing too difficult. You’ll reach another fork. 

(4) Continue straight ahead to reach the Cirque du Cortail de Batoua. Head left, towards the east, and cross the Ruisseau de Guerreys.

(5) The Cabane du Cortail de Batoua is somewhat hidden by trees, to the left of the cirque. Turn back to the previous fork.

(4) Follow a path that appears on the left, signposted: ‘sentier des chasseurs’. This path is very pleasant, with little uphill or downhill gradients for a long stretch, simply a breathtaking view at an altitude of 1,900 m. You’ll reach a junction where three paths meet.

(6) Head down to the left. Cables have been installed at certain points along the path to make the descent easier. These tricky sections are more fun than difficult, pose little danger and are accessible to everyone
After a good descent and passing a few waterfalls, you’ll reach a bridge over the Ruisseau de la Vallée de Rioumajou.

(7) Cross it, turn right onto the path and return to the original fork.

(1) Ignore the bridge and follow the path opposite until you reach the (S/E). Enjoy your walk! 

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,374 m - Frédançon car park
  2. 1 : km 1.38 - alt. 1,453 m - Initial junction of the circular loop. First bridge over the - Neste de Rioumajou (ruisseau) - Affluent de la Neste d'Aure
  3. 2 : km 3.21 - alt. 1,522 m - Junction, turn right
  4. 3 : km 3.99 - alt. 1,648 m - Junction, left
  5. 4 : km 4.94 - alt. 1,902 m - Junction. Return to the hut
  6. 5 : km 5.29 - alt. 1,905 m - Cortail de Batoua hut
  7. 6 : km 6.88 - alt. 1,897 m - Start of the descent. Cables
  8. 7 : km 8.52 - alt. 1,498 m - Junction. 2nd bridge over the - Neste de Rioumajou (ruisseau) - Affluent de la Neste d'Aure
  9. S/E : km 10.64 - alt. 1,373 m - Frédançon car park

Notes

In case of bad weather, at (1) cross the bridge and you’ll reach (2), then by crossing the stream, you’ll arrive at the Cortail de Péguère hut at an altitude of 1,550 m.
Alternatively, following the route, you will reach the Cortail de Batoua hut (5). There you will find a fireplace, table, mattress, duvet, sheets and a set of darts. The fireplace draws well, the hut is well insulated and offers a sublime view of the cirque. There is plenty of wood nearby, as well as water sources (however, I do not know if the water is drinkable, so it should be filtered as a precaution).

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 4 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.5 / 5
AROC
AROC

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 06, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Hike completed in September. Good climb but pleasant hike.
However, I take issue with the author's description of the descent: "Descend to the left. Cables have been installed on certain sections of the trail to make the descent easier. These tricky sections are more fun than difficult, pose little danger and are accessible to all." This bothered me. In fact, during the descent, the rain arrived earlier than expected and the tricky sections were no longer "fun" and some of the cables were useful. Therefore, this hike is not recommended in uncertain weather.

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User 8567353

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 19, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Completed at the end of July: A good day's hike at the start of our stay, mostly under trees with a significant elevation gain and, above all, a steep slope to reach the cabin (but it's peaceful). A pretty little cirque with cows when you arrive (waterfall at the bottom). Done with the family with children aged 16 and 10. The return trip is really nice: a walk along a balcony with great views. Watch your knees and ankles on the way down.

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Brindille65
Brindille65

Overall rating : 5 / 5

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

A very beautiful hike, following the marked trail of cabins.
The view of the cirque at Cortail de Batoua is truly magnificent. We went all the way to the beautiful waterfall. Be careful of your ankles along the streams.
The trail is shaded all the way, which was very pleasant in the beautiful sunshine.
Thanks for the route.

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Philou33510
Philou33510

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 16, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk and excellent route marking by Visorando… which was just as well, as there was a lot of snow and the paths were therefore obscured…
A hike worth doing, but not in snowy weather

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