Taillon and Breche de Roland from the Col des Tentes

Landscapes “rich in nature” on this hike in the area of Gavarnie, accompany your steps towards the peak of Taillon, through the legendary Roland breach. Taillon, a summit that at the top of its 3144 m, offers a stunning panorama and striking views as far as the eye can see.

Technical sheet

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 13.87 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 7h 00 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 1,049 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 1,045 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 3,136 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 2,204 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Leave your car in the Col des Tentes, which is the end of the route. Continue on foot along the road closed to traffic in the direction of the Port of Boucharo, (1) which can be reached 25 minutes. After 1.6 km, walk on the old road, and at the intersection of Boucharo harbour, you will see a sign on the left towards the Brèche de Roland shelter.

The path climbs gently at the foot of the Gabiétous and on to Taillon. Continue until you reach the first real climb of the day, consisting of a wide glacial cross cliff under the Taillon glacier. Then cross a rocky bar shared by sheep and a stream. (2) Take care on the rock as it can be slippery when wet. Climb an area of moraine debris (3) along the winding path.

A rapid rise in the upper moraine leads to the narrow Cold des Sarradets (4)(1 hour 35 minutes without stops). The view across the top of the Gavarnie cirque is finally revealed. The trail descends and leads you in five minutes to the refuge of the Breche de Roland. (5) Be careful if snowfields persist, especially early in the season. From the refuge, the view of the Breche de Roland, facing south, is great.

Things get complicated after the refuge and the slope steepens sharply.
Head on the route of the rise of the Breche de Roland. The path takes the glacier’s moraine (melted when I passed through last, but this is not always the case and so care must be taken), first heading south, before turning west and making a wide turn back to the east towards the Breche.
Then we reach a ledge (6) where we discover the Breche before tackling a steep slope. Be careful, especially early in the season because gravel can cover the ice in places.

We reach Breche de Roland (7) in 2 hours without stops. Here, the views are stunning both towards the north and south.
After a few photo opportunities, we move to the Spanish side continuing right on the paths from the cliffs (8) of Pointe Bazillac. A short slope-side passage (caution if there is snow) follows. It leads to Le Doigt (9). Head round this to the north using your hands for stability. Be careful because this is the most exposed passage of the ascent. The route overlooks the Taillon glacier and we can now see the last part of the climb.
The trail is clearly visible on the south side whose colours vary from tan to grey. Follow the path left on the sometimes narrow border ridge. The last climb runs steeply along a path that rises up the Spanish side.

And the summit in good weather, the 360° view is beautiful and enormous. You can see the Balaïtous, Vignemale and its glacier, the Neouvielle Peak, the Cylindre and Marboré, Mont Perdu, and Gabiétous Peak.

To return, head back down the same path. Expect to reach the car park of the Col des Tentes in 4 hours.

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 2,208 m - Col de Tentes
  2. 1 : km 1.64 - alt. 2,268 m - Port of Boucharo
  3. 2 : km 4.02 - alt. 2,438 m - Ridge and torrent below the Glacier du Taillon.
  4. 3 : km 4.09 - alt. 2,460 m - Moraine debris.
  5. 4 : km 4.54 - alt. 2,583 m - Col des Sarradets
  6. 5 : km 4.72 - alt. 2,584 m - Refuge des Sarradets or de la Brèche de Roland
  7. 6 : km 5.13 - alt. 2,721 m - Replat
  8. 7 : km 5.36 - alt. 2,788 m - Brèche de Roland
  9. 8 : km 5.76 - alt. 2,882 m - Cliffs of Pointe Bazillac
  10. 9 : km 6.2 - alt. 2,928 m - The Finger
  11. 10 : km 6.94 - alt. 3,136 m - Le Taillon
  12. S/E : km 13.87 - alt. 2,208 m - Col de Tentes

Practical information

This hike is for fit and experienced hikers.

Highly recommended: the period from June to September. Includes a section across the snow fields early in the season.

This hike is very busy during the summer months. The Col des Tentes car park is full in summer from the early morning. Therefore arrive very early not to have to park along the road.

This hike is best on a sunny day without strong wind and with clear skies. The view will be even more beautiful.It is imperative that you take warm clothes and equip yourself with high, non-slip footwear.

Do not leave without first consulting the weather forecast and do not hesitate to turn back or put off the hike if conditions are too uncertain.

If the day is to be sunny, remember sunscreen, glasses and a hat.

Remember to bring enough water.

In the nearby area

Take a stroll in the village of Gavarnie

Easy ride to Espécières lake, close to Col de Tentes

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 60 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Clarity of route map
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.9 / 5
Britanicus100
Britanicus100
• Last modified:

Following some comments, I would like to add to my review regarding the difficulties encountered during this climb.
This 3,000-metre peak is the least difficult in the Cirque de Gavarnie but not the easiest in the Pyrenees. "Mariano"

The first difficulty is crossing the torrent, which requires caution.
It is important to note that the flow can vary during the day, and it was much stronger on our return.

