Port de Vénasque - Port de la Picade - Pas de l'Escalette loop

de fr

This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful hikes in the Pyrenees. The climb is long and difficult, but the panoramic views will make you forget your aching legs. Once past the azure blue Boums du Port, the Port de Venasque fault offers the most beautiful balcony overlooking the Maladeta and its lord, the Aneto. The Port de la Picade with its superb panoramic views, the Pas de l'Escalette and the Crabidès ridge complete this unforgettable hike.

Details

n°779144
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 8.47 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 7h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 4,301 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 4,291 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 8,130 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 4,518 ft
Downloads
Open in the mobile app
Download GPX GPX
Download PDF PDF

Photos

Pic Aneto
First snow of autumn on the Maladeta
Panoramic view of the Maladeta and Aneto
Crepides naines

Description of the walk

Access: from Bagnères-de-Luchon, take the D125 towards L'Hospice de France. Car park. Please note that during weekends and holiday periods, the area is very busy and parking can sometimes be difficult.

(S/E) Take the path south, cross the Ruisseau de la Pique and continue to a fork (signpost).

(1) Continue straight ahead and head towards Port de Vénasque. Cross the Pont de Penjat bridge over the torrent and follow the path that begins to climb. The hairpin bends become tighter as you climb the Culet wall.

(2) Pass through the Trou des Chaudronniers (scree): continue along the well-marked trail, then leave it on the right to reach the Refuge du Vénasque.

(3) You can take a break here. Then return to the trail and continue climbing. Don't forget to look back along the way to admire the Boums du Port.

(4) Last switchbacks towards Port de Vénasque: the stony path climbs steeply to reach the narrow gap in the rocks at Port de Vénasque.

(5) Opposite are the Maladeta and Aneto mountains, immediately to the right is the Pic de Sauvegarde and, to the left in the distance, the Pas de la Picade. Descend about a hundred metres on the Spanish side.

(6) Take trail No. 23 (yellow markings) on the left towards Port de la Picade.

(7) Begin the climb to Port de la Picade: at this point, the trail is made of loose stones. Continue to the port.

(8) Port de la Picade is the highest point of the hike (2,475 metres). Enjoy the view, then continue along the stony path, which has a tricky section with a steep slope but possible crossings. Reach Pas de l'Escalette.

(9) Continue along the well-marked trail that returns to France and begin the descent towards the Crête de Crabidès. Reach the latter.

(10) From the ridge, there is a beautiful view of the Pic de Mine on the left. Continue straight ahead to the Pas de Mounjoye (boundary marker no. 336).

(11) Leave the ridge and turn left towards the Roumingau pastures. There is a beautiful view to the west of the ridge and the Pic de la Pique. Continue to a crossroads.

(12) Turn left and return to the Hospice de France car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 4,541 ft - Hospice de France Towards - Pique (rivière)
  2. 1 : mi 0.15 - alt. 4,629 ft - Port de Vénasque sign
  3. 2 : mi 1.83 - alt. 6,683 ft - Trou des Chaudronniers
  4. 3 : mi 2.5 - alt. 7,375 ft - Refuge de Vénasque
  5. 4 : mi 3.05 - alt. 7,904 ft - Stony paths
  6. 5 : mi 3.1 - alt. 8,064 ft - Port de Vénasque
  7. 6 : mi 3.2 - alt. 7,818 ft - Trail no. 23, on the left
  8. 7 : mi 4.1 - alt. 7,858 ft - Unstable rocks
  9. 8 : mi 4.23 - alt. 8,117 ft - Port de la Picade
  10. 9 : mi 4.72 - alt. 7,848 ft - Pas de l'Escalette
  11. 10 : mi 5.45 - alt. 7,480 ft - Crête de Crabidès
  12. 11 : mi 5.98 - alt. 6,781 ft - No Mounjoye
  13. 12 : mi 7.35 - alt. 5,650 ft - Crossroads, on the left
  14. S/E : mi 8.47 - alt. 4,541 ft - Hospice de France

Notes

Mountain equipment strongly recommended: good shoes, warm/rain gear, walking sticks, etc.

(4) Water and refreshments available at the Refuge de Vénasque.

Parking at the Hospice de France: very busy during holidays and weekends.

Worth a visit

(5) At Port de Vénasque, for the very brave, climb to the summit of Pic de Sauvegarde (2,736 m). Challenging passage with an overhanging slab. Avoid in case of rain or fog.

(9) At Pas de l'Escalette, on the right, you can climb Soum de l'Escalette (2,466 m).

