Pic de Saint-André

de fr

A border route featuring two lovely lakes and the ascent of a peak offering a breathtaking panoramic view.

Details

n°4292446
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.62 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 30 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 413 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 412 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,586 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 2,195 m
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐
    Area: Pyrenees
  • ⚐ District: Gavarnie (65120)
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 42.713472° / W 0.051008°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 1748OT, 1748OTR
  • Hour-by-hour weather
    Discover Visorando Premium
Downloads
Open in the mobile app
Download GPX GPX
Download PDF PDF

Photos

arrival at the last pass
Pic, Tour and Casque du Marboré, Brèche de Roland, Col des Tentes
Casque du Marboré, Brèche de Roland, Pic du Taillon, Pic des Tabiétous
Lake Lapazosa and Tendenera Peak

Description of the walk

In Gavarnie, take the road to Port de Boucharo and park at the Col de Tentes car park.

(S/E) At the end of the road and the Col de Tentes car park, take the signposted path (sign) to Lac des Espècières to the north-west. Follow this path to the lake, go round it to the right and then climb up to the Col des Espécières. From the pass, the panorama is completed by a sweeping view over Lac de Lapazosa and the Tendenera massif.

(1) Turn right and, from boundary marker no. 318, follow the Espécières ridge north-west for about 300 m to a trail junction marked by a cairn.

(2) Leave the ridge path. Turn right towards the north-east onto the Pic de Saint-André path. The path descends a few metres before climbing up the slope and becoming less distinct.
Continue climbing this path, then, when it rises steeply and becomes very faint as you make your way from cairn to cairn, reach the ridge line.

(3) Climb north-east up the ridge of the peak to the summit.

(4) Follow the same route back to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 2,209 m - Car park - Col de Tentes
  2. 1 : km 1.34 - alt. 2,332 m - Col des Espécières
  3. 2 : km 1.64 - alt. 2,398 m - Trail junction
  4. 3 : km 2.18 - alt. 2,562 m - Ridge line
  5. 4 : km 2.31 - alt. 2,584 m - Pic de Saint-André
  6. S/E : km 4.62 - alt. 2,209 m - Car park - Col de Tentes

Notes

I’ve created a video guide with panoramic views and the names of the peaks; here’s the link, which covers all the key points of the route, including the famous cairn at the point (2) which is not to be missed.

As we approached the summit, in the final few metres, to get a better view of the landscape, we veered slightly to the left before climbing back up towards the summit. However, we descended entirely via the ridge.

I should point out that although this route is not particularly difficult, it does have a few overhanging sections that still require caution. If you are climbing with children, you must of course keep a close eye on them, as with most mountain routes. Finally, in my opinion, it is best to attempt this route only in good weather.

The duration indicated by the software may not necessarily match your own. You may need to recalculate this based on your own pace, the elevation gain and the distance.

This route passes through a protected area, which may be subject to special regulations:

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 4 reviews
Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.5 / 5
Edrusb
Edrusb

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 13, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful hike, quite steep in places, with an approach to the summit that seems very technical when you arrive at the last pass, but isn't if you go around the west side. Great views at the top , but not a hike for those who are prone to vertigo! The path is not always easy to follow, so look for cairns as you approach the last pass or check your GPS position regularly (not while walking! Stop to do this!)

Machine-translated

ozh
ozh

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 26, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very easy route to follow, starting from the Col de Tentes car park (the car park was full, but don’t worry – everyone’s heading to Port Boucharo).
A simple route, ... But! Not recommended for those who suffer from vertigo. My wife panicked between points 2 and 3, so we turned back. I’ll come back without her
Lots of marmots south of the lake.
On the way back, if you have an hour and a half, don’t miss the easy yellow route towards Pic de Tentes and then Pic de la Pahule – a magnificent ridge path with breathtaking views of the Cirque de Gavarnie and the waterfall

Machine-translated

Britanicus100
Britanicus100

Hello, I am the author of this short hike to this panoramic summit, which is one of the most accessible in the Pyrenees.
Everything is explained in the practical information section, which you may not have read.
I have even included a link to the video, as I do in all my guides, which shows the route, the points of interest and any difficulties encountered.
Here is the link to the video again: https://youtu.be/QDcJC20DKrc?si=IsRq1HJa...
so that readers can see for themselves what it's all about.

Machine-translated

bbrunelet
bbrunelet

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 05, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

I was a little disappointed by this hike, which requires constant attention due to the rocky and stony path, which is more or less exposed due to the slope.
The view is certainly beautiful, but I found the access a bit difficult.

P.S.: I would not recommend this hike to anyone who suffers from vertigo, and I remain very doubtful as to whether it is a good idea to take children there.

Machine-translated

raylann
raylann

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 06, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A hike in fine weather. Not particularly difficult, apart from one section (about 40 metres) just before reaching the ridge of the peak, where the path isn’t clearly marked, but it’s not hard to find your way. The climb up the ridge isn’t marked either, but it’s easy. It’s a scree slope with no difficulty.
The reward is a magnificent panorama in complete tranquillity.
Thank you for this lovely hike.

