Refuge d'Ilhéou walks

Short 2-hour hike to the Ilhéou refuge (not forgetting the return trip).

A lovely half-day hike through green summer pastures to Lac d'Ilhéou and its rocky landscape. Enjoy a 360° panorama of the surrounding peaks from the start of the hike.

A beautiful lake with an island, difficult to access from Lake Ilhéou. This hike is classified as difficult because the path is steep from Lac d'Ilhéou and a good sense of direction is necessary at the end of the route. This summer hike can be undertaken from the end of June until the first snowfall (for the Ilhéou - Hourat section). Beware of Patou, the sheepdog. Do not cross through a flock, but go around it.

Explore the Pyrenees National Park (central section) with a trip to Spain, lakes and mountain passes at an altitude of 2,600 metres. With an average elevation gain of ± 1,230 m and a distance of 17 km per day, this trip is, all in all, quite strenuous. Please take into account the cumulative elevation gain and the distance to be covered. The trip takes place between 1000 m and 2655 m altitude. The start of this route is accessible by public transport (coaches and shuttle bus from Cauterets in summer).

Second day of a three-day route in the Central Pyrenees National Park. The day will begin with a fairly steep climb, but will allow you to see a multitude of high-altitude lakes before arriving at the Wallon refuge. If there is not enough time, the visit to the Opale lakes can be omitted.

First day of a three-day route in the Central Pyrenees National Park. This circular is best done from mid-June until the first cold spells. Ascent to Lac Noir, Col d'Ilhéou, Ilhéou Refuge and Lac d'Ilhéou.