Gistaín/Chistén walks

Day three of the Tour du Posets with a long day ahead: a long climb to reach the Collado de Eriste at an altitude of 2,862 metres before descending to the Angel Orus Refuge. Varied landscapes, starting with woodland before moving onto more open terrain that becomes increasingly rocky. The day ends with a section of boulders that makes you really appreciate arriving at the refuge!

Hike in the heart of the pastures of the Sierra de los Fubillons (Aragon), with splendid views of the meadows and peaks of Aragon and the border.

The first stage starts at the Hospice du Rioumajou. You are at the start of the summer pastures, one of the arrival points of the Ténarèze. This ancient path, first traced in prehistoric times and then developed by the Romans, linked the Adour and Garonne basins, avoiding fords and tolls. A major transhumance route, it allowed herds to move between the plains and the mountains, while serving as a commercial and cultural link between Gascony and Spain, notably via passes such as the Ourdissétou.

Three 3,000-metre peaks for the price of one! That’s what this hike offers, taking in the three Pic de Batoua peaks from Rioumajou, through a wild and magnificent valley. The route between the Port de Cauarère and the three peaks follows a superb ridge along the French-Spanish border, offering stunning views of the 3,000-metre peaks of the Pyrenees.

The second day of the Tour du Posets begins with a steady climb along the GR®11 to reach the Col d’Estos. The second part of the day is a long descent leading to the Refuge de Viados. There are stunning views of the valleys, followed by views of the summit of Posets and its neighbouring peaks during the second part of the day.

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. 

This hike is accessible to everyone, even young children. It offers beautiful scenery and a pleasant walk along the river.

Magnificent scenery, forests, mountain pastures, waterfalls, streams, torrents and huts. Few visitors at higher altitudes, although the start point is very busy at the Fredancon car park. Please note: after the hut (5), there are two secured sections which cannot be crossed in bad weather.

A beautiful, little-used round trip hike to climb the Pic de Lustou, at over 3,000 metres, offering a 360° panorama of the most beautiful peaks in the Pyrenees. Please note: after the point (7), you will need to be extra careful.

Long circular loop for very good walkers. Pont du Prat - Clarabide Gorges - Refuge de la Soula - Lac de Caillauas and Lac de Pouchergues.

A very beautiful hike which, initially through the woods with explanatory panels, allows you to cover the elevation gain without even noticing. Then the Clarabide Gorges with the balcony path carved into the rock are magnificent. From the refuge to the lake, the landscape becomes more rocky. On arrival, there is a splendid view of the 3,000 m mountain range. I would say it is more difficult than very difficult, as recommended by Visorando

A very beautiful hike which, initially through the woods with informative signs, allows you to cover the elevation gain without even noticing. Ideal for children. Then the Clarabide Gorges with the path carved into the rock are magnificent and the reward is not far away.I would like to point out that, having done this hike again, the altitude figures given by the Visorando software are incorrect. The elevation gain is around 550 m.

A beautiful, long hike starting from Pont du Prat in Val Louron. For those who enjoy exercise and endurance, the variety of views along the route is sure to impress!

A pretty mid-mountain circular, straddling two valleys, Baricave and Rioumajou, which allows those who wish to do a little climbing to reach the summit, but without obligation.

Pic Perdiguère, the highest peak in the Luchon area, is a magnificent viewpoint easily reached from the mountain hut. You can therefore enjoy the relatively uncrowded summit and, on the way back, the exceptional scenery of Lac du Portillon. After the very exposed traverse of the north-west shoulder of Pic Royo, the ascent up the Vallon de Litérole is steep but presents no technical difficulties. Once you reach the Col Supérieur de Litérole, you will need to use your hands to reach the long ridge that forms the summit.

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.

A very pleasant walk that goes as far as the Batisielles tarns and takes in a section of the path to the Estos mountain hut. The walk passes a small hut – the Santa Ana hut – which is very charming. You can make an initial stop at the Batisielles tarn, where you can take the path leading directly to the pass between the two tarns to avoid the following sections. You can also head to the second ibon, the Aigulla de Batisielles, but this adds an extra 100 metres of elevation gain. You can turn back and take a path to avoid the avalanche couloirs. There is also a very difficult and very long section through the middle of the avalanche couloirs and over rocky ground. The rest of the route through the avalanche couloirs continues to feature dangerous sections. To see the paths more clearly, switch the map to OSM Rando. Please stay on the paths and respect the mountain environment.

