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Park at the4th bend in the road on the left (altitude 1261 m) where there is a signpost. See the ‘Practical Information’ section for details on accessing this car park.
(S/E) Head up the road. Pass under an EDF high-voltage power line. Pass by a barn attached to a well-maintained hut on your left. Continue up the road to the next left-hand bend.
(1) Turn right (signpost). The path climbs very steeply through the forest. It turns left, heading due south, and runs above the road for 80 m. Follow the well-marked path through the forest (I have placed a few cairns to help, as the IGN map is not accurate). After a few hairpin bends, the path climbs steeply through the forest heading due west.
You arrive at an old summer pasture; cross the Ruisseau de Lisse in an open area (follow the cairns I have placed). The path is easy to make out and continues due west.
The IGN map does not match the actual terrain. The path stays on the left bank of the stream and climbs steeply through the forest, emerging into an overgrown former summer pasture. Keep to the left bank of the stream, at the edge of the forest. The view opens up. The path is now very well marked. Continue climbing.
(2) At the junction (elevation 1740m), turn left onto a wide grassy track (signpost). An electric fence blocks the way. Make sure to close it properly. I have placed a few cairns on the track which climbs and winds through the mountain pastures.
(3) At the junction at 1762m, turn right onto a wide stony track (signpost: Col de Riou, snowshoes).
You arrive at the closed Conques hut (alt. 1790 m). Drinking water available.
(4) Turn left onto a wide stony track (alternative route available – see Practical Information). Yellow markings and wooden posts will guide you. Follow this wide track as it winds its way up to the Col de Riou.
Stunning views: opposite, the Cauterets valley, and behind, the Luz-Saint-Sauveur valley.
(5) Col de Riou (elevation 1,949 m). Crossroads of paths and tracks. Turn right towards the old ruined hotel.
- First option: the yellow-marked path stays below the ridge but leads to Soum de Counques (see description and warning).
- Second option: it is possible, via various paths, to follow the ridge safely. You must then pass in succession: the Pène de Bassats (elevation 2012), the Escalabor (elevation 2048), the points at altitudes 2054 and 2026, the Pène Nère (elevation 2058), the point at altitude 2030, the Tuc des Arribans (elevation 2088), and the Soum de Counques.
Here, follow the yellow markings. Continue to the junction at elevation 1990.
Caution: from this point onwards, you must be very vigilant and sure-footed. There is a tricky section, although it is marked in yellow.
(6) Head straight up a very steep, clearly marked path.
Caution: You must proceed slowly, staying strictly on the well-marked path. There are sections along ledges. You must not be prone to vertigo. You may need to use your hands at times. The hike can end at this superb spot.
(7) Pic de Viscos (2141m). A stunning 360° panorama. A large scrap metal cross confirms that you are at the summit. A well-deserved break is recommended here.
Descend carefully back down to the unnamed pass.
(6) Turn left, heading south-east, along a lovely, well-marked path that winds through the mountain pasture. Yellow markings help you find your way. Follow the path closely without trying to take a shortcut. The descent is very pleasant and gentle if you follow the path marked in yellow.
(8) At the fork (elevation 1737m), turn left. Leave the yellow markings and the path coming from the Conques hut.
Descend towards a clearly visible hut, following the path that winds through the mountain pasture. Pass a small stream (former fountain). Arrive at the Counques plateau at the Cabane du Boussu.
(9) Cabane du Boussu closed (alt. 1640 m). Water point not working. This is also a lovely spot for a break. Continue due east, leaving the hut on your right. The path widens slightly and enters the forest.
The IGN map does not match the actual route. Continue down this lovely path, which winds through a section of forest devastated by a storm and leads to a fork.
(10) Turn right onto a grassy track (signpost). Descend along this track, keeping the tracks on your left. Continue downhill. Cross the Ruisseau de Lita (avalanche) via a concrete ford. Cross a second stream and continue downhill to a fork at elevation 1350.
(11) ⚠️ Report from a user on 18 April 2026 => Warning: a rockslide has occurred after the second bend. The path is blocked; crossing over is difficult as the rocks are unstable.
Continue straight ahead on this stony track. Leave the overgrown track on your right. Pass the two hairpin bends on the track, then the Barets stream. The barrier at the track entrance is in sight. Reach the car park (S/E).
Visorando member
Moderate 
Easy 
