Refine your search for walks in Houradade (ruisseau) - Affluent du Lis
Houradade (ruisseau) - Affluent du Lis walks
Mont du Lys via the Serre des Cabales ridge
A very beautiful, quiet hike offering views of several waterfalls and a magnificent vista of the Cirque des Crabioules and its peaks over 3,000 m. However, the largely unmarked path and the significant gradient require a fair bit of fitness.
Walks near Houradade (ruisseau) - Affluent du Lis
Refuge du Maupas – Pic de Maupas – Lys Valley
On this day’s hike, you’ll need to find your own way up to the Pic de Maupas over rounded boulders, where the numerous cairns mean you’ll have to locate the next one each time to continue the ascent to the ‘Mal Pas’, which gave the peak its name. This is the only pass – difficult to access – allowing you to cross over to the western slope and complete the ascent with a few easy climbing moves. The return will follow the same route as the ascent, with a pleasant alternative route via Lac Vert.
Lac Vert, the Cirque de la Glère and the Hospice de France
A truly beautiful walk leading from the Vallée du Lys to the Hospice de France via the Lac Vert. The route is varied and the elevation gain is certainly significant, but this is more than made up for by the magnificent views over the Haut-Luchonnais and the ridge marking the border with Spain.
Lys Valley - Maupas Refuge
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.
Maupas Mountain Hut via the Cirque des Crabioules
An alternative route to climb up and spend the night at the Refuge du Maupas: this is longer than the standard ascent but less busy, offering splendid views over the Lys Valley and the 3,000-metre peaks overlooking the Cirque des Crabioules. Best undertaken in good weather, as the path is sometimes poorly marked after the Anciennes Mines des Crabioules.
Aiguallut Waterfall and Forau d’Aiguallut
A beautiful succession of landscapes including a plateau, a mountain refuge, a pass and a waterfall…
Park in the car park accessible to tourists. Alternatively, there is a paid shuttle bus from Bénasque to La Besurta.
Water is available at the La Besurta car park, at the refreshment bar and at the mountain refuge.
Plan d’Abaixo – Fuente de la Pubiya
The route runs from Plan d’Abaixo to Fuente de la Pubiya. This final stage, approximately 10 km long, will take you back to the starting point of the route. You’ll follow mountain paths offering beautiful views of the valley before finishing with a gentle descent to Fuente de la Pubiya, thus completing this circular walk.
Superbagnères – Lac d’Oô – Granges d’Astau
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
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.
Fuente de la Pubiya – Prados de Llosás
Starting from Fuente de la Pubiya and ending at Prados de Llosás. The first day covers around 10 km with a climb of nearly 1,000 m. A lovely, gradual climb through the heart of the valley, with superb scenery and a finish in a magnificent setting.
Granges d'Astau - Lac du Portillon
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.