High sensations

Hiking to the highest peaks in the Hautes-Pyrénées

In the heart of the Hautes-Pyrénées, the summits are all yours to discover in their own way. Some are sturdy and proud, like Vignemale and Mont Perdu, demanding patience and courage. Others are gentler, such as Néouvielle, offering a helping hand to dreamers in search of their first 3,000-metre peak. The climbs and experiences here are grandiose: roped up with a guide to explore the peaks in mountaineering mode, or as an initiation into the world of high mountains.

mythical

Mythical summits

Their names fascinate. Their peaks are unmistakeable and have left their mark on the history of Pyrenean mountaineering, arousing the envy of the most seasoned climbers. Conquering them promises a sense of achievement. At the summit, emotion often takes over. No one remains indifferent once up there.

Le VignemaleFrom Ossoue dam

Imposing from the Gaube valley, the Vignemale massif overlooks the Pyrenees National Park. At 3298m, the Pique Longue is the highest peak in the French Pyrenees, and is undoubtedly the most legendary of the legendary climbs, one that should be checked off at least once in your hiking diary.

Duration: 11 hours

Difference in altitude: 1500 m

Altitude : 3298 m

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Mount PerduFrom the Col des Tentes

A sacred land and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mont Perdu impresses and fascinates. One of the top 3 highest summits in the Pyrenees, its long, technical route is rewarded with the finest panoramic views in the range. With breathtaking views over the Añisclo and Ordesa canyons, and an aerial passage over the ridges of the Cirque de Gavarnie.

Duration: 7 hours

Difference in altitude: 1800 m

Altitude: 3355 m

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Balaïtousfrom the Plan d'Aste car park

Bala” is the stuff of dreams, but venturing up it requires a good understanding of the mountain and a few 3000 metres in the legs. It’s a long hike, and the return trip involves almost as much walking as the outward journey. The breathtaking panorama of the foothills of the Bearn region is well worth the effort. The long diagonal on the last part of the approach requires some basic climbing skills, and helmets are strongly recommended.

Duration: 11.15 hrs

Difference in altitude: 1950 m

Altitude: 3144 m

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not to be missed

The must-see summits

The gateway to the 3,000-mile summit circle, these peaks boast easy access and no major difficulties. A must-see in the Pyrenees, they are the benchmark for discovering the high mountains. The ideal playground for a first ascent to an altitude of over 3000m.

Néouviellefrom Lac d'Aubert

A climb with the myriad lakes of the eponymous National Nature Reserve as a constant backdrop. Néouvielle and its heavenly scenery, ideal for a first experience of high mountain without any particular technique, opens the way to the very closed circle of the 3000. At its summit, a rich and vast panorama of all the “Grands” of the Pyrenees.

Duration: 6h30
Difference in altitude: 950 m
Altitude: 3091 m

En route

Taillonfrom the Col des Tentes

This is undoubtedly the most accessible 3,000-metre route in the Cirque de Gavarnie. After passing the famous Brèche de Roland, the route passes through Spain and offers views of the many Sierras. Once at the summit, the 360° panorama is absolutely magnificent. A great route if you want to take on the 3,000!

Duration: 8 hours
Difference in altitude: 1000 m
Altitude: 3,144 m

En route

Gourgs Blancsfrom the Pont de Prat

Straddling the Hautes-Pyrénées, Haute-Garonne and Spain, the Gourgs Blancs peak is well known to the inhabitants of all three regions. From the Prat bridge, at the bottom of the Louron valley, the route crosses a lacustrine landscape shaped by the remains of the glacier. This is a hike that can be done in one go for the more experienced, or over two days with a bivouac by a hut.

Duration: 12 hours
Difference in altitude: 2348 m
Altitude: 3129 m

En route

confidential

Confidential summits

Often in the shadow of their more famous neighbours, these peaks are not at the top of your to-do list. Favoured for their route away from the crowds, they are no less demanding. Their long ascents require a certain knowledge of the mountains.

The Schraderor Grand Batchimale

Dominating the Aygues Tortes valley on the French side and the Chistau valley on the Spanish side, Grand Batchimale, better known as Pic Schrader, has to be earned. The first step is an approach walk over the torrent in the Clarabide gorges. The adventure begins a little further on, past a shepherd’s hut. On this aerial route, don’t be afraid to put your hands down. A breathtaking hike, both in terms of its profile and its panorama.

Duration: 8 hours 10 minutes

Difference in altitude: 1580 m

Altitude: (info missing)

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Campbieilfrom Cap de Long lake

A technically very easy 3,000m climb, but one that will require the hiker to be in good physical condition. It’s a long climb, but well worth the effort, or at least the walk. The best route up to the summit is via the Pic d’Estaragne, an aerial walk suspended between the Aure valley and the Pays Toy.

Duration: 7 hours

Difference in altitude: 1250 m

Altitude: 3,173 m

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Marboréfrom the Col des Tentes

Another classic of the “roofs” of the Cirque de Gavarnie, its route crosses the famous Brèche de Roland and skirts the atypical Pas des Isards pass, impressive on the cliffside but equipped with a steel chain for easy crossing. With one foot in France and the other in Spain, the walk continues right on the border. The Aragonese side is drier and more arid than the Toy side, with lush green meadows and a sheer view of the Cirque and the waterfall. It’s like leaning out from a balcony.

Duration: 9h30

Difference in altitude: 1700 m

Altitude: 3248 m

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roped up

The roped-off summits

You don’t have to be afraid of heights to tackle Néouvielle, Petit Astazou and Casque du Marboré… What’s so special about them? Uncoil the rope and use your hands to climb them. You’ll need a few basic mountaineering skills, and a guide is recommended for a safe introduction.

Néouvielleby decision of the 3 advisers

Overlooking the immense Cap de Long lake and offering a 360° view of a nature reserve, this route is a must for those who want to learn about mountaineering while discovering one of the mythical peaks of the Central Pyrenees: the Néouvielle.

Duration: 10-12 hours (5 hours for the ascent of the route)
Difference in altitude: 1000 m
Altitude: 3091 m

En route

Petit AstazouFrom Gavarnie village

Like an open book on Gavarnie, winter and summer alike, it’s at Les Astazous that part of the massif’s history is written. On a long 500m ridge, at the entrance to the Cirque de Gavarnie, climbers follow an aesthetic and homogeneous route. Welcome to one of the great classics of the Pyrenees!

Duration: Long and sustained route
Difference in altitude: 1,500 m
Altitude: 3012 m
Pre-requisites: Knowledge of mountaineering necessary

En route

Marboré helmetunderground chimney

While the Casque du Marboré via the classic route is an accessible and easy 3,000-metre climb, the route via the Cheminée Souterraine will delight hardened hikers and climbing enthusiasts. A step in 3 exposed will lead you directly in the bowels of the massif of Mont-Perdu. The exit via a hole is one of the most aesthetically pleasing. Then it’s just a short walk to the summit of the Cirque de Gavarnie.

Duration: 7 hours
Difference in altitude: 1000 m
Altitude: 3006 m
Pre-requirements: Wait until the summer season and when the snow melts for the route to be practicable.

En route