Lac de Gaube - Cabane des Tousaus

This route can be completed in one go, but it is long and very physically demanding. I think you would enjoy the magnificent scenery more if you split it into two sections, stopping at the Bayssellance refuge, for example (7).

(S) When you arrive at Lac de Gaube, turn your back on the hotel and cross the small footbridge over the Gave de Gaube. After the footbridge, take the GR®10 immediately to the left, following the red and white markings. Walk along the left bank of the lake.

(1) Cross the river, pass close to the Cabane du Pinet and climb up following the GR®10 markings towards the Refuge des Oulettes de Gaube.

(2) Enjoy the view of the Splumouse waterfall and continue on.

(3) Cross the footbridge to the left bank of the river, admire the Darré Splumouse waterfall and reach the Refuge des Oulettes de Gaube: this is closed for renovation until summer 2026 : see the website.

(4) Pass in front of the refuge and climb the switchbacks towards the Lacs d'Arraillé.

(5) Take the path on the right, leaving the path on the left which climbs up to the Col d'Arraillé and Lac d'Estom. Continue towards the Hourquette d'Ossoue.

(6) Descend towards the Refuge de Beyssellance.

(7) Pass in front of the refuge (closed in winter, but overnight stays are possible during the season to split this stage in two) and begin the descent: be careful, the slope is steep!

(8) Take the path on the left without crossing the scree and the stream to descend towards the three Bellevue caves. Pass these.

(9) Continue to the right along the path.

(10) Follow the GR®10 diversion sign as the footbridge is broken. The path, which is not shown on the iGN map, runs along the right bank of the Ruisseau des Oulettes, reaches the Ossoue dam reservoir and rejoins the normal GR®10 route.

(11) Take the GR®10 trail on the right towards the Cabane de Lourdes.

(12) Continue straight on towards the Cabane de Lourdes and reach it: possibility of bivouacking.

(13) Cross the stream via the footbridge, follow the path and the GR®10 markings to the Cabane de Sausse dessus: another option for bivouacking.

(14) Walk about a hundred metres to reach the point where the path splits in two. Take the path furthest to the right (the other leads back down to Pont de Sausse and the D128) and continue until you reach Cabane des Tousaus: an open, unguarded hut where you can sleep under cover or set up camp nearby (E).

Bring good walking shoes and walking sticks if necessary: the terrain is very rugged.

Drinking water available at the refuges, otherwise the water is not drinkable: bring a filter and/or tablets.

Shelter available at the Bellevue Caves and the Cabane des Tousaus.

Le Vignemale, Le Petit Vignemale and its glacier.

The three Grottes Bellevue caves.

The summer pastures of Montagne des Sècres and Pouey Arraby.