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Rocher de Courtalets walks
The Lapadé Forest and Roc de Courtalets
Visorando Member
2.91 mi
+1,375 ft
-1,385 ft
2h 30
Moderate
Departure from Adervielle-Pouchergues (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Starting from the Val Louron ski resort (65), this short, easy hike takes you up to the heights of the resort, through the Lapadé Forest. The hike can be done on foot or with snowshoes in winter. Several viewpoints along the route offer beautiful views of the valley.
Walks near Rocher de Courtalets
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.
Granges d'Astau - Lac du Portillon
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.
From Pla d’Adet to the village of Saint-Lary-Soulan
4.46 mi
+62 ft
-2,628 ft
2h 05
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Lary-Soulan (Hautes-Pyrénées)
A family-friendly hike consisting entirely of a descent. It’s (slightly) steep at the start, then you join an old road that used to lead to Les Granges de Lias and beyond. You’ll need to take a cable car or gondola lift up.
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.
From Ancizan to Fréchet-Aure
5.60 mi
+984 ft
-1,083 ft
3h 25
Moderate
Departure from Ancizan (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Third stage of the Ténarèze. From Ancizan, follow the GR® 105 north-east, crossing summer pastures and beech woods with views of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre. After Cadéac, the trail leads to Arreau, the former capital of the Aure Valley. Then take the old railway line (now disused), a flat path lined with ferns, to Fréchet-Aure. This balcony village, listed as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France", offers a panorama of the Pyrenees and a preserved pastoral heritage.
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.
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 Refuge de l’Oule to the village of Artigues
10.75 mi
+2,365 ft
-4,377 ft
7h 00
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Lary-Soulan (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Second day of a three-day circular route. You can book a packed lunch if you’re staying overnight at the Refuge de l’Oule, as well as top up your water flasks. Afterwards, the trail is lovely as it runs alongside the lake. It passes through the Col de Bastanet and takes in magnificent lakes all along the route. At the Campana de Cloutou mountain refuge, you can sit at a table to eat your packed lunch and refill your water flask. The trail then descends, passing by pretty lakes, to the village of Artigues.
Fréchet-Aure - Sarrancolin
3.18 mi
+446 ft
-807 ft
1h 50
Easy
Departure from Fréchet-Aure (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Fourth stage of the Ténarèze: this section of the route takes you back to the GR®105 from Fréchet-Aure.
The route continues through Camous, a picturesque village with a rich mining heritage. You will then take a path towards Ilhet, following the old railway line, an industrial relic that adds a touch of nostalgia to the hike.
The walk continues to Sarrancolin, the end point of this stage.