Port de Bielsa via Port and Pic de Bataillence, returning via the Port Vieux ridges

After Aragnouet, follow the D173 to the entrance of the Bielsa tunnel.

(S/E) Pass to the left of the buildings. Find the start of a path, marked in yellow. Very quickly, you will come to a small passage where you will need to use your hands. No difficulty.
Once through, continue following the yellow markings to the Riou Nère waterfall on the other side of the stream on the left.

The trail, still marked, continues to climb through pastures interspersed with rocky areas until you reach the junction with the Porte de Bataillence.

(1) Take this path on the left, marked with yellow signs, towards the Porte de Bataillence.

(2) Just before the pass, pay close attention to a white arrow indicating to leave the path and climb directly up to the ridge. Follow the ridge to the Pic de Bataillence (2,604 m).

(3) The route continues along the ridge due west, which is sometimes difficult and not recommended for those who are prone to vertigo or inexperienced in high mountain terrain. From pass to pass, it descends to the Port de Bielsa.
(4) A magnificent breach, as if carved into the rock. Descend a few metres on the southern slope to take a path that branches off to the right towards the west, on fairly steep slopes.

At around 2,421 metres, a cairn seems to indicate a direct route along the ridge towards Pic de Marioules, but choose to continue westwards along the slope.
At around 2,465 m, you will reach a slightly more comfortable rocky section.
At around 2,499 m, join the ridge line, which climbs easily.

(5) At an elevation of 2,561 metres, you will reach the summit of Pic de Marioules. Descend westwards along the ridge line until you reach a pass at around 2,500 metres.

(6) Continue west. At around 2,487 m, climb up to the right and arrive at the summit of Pic de la Forqueta (2,532 m). Pass over the second peak of this double summit before descending west. At around 2,492 m, cross another small pass and arrive without any difficulty at the last summit, Pic de l'Aiguillette.

(7) Descend southwards and leave a path that plunges directly north-west.

(8) At around 2,454 m, without descending to Port Vieux, take the path that crosses northwards on the western slope of Pic de l'Aiguillette. The ground is a little crumbly and, here too, the slope is steep. This path must therefore be traversed with the utmost caution.

(9) At around 2,392 m, pass the Col de l'Aiguillette and turn right to descend into the valley on a rather confusing path to the tunnel car park (S/E).

This hike should only be attempted when there is no snow or fog. A GPS tracker is essential as there are no markings from point (2). People who are prone to vertigo should refrain from attempting this hike.