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 62 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.9 / 5
RAND19
RAND19

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 01, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A circular route that’s as lovely and challenging as ever. We arrived early at 7.30 am, so there were no problems with the car park
A stop at the mountain hut was much appreciated
The descent is long, and the path has very often turned into a rutted track
The red fountain has been restored

Machine-translated

User 24453239

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 30, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A magnificent route. We did this hike for the first time four or five years ago, and we weren’t disappointed to be back, despite the increasing number of visitors. A challenging climb but one that goes by quite quickly in the end – 2 to 2½ hours to the refuge. You head up to enjoy the view of the Maladeta massif from the Port de Venasque.
Spent the night at the refuge – a great atmosphere and modern facilities. The food was very good; however, the prices aren’t exactly cheap, especially during the day and for breakfast.
The next morning we set off again; a different view in the morning sun.
(ascent to the Pic du Sauvegarde)
Ascent towards the Pas de l’Escalette; everything is well signposted.
A few steeper sections for those who are afraid of heights.
Then a long, jarring descent along the dips in the path.
A short, pleasant stretch through the woods before reaching the Hospice de France.

Be aware that the car park gets very busy; it’s very difficult to find a space.

Machine-translated

User 22595882

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 27, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A magnificent, breathtaking hike! The views are incredible; we were lucky enough to spot some marmots after Port de la Picade. The climb is very long but it’s manageable. At point 6, you need to be careful not to miss the path; otherwise, the route is very well signposted and easy to follow.

Machine-translated

panyella
panyella

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 16, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful route, a little rocky. The climb is manageable if you know your limits. The path in Spain is less well marked.
Personally, I found the descent endless. Overall, a route that comes highly recommended.

Machine-translated

phejos
phejos

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 19, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Magnificent!
Excellent welcome at the beautiful refuge in Vénasque

Machine-translated

Muriel R.
Muriel R.

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Very busy until Port de Vénasque, the return trip was quieter: I saw no more than 10 people.
I was glad I downloaded the route onto my watch because there are no signposts (although it's fairly intuitive until Port de Vénasque). I almost missed the little path on the left to go back down.
When I arrived at the Hospice de France at 8:30 a.m., the car park was full. I had to park at the side of the road 100 metres away. When I returned at around 12:30 p.m., there were cars parked along the road for what I think was about 1 km.
The view from the top was exceptional! It's quite a climb: a 1,000-metre elevation gain over 6.5 km from the start

Machine-translated

Dapi
Dapi

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 29, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very classic and fairly busy route, but well worth it. On a clear day, there are beautiful views of the Vénasque boom, then the Maladetta massif, and finally, on the way back, numerous Spanish valleys. Marmots near La Picade and horses on the way down. A real treat. The directions are perfect, thank you!

Machine-translated

Christelle1488
Christelle1488

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 14, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

But what a magnificent hike!!! A good climb, yes, it goes up quite steeply, but you almost reach paradise, with breathtaking landscapes. It was superb, we didn't want it to end.
What's more, the weather was fantastic, so it was a perfect day.
Thank you for this beautiful route

Machine-translated

User 25486916

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 20, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A truly magnificent but demanding hike. Bring hiking poles and a hat, as it is sunny all the way in good weather.

Machine-translated

François31
François31

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 04, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Trip taken on Sunday, 3 November 2024. The weather forecast predicted beautiful weather, which may explain why the car park at the Hospice de France was full... except that the weather was grey all day! There was also a cold wind until we reached Port de Venasque. No problem following the route, as there were tracks everywhere. This circuit is really very interesting, with magnificent views all along the way. Most of the effort is made up to the Port de Venasque, which then allows you to enjoy the landscape more. Just one comment about the timing: perhaps the estimated time of over 7 hours is a little generous. I'm not particularly fast going uphill, but I'm quicker going downhill and, to my surprise, it took me just under 5 hours, including a few short breaks. I would say 6 hours is more realistic for an average hiker who is used to climbing, but it doesn't matter: This is a highly recommended route, starting from the Hospice de France.

Machine-translated

Dan Viso
Dan Viso

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 26, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A pleasant hike in both directions in July, with a personal preference for the opposite direction to the one indicated. No difficulties on this route. Magnificent views throughout and numerous herds of sheep. The patous (sheepdogs) are alert but placid. We will happily do it again.

Machine-translated

philippe marcon
philippe marcon
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 22, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Magnificent hike, beautiful view of the Maladetta massif and Aneto, route completed on 19/08/24.

Machine-translated

Francis 1964
Francis 1964

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 12, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

I left early, at 6:20 a.m., as the weather forecast was for eight hours of rain, and I was back in Bagnère de Luchon by midday. Thanks to Visorando for their excellent service. This hike was one of the most beautiful I've ever done. The directions are good, just don't hesitate to turn left after the Port de Vénasque, at the sign pointing downhill. Otherwise, no worries, and luckily so, because there was no one else on the trail. Magnificent views of the Maladetta massif and its glacier, as well as the Pic d'Anéto and many other opportunities to feast your eyes. The weather was ideal.

Machine-translated

Christophe We
Christophe We

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 12, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent hike, but physically demanding!
It's doable in a day, but you should allow for around seven hours with short breaks. The climb up to the Port de Venasque is tough but beautiful, especially along the Boums lakes. On the other side, peace and solitude are guaranteed. There's a magnificent view of the Pyrenees. Then it's back to the Hospice de France with a very long descent, which is hard on the knees. But it's definitely worth it!

Machine-translated

Philippe47
Philippe47

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 13, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hike completed in May with snow above 2,100 metres. Crampons required. Quite a long loop in these conditions, offering beautiful scenery.

