Refuge du Maupas – Pic de Maupas – Lys Valley

(S) Leave the refuge heading south-east, heading for the small lake which you follow on the right-hand side. Climb southwards up a rocky outcrop formed of glacier-polished, rounded boulders, leading to a small plateau.

(1) Continue southwards, skirting a small rocky cirque enclosed by the Pic de Maupas–Pic de Boum ridge, at the foot of which the small Boum glacier struggles to survive. Head for the base of the secondary peak, the Tusse de Maupas.

(2) Go round this peak to the left and veer off to the right (south-west) to climb diagonally up rocky slabs. The cairns help you stay on the right track.

(3) A rocky barrier makes access to the ridge impossible. Continue up the eastern slope, then join the ridge a little further up at a small gap, also known as the ‘Mal Pas’, which you reach by using your hands. It is absolutely essential to find this passage. If you are unsure or in bad weather, do not hesitate to turn back.

(4) Continue to the left, more or less following the line of the ridge, then complete the ascent through the large scree of the summit scree slope with a few steps of easy climbing. Those prone to vertigo may feel uncomfortable on this final section. Reach the summit, marked by a large cairn.

(5) Pic du Maupas: exceptional 360° views. To the west, the Pic des Crabioules, Pic Lézat and Grand Quayrat. To the south-west, the Pic Perdiguère unfolds its long, easily recognisable rocky summit. To the south-east, the Aneto and the Maladeta. Finally, to the east, the Pic de Boum and the Pic de Sacroux, to name the nearest.

After taking in the view, descend carefully via the same route. It is equally important to find the “Mal Pas” to avoid the more direct descent via the Tusse de Maupas, which is much more exposed. Head back to the Refuge du Maupas.

(S) Follow the previous day’s route back to the junction with the Lac Vert path.

(6) Turn right and, following an easy path, reach the shores of Lac Vert with its picturesque peninsula.

(7) Ford the outlet stream, walk along the lake and then head up to the small pass leading into the Cirque des Graouès. Continue straight on, beginning the descent along the path which becomes stony and heads north.

(8) Ignore the path on the right leading to the Col de Pinata and carry on straight ahead along the valley floor towards the Cabane de la Coume, nestled at the foot of a small rocky outcrop. Leave the hut on your left and continue to the junction with the path to the Cabane de Prat Long, which you took the day before.

(9) Carry on straight ahead and begin the descent down the Torrent de Houradade valley, which is just as gruelling as the climb. You’ll reach the foot of the Pré de l’Artigue.

(10) Turn right and head into the forest. Further down, join the track and follow it to the right.

(11) Cross the bridge over the stream and head back to the Bourdalès car park (E).

Difficulty: this hike is only suitable for those accustomed to a high-mountain environment and walking off-trail. There are a few easy climbing sections between (2) and (3) and on the scree slope at the summit. The same applies to the descent.

It is essential to clearly identify the “Mal Pas”, a gap in the ridge linking the Maupas and the Tusse de Maupas, which is the only passage allowing you to cross over to the other side to reach the summit.

Between the Refuge du Maupas and the gap, cairns help with navigation, but they are scattered everywhere and there are numerous ascent routes, which can be confusing. It is therefore important not to veer too far to the left whilst heading for the eastern base of the Tusse de Maupas.

This hike should be avoided in stormy or foggy weather. Navigation is very difficult after the (1)

Meals and accommodation available at the Refuge du Maupas.

High-top walking boots. Walking poles are recommended for the descent.

Take care on the descent, which is very long and comes at the end of the route. Be particularly careful between (9) and (10).

Refuge du Maupas

Lac Vert

Lac Bleu

Lac Célinda