Le Cambre d'Aze

Park in the car park at the Eyne 2600 station.

(S/E) From the car park, head east on the track where the GR®36 is located. A few metres further on, at an antenna, leave the GR® which branches off to the left and continue straight ahead on the track until you reach a junction at a bend.

(1) Leave the track and climb up to the right, heading south, through the grass until you rejoin the track (no signposts but the path is well marked).

(2) Cross the track and head south on the path that climbs gradually before becoming steeper and steeper, then comes out onto a track.

(3) Cross the track and continue south on fairly steep slopes until you reach a junction (not very marked, but the track coming from the right is clearly marked).

(4) Continue climbing south-east and you will come to another intersection. This time, a track of sorts arrives from the left (altitude 2365).

(5) Continue climbing opposite. A few metres later, the path branches off to the left for a short distance before turning right. The first views of the Cambre come into view, the slopes become less steep and lead to the western part of the massif, and views of the vertiginous walls appear. The trail passes under the Cambre (view of the Vallée d'Eyne) before a final steep climb leading to the summit cross: a magnificent 360° panorama.

(6) Descend northeast on a steep path to rejoin the trail and continue along the ridge. Cairns mark the way. This will take you to the point at an altitude of 2708 metres.

(7) Descend to the left, north-west, over the scree. Use the numerous cairns to help you, as this is the only section where the path is less clearly marked. Further down, the path heads north and gradually leaves the scree behind, returning to vegetation. The path becomes obvious, heading north-west again. Take care on the very steep slopes along this section.
Continue downhill and, just before reaching Pla du Cambre d'Aze, turn left onto a forest track.

(8) Descend to the left to reach the Espace du Cambre d'Aze. Pass the hamlet while staying on the main track. Return to the track intersection at the start of the route.

(2) Descend opposite, in the opposite direction to the outward journey, to return to the first intersection.

(1) All that remains is to follow the same route in reverse to complete this challenging but magical hike (S/E).

Hike on video

Set off early to avoid the heat of the day. There are no water sources, so take enough with you. Bring sun protection.

Walking poles are recommended, especially to cushion the long descent between (7) and (8).

Eyne Valley Reserve.

Hot springs at Llo.