Mont du Lys via the Serre des Cabales ridge

Park at the Bourdalès car park.

(S/E) From the car park, take the road on the left and cross the bridge over the stream. Follow path no. 40 towards Lac Vert, which winds its way up through the forest.

(1) At Pré de l'Artigue, turn left and continue climbing straight ahead. Pass several waterfalls along the way.

(2) Near the Cabane de la Coume, take a path on the left that climbs straight up the slopes of Mont du Lys. The path then climbs gently northwards. The path is not signposted (not even cairns). Follow the path in the best condition. From this junction, the path is narrow and has a steep gradient that should not be underestimated: please take care.

(3) In particular, near the stream crossing, take care not to take the lower path, which soon disappears into the grassy slopes. Continue northwards, keeping a close eye on the path, which is not very visible in places or splits into several parallel tracks. You will reach the Mail d’Escargots.

(4) Continue along the path that branches off to the south/south-east to follow the ridge and reach Mont du Lys (elevation 2234m). A lunch break is recommended to enjoy the superb view.

(5) Continue south-east along the ridge path, which is easier to spot on the descent but has a steep gradient, particularly as you approach the Col de Pinata.

(6) From the pass, take the path that winds down to the right towards the bottom of the valley. You will come to the Coume hut.

(2) Continue straight on and, following the route back in the opposite direction, return to the Bourdalès car park (S/E).

Finding a parking space can be difficult in the height of summer due to the popularity of the site.

There is no drinking water point, but there is a refreshment stand near the car park.

Snowfields present at the start of the season, particularly near the summit and the Col de Pinata.

N.B. It is also possible to complete the circular loop starting from (2) in the opposite direction.

- View of the Cirque des Crabioules and its 3,000-metre peaks: Maupas, Crabioules, Lézat, etc.
- View downwards over Lac Vert and the Lys Valley.
- Potential sightings of chamois.