Park at the free car park in Estos. Follow the GR® as it climbs gradually, passing close to the Embiase and then the Ana hut. Then turn left towards the Batisielles ibonet. We choose to continue towards the upper lakes: a steep and demanding climb to the Gran de Batisielles ibon, followed by a gentler slope to the Aigüeta ibon. Lunch break by the lake after a short scrambling section. Return via the Ibon d’Escarpinosa: a more technical route with numerous scree slopes, where you must follow the cairns closely and remain vigilant, even in the forest. Once in Escarpinosa, we take a circular route to explore the two ibons, where a few locals are swimming in August. The descent alternates between steep slopes and more gentle trails before rejoining the GR®, the perfect way to round off this beautiful, long day.

The first day of the Tour des Posets, which offers a gentle start with a steady climb to the Estos Mountain Hut. Initially through woodland, partly alongside the Rio Estos, the path follows the GR®11 route and takes you close to the Gorgues Galantes (waterfalls) before reaching thefirst mountain hut on this tour.

The three Consaterre Lakes, dominated by the Pics de Berdalade, de Thou and de la Haille, are truly beautiful. The scenery is magnificent and wild. Silence reigns supreme here, and given the steep climb, you won’t be disturbed too much.

A very beautiful hike that is accessible to everyone. The descent into the steeply-sided Sarrouyes valley retains a wild appearance. The end of the climb is in the middle of a meadow, following the stream. You may see many marmots here.

A very beautiful hike. The descent into the steep-sided Sarrouyes valley retains a wild aspect. The climb to Lac de Sarrouyes takes you through meadows, following the stream. You may see many marmots here. From the Lac de Sarrouyes junction, the climb to Lac des Miares becomes more challenging. Good physical condition is recommended. I would say it is difficult rather than very difficult, as recommended by Visorando.

Starting from the Val Louron ski resort (65), this short, easy hike takes you up to the heights of the resort, through the Lapadé Forest. The hike can be done on foot or with snowshoes in winter. Several viewpoints along the route offer beautiful views of the valley.

A simple hike with an almost continuous 360° view of the Aure and Louron valleys and the surrounding peaks (Arbizon, Lustou, Abeille, etc.). The quietest hikers are sure to spot squirrels, wild boars and birds of prey in the forest. Accessible on foot, snowshoes or mountain bike, with a slight elevation gain (mainly on three short steep climbs). No signposting but 90% of the route is on forest tracks and clean pastures. Crosses two small streams.

After exploring the village of Granges de Nabias, you will walk to the Col d'Azet, which offers a superb view of Lac de Génos. As you round a bend, you may spot a marmot. In the 1960s, to prevent their land from becoming a desert, the farmers of Granges de Nabias set up a dairy cooperative. They built a milk pipeline that allowed them to transport milk from the mountains to the village in just a few minutes!

Explore the upper Louron Valley, amongst barns, high-altitude fir forests and terraced pastures.

Starting from the centre of Loudenvielle, this lovely route offers exceptional views of Lake Génos while recounting the history of the town. It is not particularly difficult and can be enjoyed by the whole family, although it is best to choose a dry day as the stones can be slippery when wet.

A magnificent, isolated peak approaching 3,000 m, offering a splendid panorama over the entire Luchon region. A long route with significant elevation gain, crossing torrents and passing high-altitude lakes. Requires excellent physical fitness.

A very long and demanding summer hike, taking you up to the Pic des Spijeoles, one of the most accessible 3,000-metre peaks in the Luchon area, offering a magnificent, sweeping panorama of the Pyrenees. It is possible to split the hike over two days by stopping to spend the night at the Espingo refuge near the (2).

A more demanding hike than it appears, passing by famous lakes in the Pyrenees: Lac d’Oô and its superb waterfall, Lac d’Espingo, Lac de Saussat and Lac du Portillon. The view from the summit of the Tusse de Montarqué is magnificent, set in a cirque surrounded by numerous 3,000-metre peaks, which may inspire ideas for future hikes.

