Pic de Saint-André

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

Details

n°4292446
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 2.87 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 30 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,355 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,352 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 8,484 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 7,201 ft
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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 on the right and then climb up to the Col des Espécières. From the pass, the panorama is complemented by a bird’s-eye view of 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 until you reach a crossroads marked by a cairn.

(2) Leave the ridge path. Turn right (north-east) onto the path to the Pic de Saint-André. The path descends a few metres before climbing up the hillside and becoming less distinct.
Continue climbing along 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 as on the way up back to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 7,247 ft - Car park - Col de Tentes
  2. 1 : mi 0.83 - alt. 7,651 ft - Col des Espécières
  3. 2 : mi 1.02 - alt. 7,867 ft - Trail junction
  4. 3 : mi 1.36 - alt. 8,406 ft - Ridge line
  5. 4 : mi 1.44 - alt. 8,478 ft - Pic de Saint-André
  6. S/E : mi 2.87 - alt. 7,247 ft - Car park - Col de Tentes

Notes

I’ve put together a video guide featuring 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 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 heading up towards the summit. However, we descended entirely along the ridge.

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

The duration shown by the app may not necessarily match your own. You may need to recalculate it 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 5 reviews
Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.6 / 5
helbenbou?viso
helbenbou?viso

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 15, 2026
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely route that makes it very easy to explore a stunning lake. The final section along the ridge towards the peak is tricky, as it is steep and slippery; the path is poorly marked and you’re walking on small, loose stones.

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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!)

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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