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Refuge du Portillon (Jean Arlaud) walks
Granges d'Astau - Lac du Portillon
Visorando Member
6.39 mi
+4,918 ft
-226 ft
7h 15
Difficult
Departure from Oô (Haute-Garonne)
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.
Tusse de Montarqué from Les Granges d'Astau
14.61 mi
+6,198 ft
-6,198 ft
10 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Oô (Haute-Garonne)
A more demanding hike than it appears, passing by famous lakes in the Pyrenees: Lac d’Oô and its superb waterfall, Lac d’Espingo, Lac de Saussat and Lac du Portillon. The view from the summit of the Tusse de Montarqué is magnificent, set in a cirque surrounded by numerous 3,000-metre peaks, which may inspire ideas for future hikes.
Walks near Refuge du Portillon (Jean Arlaud)
Lake Espingo - Granges d'Astau
3.84 mi
+72 ft
-2,746 ft
1h 50
Easy
Departure from Oô (Haute-Garonne)
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.
Lys Valley - Maupas Refuge
4.62 mi
+4,245 ft
-3 ft
5h 50
Difficult
Departure from Cazeaux-de-Larboust (Haute-Garonne)
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.
Superbagnères – Lac d’Oô – Granges d’Astau
10.50 mi
+2,723 ft
-4,820 ft
7h 10
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Aventin (Haute-Garonne)
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.
From the Hospice de Rioumajou to Saint-Lary-Soulan
10.85 mi
+1,063 ft
-3,478 ft
5h 55
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Lary-Soulan (Hautes-Pyrénées)
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.
From Saint-Lary-Soulan to Ancizan
5.00 mi
+318 ft
-443 ft
2h 35
Easy
Departure from Saint-Lary-Soulan (Hautes-Pyrénées)
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.