Pic Perdiguère

(S/E) Leave the refuge and head towards the dam.

(1) Cross it and continue along the path carved into the rock, which climbs towards the foot of the Lower Litérole Valley.

(2) Turn right onto a narrow track, the start of which is marked by a cairn. Cross the lower part of the valley horizontally, then follow the path which crosses a rocky ridge on the western flank of Pic Royo. This very exposed section must be tackled with great caution and is not suitable for those prone to vertigo.

Continue climbing diagonally south-westwards, heading for the base of a rocky spur, which you should go round to reach the base of the moraine of what remains of the Portillon Glacier.

(3) Turn left (east-southeast) to begin the ascent of the Upper Litérole Valley. This involves climbing over scree and boulders, some of which may be unstable. Some snowfields may remain even in summer, and it is best to bypass them. Cairns help guide your progress.

There are several possible routes across the scree slopes: choose the one that seems most accessible to reach the Col Supérieur de Litérole.

(4) Stop to enjoy the sweeping view down over the beautiful Lac de Litérole on the Spanish side. Then, start the ascent on the right up a 20-metre rocky couloir leading to the ridge. Although this short section does not require any climbing experience, it does demand caution and is not recommended for those who are uncomfortable on exposed terrain or prone to vertigo.

(5) Pic Perdiguère: the highest peak in the Luchonnais region at an altitude of 3,220 metres. Enjoy the exceptional view over the Maladeta–Aneto massif, the Posets, the Pic des Spijeoles – which will be the next day’s destination – and the Pic des Gourgs Blancs. Not to mention the Grand Quayrat, Lézat, Crabioules and Maupas range.

The return journey follows the same route, taking care on the short section of descent leading to the Col Supérieur de Litérole, as well as when crossing the rocky ridge on the western flank of Pic Royo. Head back to the Refuge Jean Arlaud (S/E).

This ascent is reserved for hikers accustomed to high-mountain terrain and off-trail walking. There are a few short sections of climbing and descending, but these require no special skills. Some snowfields may persist even in July and August. You will need to either bypass them or cross them, taking the usual precautions (steep slope and risk of losing grip). Fortunately, if this is the case, a trail has usually already been made. If it is impossible to bypass them, do not hesitate to turn back if you do not feel comfortable.

The section at the start, just past the dam, can be dangerous if there is persistent snow on the scree. The same applies between (2) and (3) if snow remains clinging to the rocky slopes.

Not recommended for those prone to vertigo.

Do not attempt in unsettled weather (thunderstorms) or fog.

High-top hiking boots are compulsory: scree and unstable rockfall.

Make sure you take a good supply of water, as there is nowhere to get a drink during the ascent.

Perdiguère summit: 360° panoramic view of the border ridge and its many 3,000-metre peaks. On the Spanish side, Aneto, Pic de la Maladeta and the Posets.