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Refuge du Maupas walks
Lys Valley - Maupas Refuge
This first stage, which serves as an approach walk, is difficult. The climb is steep and sustained along the Torrent de Houradade up to the junction at the Cabane de la Coume. Continuing the route to reach the Cabane de Pratlong allows you to catch your breath a little before tackling the final stretch via the numerous tight hairpin bends leading to the pumping station and then to the Refuge du Maupas, where the warm welcome will quickly make you forget the day’s exertions.
Refuge du Maupas – Pic de Maupas – Lys Valley
On this day’s hike, you’ll need to find your own way up to the Pic de Maupas over rounded boulders, where the numerous cairns mean you’ll have to locate the next one each time to continue the ascent to the ‘Mal Pas’, which gave the peak its name. This is the only pass – difficult to access – allowing you to cross over to the western slope and complete the ascent with a few easy climbing moves. The return will follow the same route as the ascent, with a pleasant alternative route via Lac Vert.
Maupas Mountain Hut via the Cirque des Crabioules
An alternative route to climb up and spend the night at the Refuge du Maupas: this is longer than the standard ascent but less busy, offering splendid views over the Lys Valley and the 3,000-metre peaks overlooking the Cirque des Crabioules. Best undertaken in good weather, as the path is sometimes poorly marked after the Anciennes Mines des Crabioules.
Pic du Maupas
A fairly demanding two-day hike. The ascent to the Refuge du Maupas, whilst steep, presents no difficulties apart from the elevation gain. The same cannot be said for the ascent of the Pic du Maupas, which is intended for experienced hikers who know how to navigate off-trail and are capable of tackling a few short sections of easy climbing and descending. However, the 360° panorama covering almost all of the 3,000-metre peaks of the Luchon region is well worth the effort.
Walks near Refuge du Maupas
Lac Vert, the Cirque de la Glère and the Hospice de France
A truly beautiful walk leading from the Vallée du Lys to the Hospice de France via the Lac Vert. The route is varied and the elevation gain is certainly significant, but this is more than made up for by the magnificent views over the Haut-Luchonnais and the ridge marking the border with Spain.
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.
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.
Aiguallut Waterfall and Forau d’Aiguallut
A beautiful succession of landscapes including a plateau, a mountain refuge, a pass and a waterfall…
Park in the car park accessible to tourists. Alternatively, there is a paid shuttle bus from Bénasque to La Besurta.
Water is available at the La Besurta car park, at the refreshment bar and at the mountain refuge.
Superbagnères – Lac d’Oô – Granges d’Astau
Easily accessible without a car, this walk offers views of the surrounding valleys and peaks, as well as the magnificent Lac d’Oô. A perfectly signposted and well-maintained path where it is impossible to get lost. The return journey will be by public transport back to Luchon station.
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.
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.
Plan d’Abaixo – Fuente de la Pubiya
The route runs from Plan d’Abaixo to Fuente de la Pubiya. This final stage, approximately 10 km long, will take you back to the starting point of the route. You’ll follow mountain paths offering beautiful views of the valley before finishing with a gentle descent to Fuente de la Pubiya, thus completing this circular walk.
Fuente de la Pubiya – Prados de Llosás
Starting from Fuente de la Pubiya and ending at Prados de Llosás. The first day covers around 10 km with a climb of nearly 1,000 m. A lovely, gradual climb through the heart of the valley, with superb scenery and a finish in a magnificent setting.
Estos car park – Estos mountain hut
The first day of the Tour des Posets, which offers a gentle start with a steady climb to the Estos Mountain Hut. Initially through woodland, partly alongside the Rio Estos, the path follows the GR®11 route and takes you close to the Gorgues Galantes (waterfalls) before reaching thefirst mountain hut on this tour.