Gîte d’étape sur le GR10 walks

Combine mountain hiking with discovering industrial heritage.This valley has a significant mining heritage, and the succession of reminders of this during the climb, dotted with ruins and twisted, rusty scrap metal, evokes the past importance of the heart of our mountain range.

Suggestion for a shorter Tour du Biros with alternative routes.Start from the Anglade car park (Frechendech).A fairly challenging first stage with an alternative route via La Chapelle and the Maison Forestière de l'Isard.A second stage exploring an old lead and zinc mine, preceded by the ascent of the Pic de l’Har.A third, more leisurely stage, but over rough terrain, on a path damaged by fallen trees and the absence of a footbridge over a torrent.This route is only feasible when there is no snow, from late May until the mountain huts close or the first snowfall begins.

Second day of the Petit Tour de Biros.From the refuge, head due east along theGR®®10to the junction at the foot of the dam (passed the previous day).Continue uphill along theGR®®10. Reach a fork at the Col de la Serre d’Araing.Head left for a round trip to the Pic de l'Har. A stunning 360° view.Then descend via theGR®®10to the Mines de Bentaillou.Head north and follow theGRP®® to the Col de la Catauère (Plateau de Rouge).Then head down theGR®®10to Eylie.This stage is only feasible when there is no snow, from late May until the mountain huts close or the first snowfall begins.

Third and final stage of the short Tour du Biros.The return route follows a very interesting and well-marked path, passing through Col des Cos.A lovely hut with a new roof, open to the public, is available at this pass as a new hut has been refurbished for the shepherd(s). There is also a water source at this spot.A very beautiful descent until you reach the GRP® Tour du Biros.Pass by the lovely Passerelle des Pichès footbridge.You pass through the hamlets of La Peyre and Frechendech before arriving at the car park.This stage is only possible when there is no snow, from late May until the mountain huts close or the first snowfall begins.

Two days, exploring both sides of the cool Biros Valley through which the River Lez flows, in a very mountainous setting.One night’s stay in the hamlet of Eylie d’en Haut. The mountain refuge and dining area are separate and welcoming.Both days are spent largely on marked trails, but these are challenging, sometimes steep and often very steep.- The first day is challenging, with 1,200 metres of ascent and 900 metres of descent. Do not underestimate it. The descent from the Col des Cos is not straightforward due to the patous and the path being difficult to follow, despite the markings, as well as the crossing of the Ruisseau du Haurendech (torrent). The views make you forget these difficulties.- The second day begins with a very steep climb (25 per cent gradient). Then, the beautiful balcony path requires great caution as it is not maintained and is very narrow. After the Col des Cassaings, conditions improve. The views make you forget these difficulties.

Second day of this trip to the Refuge d’Eylie. A day not to be underestimated.Classified as difficult due to an average gradient (slope) of 24% from (1) to (3). Afterwards, the GR®10 access trail – GRP® Tour du Biros – is very narrow, poorly maintained and at times dangerous due to low-lying, slippery rhododendrons: it is a north-facing slope. There are moments of respite in the woods, where the path is fairly wide and very well signposted. From the Col des Cassaings onwards, conditions improve. The highlights of this balcony trail are the numerous viewpoints from (3) to (4) and from (4) to (6).After at least 6 hours’ walking, including breaks, with 900 m ascent and 1,150 m descent, the arrival at the Ostal du Biros in Bonac is a welcome relief. From there, it’s a 25-minute drive along a very quiet road back to Sentein (E).

First day of this trip to the Refuge d’Eylie. A day not to be underestimated.Set off from Sentein along an old track, then take the small road up to Bencarrech, joining the GRP® Tour du Biros. The GRP® in the Isard Valley crosses to the other bank via the Illa Maria footbridge. It then passes the Passerelle du Pichès on the right and begins a steep climb. From there, a PR® trail leads to the Col des Cos (mountain hut, fountain). This is followed by a tricky descent due to fallen trees blocking the path (PR®). After at least 6 hours’ walking, including breaks, with 1,200 m of ascent and 900 m of descent, the Eylie restaurant and bar is a welcome sight.

The highest point in the Val d'Aran and Couserans, Maubermé is often overlooked in favour of Mont Valier. However, unlike Valier, the path climbs steadily and pleasantly to Port d'Urets (and its small hut where you can spend the night), then becomes a little steeper to reach the summit, which may prove a little difficult for those who are not used to it.