The Haute Route Pyrénéenne

From the Larribet refuge to the Wallon-Marcadau refuge

From the Larribet refuge, perched in the upper Tech valley, the route plunges down to the Gave d’Arrens before a long ascent to the Col de Cambalès (2,706 m). Here, a spectacular traverse between lakes leads to the Wallon-Marcadau refuge.

📏 19 km | ⬆ 1,200 m D+ climb

From the Wallon-Marcadau refuge to the Bayssellance refuge

The route takes in the lake and the Col d’Arratille, skirting Spain briefly before descending to the Oulettes de Gaube refuge, at the foot of the north face of the Vignemale, the highest peak in the French Pyrenees. From the Col des Mulets, it follows the GR10 to the Bayssellance refuge, the highest guarded refuge in the French Pyrenees.

📏 13 km | ⬆ 1,350 m D+ climb

From the Bayssellance refuge to Gavarnie

The Ossoue valley stretches out in mineral silence, broken only by the whistling of marmots. The descent seems endless, each bend revealing a new part of the landscape. Then, below, like a mirage, Gavarnie takes shape, tiny against the walls of its monumental UNESCO-listed cirque.

📏 18 km | ⬆ 150 m D+ (but 1,500 m D-!)

From Gavarnie to Héas

From Gavarnie, the ascent to Hourquette d’Alans opens the way to a world of high mountains. After descending to the turquoise-hued Lac des Gloriettes, the route climbs to a balcony above the Cirque de Troumouse, offering breathtaking views of its imposing rock faces. Further on, the peaceful hamlet of Héas finally comes into view, nestling at the foot of the mountains.

📏 20 km | ⬆ 1,350 m D+ climb

From Héas to Parzán

A demanding stage that begins with the ascent of the Aguila valley, where the effort is felt from the very first metres. After passing the Héas and Chermentas hillocks, the horizon opens up to the Barroude cirque, a mineral jewel suspended between sky and rock. Higher up, the port of Barroude marks the entrance to Spain. This is followed by a long descent where the terrain gradually changes, the vast screes giving way to more open valleys. The last few kilometres to Parzán, on the road, put the legs to the test after a day in the high mountains.

📏 32 km | ⬆ 1,650 m D+ climb

From the Viados refuge to the Soula refuge

From the Viados refuge, the path climbs to the Aygues Tortes port (2,680 m), the last pass before returning to France. Up here, you can see the vast expanses of Aragon before turning towards the upper Louron valley. The descent follows rocky slopes and crosses meadows, skirting torrents and waterfalls. Further down, the Soula refuge comes into view, nestling in the hollow of the mountains, cradled by the roar of the rio Neste de Clarabide.

📏 13 km | ⬆ 950 m D+ climb