Pic de Montaigu loop from the Route forestière du Hourc

From Beaudéan, go up the Lesponne Valley (D29). After a car park on the right that provides access to the Magenta waterfall, continue on the same road for another 800 m. Park on the left at an altitude of 951 m.

(S/E) Follow the Route Forestière du Hourc for about 2 km until you reach an elevation of 1134, where you will find a parking area.

(1) Take the path on the left that climbs westwards, on the right bank of the Ruisseau du Hourc. Pass the Cabane d'Arrolets.

(2) At around 1,400 m, the path passes to the left bank and the slope becomes steeper, climbing up to the Col de Tos.

(3) From this point, the well-marked trail climbs south to the small Lacs de Montaigu lakes. After a 350 m detour to the south-west, you will reach the north-north-west ridge of Montaigu, which you will follow to the summit.

(4) After enjoying a wide view of the plain, the foothills and the Pic du Midi de Bigorre with its observatory, descend via the south-west ridge, which is quite narrow in places.

(5) Leave the trail and head southeast into the valley to go around a rocky spur on its northern slope (elevation 1993 on the IGN map).

(6) The off-trail route then heads south to a grassy plateau at around 1,800 m, then slants south-east to around 1,700 m, then east and north-east to reach the semi-buried Cabane de Benaquès with its green roof.

(7) From there, a more or less marked path leads east to Courtaou de la Lit: stone sheepfolds, without wooden frames and extensively renovated by Georges Buisan (read the explanatory panel on the door of one of them).

(8) The well-marked and cairned path enters the forest, emerging only near the D29 road that leads to Chiroulet.

(9) Follow it to the left, heading north-east for about 2 km, and you will return to the starting point (S/E).

This hike must be done when there is no snow, or with crampons and ice axes and only when the snow is stable (please consult the BRA!), as the Montaigu ridge and the start of the descent on the south side have slopes of over 30°!

Duration of this hike: between 6 and 7 hours, including breaks.

A suggestion for after the Covid restrictions: there is a cosy café-restaurant and small hotel (Chez Gabrielle) on the right as you cross Lesponne on the way back. Parking is just below on the right.