Grand Pic de Tapou and Pic du Milieu

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Two 3,000-metre peaks often overlooked by hikers, who tend to prefer the nearby Vignemale, even though the panoramic views from the summit are well worth the detour. With summer pastures, lakes and a final stretch along the ridge, these two peaks have everything to offer.

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n°42681540
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  • trace_mode_pedestrian
    Activité: trace_mode_pedestrian
  • ↔
    label_distance: 7.80 mi
  • ◔
    Durée calculée: 7h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulte: Difficile
  • ⚐
    Retour point de depart: Oui
  • ↗
    label_elevation_gain: + 4,698 ft
  • ↘
    label_elevation_loss: - 4,698 ft
  • ▲
    label_highest_point: 10,322 ft
  • ▼
    label_lowest_point: 5,676 ft
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Description of the walk

From Gavarnie, head towards Ossoue and Les Espécières, then turn right towards Lac d’Ossoue. Follow the road alongside the Gave d’Ossoue and stop at L’Espugne de Millas (1,714 m), 1.2 km before the Ossoue dam.

(S/E) From the car park, cross the Gave d’Ossoue and head south-west.

(1) At the fork (alt. 1,800 m), carry straight on, still heading south-west.

(2) At the fork, turn right onto theGR®10heading north.

(3) About a hundred metres further on, leave theGR®10by turning left (west/north-west) towards the Montferrat Lakes.

(4) Below Pic Rond, turn right towards the north, heading for Cabanot de Tapou. The path then heads west towards the Montferrat Lakes.

(5) Walk along the northern shore of the lake and the numerous small lakes of Montferrat, heading west. After the lakes, the path is not clearly marked in places but is always marked with cairns and always skirts the rocky outcrops overlooking the lakes. You will reach an unnamed pass between the two peaks.

(6) Turn left to reach the Pic du Milieu.

(7) Descend back towards the unnamed pass.

(6) Continue straight on along the north ridge towards the Grand Pic de Tapou. Take care: the start of the ridge is narrow but widens very quickly as you approach the summit. Use your hands for support at the start of the ridge.

(8) From the Grand Pic de Tapou, descend back to the unnamed pass, taking care on the narrow section of the ridge just before the pass.

(6) Back at the pass, turn left and follow the route in reverse to return to the car park (S/E).

Points de passages

  1. D/A : mi 0 - alt. 5,676 ft - Espugne de Millas - Gave d'Ossoue (cours d'eau) - Affluent du Gave de Gavarnie
  2. 1 : mi 0.32 - alt. 5,889 ft - Junction at 1,800 m
  3. 2 : mi 0.76 - alt. 6,355 ft - GR10
  4. 3 : mi 0.81 - alt. 6,355 ft - Junction 1940m
  5. 4 : mi 1.63 - alt. 7,339 ft - Tapou Hut
  6. 5 : mi 2.2 - alt. 7,792 ft - Lacs de Montferrat
  7. 6 : mi 3.8 - alt. 10,210 ft - Unnamed pass
  8. 7 : mi 3.83 - alt. 10,246 ft - Pic du Milieu (3130m)
  9. 8 : mi 3.92 - alt. 10,322 ft - Grand Pic de Tapou (3151m)
  10. D/A : mi 7.8 - alt. 5,676 ft - Espugne de Millas - Gave d'Ossoue (cours d'eau) - Affluent du Gave de Gavarnie

Informations pratiques

The path is poorly marked in places after the Montferrat Lakes. Follow the cairns carefully.

Only attempt this route when there is no snow. Large snowfields persist beyond the Montferrat Lakes in early summer.

Cette randonnée traverse une zone sensible pour laquelle une réglementation spécifique peut s'appliquer :

Reviews and comments

4.9 / 5
Based on 3 reviews
Fiabilité de la description
5 / 5
Facilité à suivre l'itinéraire
4.7 / 5
Intérêt du circuit de randonnée
5 / 5
Navarre Patrick
Navarre Patrick

Note globale : 4.7 / 5

Date de la randonnée : Sep 03, 2026
Fiabilité de la description : ★★★★★ Tres bien
Facilité à suivre l'itinéraire : ★★★★☆ Bien
Intérêt du circuit de randonnée : ★★★★★ Tres bien
Circuit très fréquenté : Non

A physically demanding hike with a long climb, but what a sense of achievement at the summit.
The route isn’t always easy to follow, but luckily Visiorando is there to help.

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PaulaGauthier
PaulaGauthier

Note globale : 5 / 5

Date de la randonnée : Oct 06, 2025
Fiabilité de la description : ★★★★★ Tres bien
Facilité à suivre l'itinéraire : ★★★★★ Tres bien
Intérêt du circuit de randonnée : ★★★★★ Tres bien
Circuit très fréquenté : Non

A very beautiful route for experienced walkers

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Utilisateur 6490352

Note globale : 5 / 5

Date de la randonnée : Aug 05, 2025
Fiabilité de la description : ★★★★★ Tres bien
Facilité à suivre l'itinéraire : ★★★★★ Tres bien
Intérêt du circuit de randonnée : ★★★★★ Tres bien
Circuit très fréquenté : Non

A very beautiful route, dotted with mountain pastures, lakes and marmots, with beautiful views of the surrounding peaks. Scree and small snowfields on the last third. Easy parking at the start. The markings are easy to follow if you pay attention, as it crosses a GR trail, so you mustn't get lost.

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