Machine-translated

Other walks in the area

Walking The Campsaure plateau from the Hospice de France

Association / Club / Walk leader
Le Plateau de Campsaure à partir d'Hospice de France
↔4.68 mi ↗+1,391 ft ↘-1,391 ft ◔3h 20 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Bagnères-de-Luchon (Haute-Garonne)
This hike is not particularly difficult, apart from a slightly steep climb during the first kilometre, and offers superb views of the Luchonnais mountain pastures (sheep, cows, horses), the climb to Vénasque and the Crête de la Pique.

Walking Étangs de la Frèche, Soum de l'Escalette circular

Visorando Member
Étangs de la Frèche, Soum de l'Escalette en boucle
↔7.43 mi ↗+3,602 ft ↘-3,602 ft ◔6h 35 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Bagnères-de-Luchon (Haute-Garonne)
A beautiful route that is less frequented than those of the Étangs de Boums du Port de Vénasque or the Pic de Sauvegarde. The climb takes place in a pleasant valley, shaded in the morning. From the Soum de l'Escalette (2,466 m), the 360° panorama is magnificent. The descent begins with a beautiful ridge trail that offers magnificent scenery all along the way. This is an easy hike with fairly regular and moderate slopes for the most part.

Walking Pic de Sauvegarde via Port de Vénasque, return via Pas de l'Escalette

Visorando Member
Pic de Sauvegarde par le Port de Vénasque, retour par le Pas de l'Escalette
↔10.04 mi ↗+5,167 ft ↘-5,167 ft ◔10 hrs ▲Very difficult
⚑Departure from Bagnères-de-Luchon (Haute-Garonne)
A challenging circular route starting from the Hospice de France.Head to the Port de Vénasque – Ascent of the Pic de Sauvegarde via the Spanish side – Return via the Pas de l'Escalette.At the Pic de Sauvegarde, breathtaking 360° views, from Bagnères-de-Luchon to the Pic d'Anéto.

Walking L'Entécade from the Hospice de France

Visorando Member
L'Entécade depuis l'Hospice de France
↔7.28 mi ↗+2,897 ft ↘-2,897 ft ◔5h 50 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Bagnères-de-Luchon (Haute-Garonne)
A beautiful, easy hike across the Campsaure plateau, offering a magnificent 360° panorama from its summit, the Entécade, over the Maladeta massif and notably the Aneto, the highest peak in the Pyrenees.

Walking Route de Vénasque via Cirque de la Glère and Pic de la Montagnette

Visorando Member
Circuit de Vénasque par le Cirque de la Glère et Pic de la Montagnette
↔12.47 mi ↗+5,466 ft ↘-5,459 ft ◔10h 30 ▲Very difficult
⚑Departure from Bagnères-de-Luchon (Haute-Garonne)
You might think that this summit lacks character compared to its neighbours, but what a route from the Hospice de France! Magnificent lakes such as Lac de la Montagnette and Lacs de Vénasque. While the approach walk to Cirque de la Glère is suitable for walkers, the Montagnette valley is reserved for experienced hikers who enjoy steep slopes with aerial passages.

Walking Port de Vénasque, Lac de la Montagnette and Cirque de la Glère

Visorando Member
Port de Vénasque, Lac de la Montagnette et Cirque de la Glère
↔9.21 mi ↗+4,593 ft ↘-4,577 ft ◔8 hrs ▲Very difficult
⚑Departure from Bagnères-de-Luchon (Haute-Garonne)
A very beautiful hike in one of the most charming areas of the Luchonnaises Pyrenees. The view of Aneto from Port de Vénasque alone is worth the hike. The descent to Cirque de la Glère offers some thrills to spice things up. A very beautiful high mountain route that will delight lovers of altitude and beautiful mountain lakes.

Walking Port de la Glère and Ibón de Gorgutes via the Hospice de France

Visorando Member
Port de la Glère et Ibón de Gorgutes par l'Hospice de France
↔10.54 mi ↗+4,514 ft ↘-4,475 ft ◔8h 45 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Bagnères-de-Luchon (Haute-Garonne)
A demanding hike through the Cirque de la Glère to the Port de la Glère, via the family-friendly Chemin de l’Impératrice. Magnificent views from the pass over Aneto and the Maladeta massif. Option to descend to Ibón de Gorgutes to cool off after the climb.

Walking Col de la Glère – Lac des Gourgoutes

Visorando Member
↔9.51 mi ↗+4,715 ft ↘-4,685 ft ◔8h 30 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Bagnères-de-Luchon (Haute-Garonne)
Starting from the Jouéou valley, this high-mountain hike takes you to the magnificent Cirque de la Glère, whose slopes, furrowed by numerous small streams, are dominated by the ridge marking the border with Spain and the Pic du Sacroux. Once at the Col de la Glère, an easy descent on the Spanish side leads to the Lac des Gourgoutes. A little further on, on the shoulder of the Pic de la Glère, the view over the Aneto and the Maladeta massif is a wonderful reward.

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.