On the trail of the GR10, the Granges d’Astau and Espingo Lake, via Lake Oô.

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.

A lovely walk gradually ascending towards the artificial Lac d'Oô and the large waterfalls that feed it.

Circular hike from Peyragudes resort to Lac du Boum de Soulas, without taking the chairlift. Magnificent views of the mountains on the Agudes and Peyresourde sides.

A round trip from the Peyresourde-Balestas resort to Lake Génos-Loudenvielle.

Circular walk starting from the Peyresourde Balestas resort, offering a magnificent 360° panorama

This is a short circular hike starting from the Peyragudes resort, which passes through the Balestas pine forest; as a result, most of the route is shaded.

The Port de Bielsa is reminiscent of a miniature version of the Brèche de Roland (in the Pyrenees). It can be seen from several places along the road leading to the start. Once you reach the other side, the view of the valley and the Sierra Pelada is spectacularThe return trip via Les Crête du Port Vieux offers splendid views, but requires some experience of high mountain terrain.Following the GPS track is essential as there are no signposts. See Practical Information.

The Port de Bielsa is reminiscent of a miniature version of the Brèche de Roland (in the Pyrenees). On the ridges of the Pic de Batalliance and all the way to the Col des Aiguillettes, the view of the valley and the Sierra Pelada is spectacular and the view along the ridges is splendid.Following the ridges requires a lot of experience in high mountains.Following the GPS track will prove essential. See Practical Information.I would classify this hike as very, very difficult

This is a fairly short hike with a moderate elevation gain. It is still enjoyable and spectacular at the end. The Port de Bielsa is reminiscent of a miniature version of the Brèche de Roland (in the Pyrenees). It can be seen from several places along the road that takes you to the start. Once you reach the other side, the view of the valley and the Sierra Pelada is magnificent.

Beautiful hike in the Moudang Valley to the iron-laden springs of the Source ferrugineuse de la Reine.

Hike along the Moudang Valley to Port de Héchempy (2,450 metres, Spanish border), passing by the Granges du Moudang and Lac de Héchempy.

This is a short hike that is rarely done, seems unremarkable and does not appear in most guidebooks. However, it is well worth the effort and the lake is magnificent. Once it's time to go back, you'll want to stay longer. There are very few people, just a few hikers, a fisherman, some marmots and, very early in the morning, some chamois. For those who like camping, I would recommend pitching a tent here. A day and a night here is pure bliss!

A lovely, little-used circular route starting from the village of Castillon-de-Larboust. A slightly steep climb through a pretty valley, followed by a ridge walk offering magnificent views across all the mountain ranges of the Central Pyrenees. The paths are not signposted and are sometimes barely marked, but it is easy to find your way by sight with a basic sense of direction. A short section on the descent from the summit of the Coume de Bourg may be tricky for those prone to vertigo.

A very pleasant circular route, mostly in the forest, with beautiful views of the Larboust Valley and the Val d'Astau.

This hike is magnificent. The climb starts on a wide, open path and then continues through the forest. It continues through beautiful mountain pastures along the Neste de la Géla, where large herds graze peacefully. The view across the valley floor is spectacular. The end of the route on the balconies of the cirque at the foot of the cliff, which towers 500 metres above us, is just as magnificent. The arrival at the lake with its islets and jagged contours is a marvel.

The climb to the Cirque de Barroude is after a passage through the forest along the Neste de la Géla in magnificent summer pastures. The arrival at the lakes via a bucolic path offers a splendid view of the cliffs that tower 500 metres above. The return via the Port de Barroude and then the ridges allows us to see the Spanish side and its Aragonese sierras.

Snowshoe hike starting from the village of Oô. 11 km of fun, through forests, past cabins and viewpoints. This is a little-used route, ideal if you are looking for peace and quiet and want to enjoy nature. With a bit of luck, you may encounter a few deer who, like us, have come to enjoy the incomparable silence.

A lovely, easy little walk from Les Granges de Labach. The route passes through the Col de la Coume, offering a pretty view of the Larboust valley, and on the other side, the Labach valley dominated by the Céciré. A few extra steps from the Col offer a splendid panorama of the Oô valley, dominated by the Spijeoles.