We didn't find the finger hold as high up as some people say. See 3 minutes 56 seconds into our video.
We encountered two small walls like the one shown at 6 minutes 29 seconds in the video, which I'll link to again.
https://youtu.be/2Hmm9M9xGeA?si=IHrSOf-v...

Finally, we made the mistake of not bringing crampons, which would have saved us time.
After a rise in temperature, the snow became slippery due to a north wind. We sometimes took one step forward and two steps back. Nothing could be more tiring.

We always make mistakes, even with a little experience. It was our thirty-fourth 3,000-metre peak.

If there are snowfields, we will always take crampons with us from now on, even if they are not needed.

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Muchos
Muchos
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : May 29, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

Hi, I did this walk at the end of May, with a lot of snow, 95% of the way (120cm from the wall before the refuge to the brèche and a little less on the south side). Crampons were compulsory; I had ice axes, but poles seemed more appropriate. The tracks were easy to follow in the snow, so there were no surprises. The snow covers the ridge, so it's hard to know whether you're on rock or in a void. Stay on the left-hand side of the ridge, as the right-hand side is directly above the glacier. In terms of difficulty (with snow), you mustn't neglect your footing, as it slips away quickly. You mustn't neglect your physical condition, as this is a difficult climb. We saw a family with 5 children (aged between 4 and 12), two of whom were being carried by their parents, but don't attempt it in these conditions! Excellent view once you're up there, it's worth it!

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nathandelHM
nathandelHM

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Nov 09, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

done with crampons and ice axe in this period.
Take care when passing the finger of the false breach after the roland breach.
Go left if you are not equipped for scree and have mountain feet.
Otherwise, be careful when crossing the Sarradets waterfall, as it is very slippery.
To reach the summit, you pass over a magnificent ridge, offering an immersive 360° view of the entire Pyrenean massif.

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Serge Mittel
Serge Mittel

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 11, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Lovely walk, very well signposted

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gueshpat
gueshpat

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 07, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

We did this walk at the beginning of June, but we found the snow after 1.7 km and never saw it disappear again.
Between the pass and the refuge, there was a 30 cm wide passage with a steep slope on our left. We were prone to vertigo and had to turn back.

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Olivier46100
Olivier46100

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Oct 29, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No


A superb hike with a few difficulties, but a breathtakingly varied landscape: path, rocks, torrent, bottom of glacier, small lake, false flat, steep climb...
But be careful with the weather!

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d.brem
d.brem

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Oct 07, 2023
Reliability of the description : N/A
Clarity of route map : N/A
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

There are no GPS tracks on the route. You can't go wrong. A 3000 that's easy to get to, but make sure you're well shod (not like some tourists) and have poles (it's easier). Lots of photo breaks. And if you want peace and quiet => leave before everyone else... very early.

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GLEPATIO
GLEPATIO

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Sep 24, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

We set off from the Petzel to enjoy the sunrise at the refuge - excellent! A hike to be enjoyed in fine weather, as the view from the peak is 360°. No particular difficulties... Lots of photo breaks! This is a high mountain hike, so check the weather forecast and bring good shoes and poles. You can fill up with water at the refuge.

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titi670
titi670

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Oct 05, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Magnificent hike, a magnificent site! A magnificent site!
I really loved this route

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Jebay6
Jebay6

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Sep 27, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Superb outing, ideal weather.
A few people but no traffic jams.

The route is just perfect, although the little waterfall crossing can be a bit wet or slippery, but nothing that can't be overcome by a hike like this.

Thank you for everything.

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poucette31
poucette31

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Sep 24, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

This hike took place on 23 September with fresh snow overnight! But what a world up to the Brêche. A technical hike, especially with fresh, slippery snow. But what a view!

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donibanegarazi
donibanegarazi

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 30, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Magnificent hike, a grandiose site! You need to arrive early at the col des tentes, as places are at a premium! To be done in fine weather to appreciate even more the arrival at the Brèche de Roland and the summit of the Taillon.

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Didierisaso
Didierisaso

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 16, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Superb hike with lots to see
Thank you👍

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titi670
titi670

The Greenwich meridian crosses this region. Normally, on my walks, I've always sailed north (N) and east (E).
That's why I hadn't noticed that it was actually north (N) and west (W). Thanks for your reply and thanks also to Michel for his advice to leave at 7am.

Once I've done this walk in early October, I'll leave a comment on the route...looking forward to it!

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mes randos michel
mes randos michel

You have to set off from the Col des Tentes for Le Taillon (the end of the road); arrive early, at around 7am, to find a parking space. Otherwise, you'll have to park along the road below.

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