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The hike starts from the Grand Barbat chairlift arrival point, the only one open in summer.
Before setting off, take a quick detour to the orientation table (to the left of the chairlift arrival point) to learn the names of the surrounding peaks.
(S/E) The trail to Lac d'Ilhéou starts on the right, just above the Grand Barbat chairlift arrival point. A small yellow sign and a barrier to prevent two-wheeled vehicles from passing mark the start of the hike.
(1) The narrow trail descends gently to the left through the summer pastures. Below, the two small shepherd's huts quickly come into view. Ignore the trail that branches off to the right and leads to Col d'Ilhéou to descend to these huts.
(2) At Cabanes d'Arras, you will join theGR®10 trail, marked in red and white. Turn left and continue downhill towards Lac d'Ilhéou. If you are lucky, you will be accompanied by cows and sheep, which often graze around the trail. Ignore the path that branches off to the left. Gradually, the Gave d'Ilhéou river sinks into a mini-canyon, which you will be overlooking. Ignore another path that branches off to the left until you reach a crossroads.
(3) Continue on the right via theGR®10. Cross the Gave d'Ilhéou and continue straight ahead to the Refuge d'Ilhéou, on a path that has become stony.
(4) You have arrived! The return journey follows the same route to the Grand Barbat chairlift (S/E), which you will need to take downhill to return to the Lys cable car arrival station.
Visorando member
Difficult 
