Migouélou refuge and lake, Artouste pass and lake, and Larribet refuge

Park at the Plaa d'Aste car park.

(S/E) Follow the signposted trail to Migouélou Lake and Refuge. This well-marked trail begins with a steep but beautiful climb through wooded areas, winding its way up a series of tight hairpin bends. It continues above Arriougrand, crosses easily over scree and emerges below the Migouélou Lake dam. Turn left to climb up to the refuge.

(1) Follow the left bank of the lake along a more or less marked trail through an area of rounded rocks that are easy to cross. When you reach the end of the lake, pass by a small lake and climb up to the Col d'Artouste via a good zigzag trail.

(2) Continue along the path towards the Carnau Lakes.

(3) From there, the descent continues along a fairly steep path to Lac d'Artouste.

(4) Do not cross the dam, but head east on a trail that crosses the Batboucou ridge. You will soon reach a track that ends a few hundred metres further on. An unmarked trail just above the track leads to the first of the Batboucou Lakes. Please note that the rest of the route is not marked.

(5) There are many trails that lead to the main lake. However, it is advisable to stay close to the shore and not climb the foothills. You will reach a spring, which appears to be permanent, located slightly upstream from the main lake, to the right of a cairn indicating the path to the Col de la Lie.

(6) To reach this pass, you must cross a wide valley of large boulders, either in the middle, as shown on the map, or along the eastern edge. There are numerous cairns, sometimes too many, which makes the path difficult to follow. Reach the Col de la Lie.

(7) Enjoy the view of the rest of the route to get a good idea of the path to a nameless pass. Begin the descent from the pass, which is very steep.

(8) After 100 to 150 metres, turn right towards the south, crossing an eroded block. Find a path that follows the contour line of the slope and leads to an unnamed pass opposite the Col de la Lie: the already splendid view from the Col de la Lie now opens up towards the Larribet valley.

(9) Make a steep descent over stony ground to reach a flat area below.

(10) Continue the descent and head south, following a fairly clear trail on the ground. You will soon see the Batcrabère Lakes, which you will reach after a steep descent and crossing a few boulders.

(11) Cross the Larribet stream and join the path that leads to the Larribet refuge on the left.

(12) To return to Plaa d'Aste, take the busy path that leads to the valley.

(13) Take a short detour to the left to see the Toue de Larribet, built under a boulder upstream of the path. Turn back.

(13) Take the route on the left and continue on the left to reach Lac de Suyen, where you can take a break if you wish.

(14) The path continues to the Maison du Parc, where you will rejoin the tarmac road. Continue along the road to the car park (S/E).

You can spend the night at the Migouélou refuge or camp in various locations: at the end of Lake Migouélou, at the Carnau lakes or at the Batboucou lakes.