Refine your search for walks in Port de Cauarère (2526m)
Port de Cauarère (2526m) walks
Pics de Batoua (or Culfreda)
Three 3,000-metre peaks for the price of one! That’s what this hike offers, taking in the three Pic de Batoua peaks from Rioumajou, through a wild and magnificent valley. The route between the Port de Cauarère and the three peaks follows a superb ridge along the French-Spanish border, offering stunning views of the 3,000-metre peaks of the Pyrenees.
Walks near Port de Cauarère (2526m)
From the Hospice de Rioumajou to Saint-Lary-Soulan
The first stage starts at the Hospice du Rioumajou. You are at the start of the summer pastures, one of the arrival points of the Ténarèze. This ancient path, first traced in prehistoric times and then developed by the Romans, linked the Adour and Garonne basins, avoiding fords and tolls. A major transhumance route, it allowed herds to move between the plains and the mountains, while serving as a commercial and cultural link between Gascony and Spain, notably via passes such as the Ourdissétou.
Viados Mountain Hut – Angel Orus Mountain Hut
Day three of the Tour du Posets with a long day ahead: a long climb to reach the Collado de Eriste at an altitude of 2,862 metres before descending to the Angel Orus Refuge. Varied landscapes, starting with woodland before moving onto more open terrain that becomes increasingly rocky. The day ends with a section of boulders that makes you really appreciate arriving at the refuge!
Angel Orus Mountain Hut – Estos car park
The final stage of the Tour du Posets starts from the Angel Orus refuge and leads to the car park in the Estos Valley. The first part of the day takes place over very stony terrain before moving into a more wooded area for the second half of the descent. The route offers further stunning views of the eastern slope of the Posets and of several lakes dotted along the way.
Estos Mountain Hut – Viados Mountain Hut
The second day of the Tour du Posets begins with a steady climb along the GR®11 to reach the Col d’Estos. The second part of the day is a long descent leading to the Refuge de Viados. There are stunning views of the valleys, followed by views of the summit of Posets and its neighbouring peaks during the second part of the day.
From Saint-Lary-Soulan to Ancizan
The second stage of the Ténarèze, at the bottom of the Aure valley, runs alongside the Neste river through fields. In places, the path widens, suggesting the trace of the old drovers' road, particularly near the Nourde footbridge. A peaceful route that passes through several small rural villages set on a plain ideal for resting herds before the climb to the summer pastures.
From Pla d’Adet to the village of Saint-Lary-Soulan
A family-friendly hike consisting entirely of a descent. It’s (slightly) steep at the start, then you join an old road that used to lead to Les Granges de Lias and beyond. You’ll need to take a cable car or gondola lift up.
Lake Espingo - Granges d'Astau
A gentle descent after the exertions of the previous days. From the Col d’Espingo, the Lac d’Oô below accompanies us for a long while. Once at the stone bridge, don’t hesitate to make a short detour to the Auberge du Lac d’Oô, where you can enjoy the view of the great waterfall, which will help you forget, if only for a moment, the increasingly obvious and cruel shortage of water. The return to Les Granges d’Astau brings this getaway in one of the most beautiful spots in the Luchon area to a pleasant close.
Jean Arlaud Mountain Hut – Pic des Spijeoles – Espingo Lake and Mountain Hut
From the ascent route, the east face of the Pic des Spijeoles immediately catches the eye. The ‘miners’ path’ route suggested here includes an exposed and dangerous section where there is no room for error. After Lac du Port d’Oo, the route continues over large, smooth slabs and scree, involving the crossing of two chimneys to reach the summit. The descent follows the standard route via the Coume de l’Abesque before reaching the Espingo Mountain Hut.
Granges d'Astau - Lac du Portillon
Starting from Les Granges d'Astau, there is a long climb with some steep sections, made more pleasant by the presence of several lakes. Lac d'Oô and its inn, and Lac d'Espingo in its magnificent setting are ideal places to stop for a break. After Lac du Saussat (pronounced Sa-ou-sat), the much smaller Lac de la Coume de l'Abesque marks the start of the steep, winding climb that leads to a plateau dotted with smooth rocks and small lakes, and then to the Jean Arlaud refuge.
From the Refuge de l’Oule to the village of Artigues
Second day of a three-day circular route. You can book a packed lunch if you’re staying overnight at the Refuge de l’Oule, as well as top up your water flasks. Afterwards, the trail is lovely as it runs alongside the lake. It passes through the Col de Bastanet and takes in magnificent lakes all along the route. At the Campana de Cloutou mountain refuge, you can sit at a table to eat your packed lunch and refill your water flask. The trail then descends, passing by pretty lakes, to the village of Artigues.