Machine-translated

Other walks in the area

Walking Le Casque du Marboré via the normal route

Visorando member
Le Casque du Marboré par la voie normale
↔13.47 km ↗+1,018 m ↘-1,013 m ◔6h 45 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Gavarnie (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Want to climb one of the legendary "3000" peaks of the Cirque de Gavarnie with breathtaking views? The Casque du Marboré could be your next goal! The entire route offers magnificent views of the surrounding mountains: Vignemale, Néouvielle, Mont Perdu, Canyon d'Ordesa. However, it is important to bear in mind that part of this hike takes place in a high mountain environment, with sometimes unstable scree and passages where you will need to use your hands.

Walking Taillon and Breche de Roland from the Col des Tentes

Visorando member
Le Taillon et la Brèche de Roland au départ du Col de Tentes
↔13.87 km ↗+1,049 m ↘-1,045 m ◔7h 00 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Gavarnie (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Landscapes “rich in nature” on this hike in the area of Gavarnie, accompany your steps towards the peak of Taillon, through the legendary Roland breach. Taillon, a summit that at the top of its 3144 m, offers a stunning panorama and striking views as far as the eye can see.

Walking The Brèche de Roland

Visorando member
La Brèche de Roland
↔11.06 km ↗+641 m ↘-640 m ◔5h 00 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Gavarnie (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Hike above the Cirque de Gavarnie to visit a mountain pass made famous by its name.

Walking Col de Tentes - Goritz Refuge

Visorando member
↔15.96 km ↗+1,472 m ↘-1,300 m ◔8h 45 ▲Very difficult
⚑Departure from Gavarnie (Hautes-Pyrénées)
First day of the trek to Mont Perdu. Departure from Col de Tentes, passage through Brèche de Roland, at the foot of Pic du Marboré, and ascent of Mont Perdu. The first day is the most technical. You quickly reach the high mountain ranges of the Gavarnie massif.

Walking Lac des Espécières and Pic entre les Ports circular (Gavarnie)

Visorando member
Boucle du Lac des Espécières et du Pic entre les Ports (Gavarnie)
↔3.64 km ↗+275 m ↘-274 m ◔1h 50 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Gavarnie (Hautes-Pyrénées)
This is an easy, short hike starting from the Col des Tentes in Gavarnie, offering views of Spain, the Plana de Sandaruelo, the peaks of the Spanish foothills, and the border ridge as far as Vignemale, climbing to the summit of a peak at almost 2,500 m, the Pic entre les Ports (the Port de Boucharo and the Port des Espécières). The return via the Col des Espécières and the lake of the same name offers views over the Vallée des Espécières and the ski resort. Please note: Pic Entre les Ports has a bivouac area sheltered by low walls and may be a good option for those who want to set off early the next morning for Brèche de Roland, Taillon or the Spanish ledges, and who want to sleep there the night before, as camping outside, in tents or cars, is strictly prohibited (and often fined) at the Col de Tentes.

Walking The Cirque de Gavarnie via the Bellevue plateau

Visorando member
Le Cirque de Gavarnie par le Plateau de Bellevue
↔12.06 km ↗+743 m ↘-742 m ◔5h 35 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Gavarnie (Hautes-Pyrénées)
(!) (September 2024) Following recent bad weather, the footbridge at (6) has been washed away. Crossing the Gave de Pau river is tricky and strongly discouraged. (!) Update 25/06/2025, Vallées de Gavarnie Tourist Office. => The footbridge located at (6) has been repaired and will be reopened to the public on 25/06/2025.However, the footbridge upstream from the Hôtellerie du Cirque (9) is still not in place and crossing the Gave de Pau river is tricky depending on the water level. A different approach to the Cirque de Gavarnie. The plateau gives you an overview that allows you to take in the whole site at a glance. A little later, you can stroll through the cirque to appreciate its full majesty. To quote Victor Hugo, it is the Colosseum of nature.

Walking Refuge des Espuguettes, Plateau des Cardous and Plateau d'Alans

Visorando member
Refuge des Espuguettes, Plateau des Cardous et Plateau d'Alans
↔7.53 km ↗+720 m ↘-717 m ◔4h 10 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Gavarnie (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Starting from Gavarnie, enjoy a change of scenery by escaping to the wild plateaus at the foot of the Grand and Petit Piméné (2,801m and 2,667m). The Refuge des Espuguettes is a beautiful stop along the way. If you push on a little further to the Plateau des Cardous, you can admire the entire border range, the peaks of the Cirque, just for you, from the Tour du Marboré (3009m) to the Mailh Arrouy (2965m), passing by the majestic Vignemale (3,298 m). A change of scenery and tranquillity guaranteed!

Walking Cirque de Gavarnie via the Corniche des Espugues

Visorando member
Cirque de Gavarnie par la corniche des Espugues
↔11.34 km ↗+756 m ↘-757 m ◔5h 25 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Gavarnie (Hautes-Pyrénées)
This magnificent hike takes you off the beaten track for more than half of the route, passing through splendid, varied and uncrowded landscapes. Forests, small waterfalls, passages under cornices and breathtaking panoramas, before arriving at the highlight of the show, the foot of the Grande Cascade de Gavarnie.

For more walks, use our search engine .

The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.