Ballades Facile: Easy Pyrenean Walks

Simple Low-energy High-altitude Walks in the High Pyrenees

Jul 28, 2008

In the spectacular Midi Pyrenees region there are a number of pleasant walks which offer stunning mountain landscape but are easily manageable for the part-time walker.

This central area of the Pyrenees, located exactly half way between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, encompasses the upper valley of the mighty Garonne river. Here can be found some of the most beautiful mountain peaks and the greenest valleys in the whole Pyrenean chain, none more so than the Luchonnaise region taking in the Valley du Lys and the Valley d’Oo

Two Simply Spectacular Walks

Leave Luchon on the D618 route de Col de Peyresourde. At Castillion take the left hand fork D76 and follow the River d’Oo for 10 mins until you reach the Granges D’Asteau (1139m). There you can leave your car by the small restaurant. The wide path, part of the GR10 (the Grand Randonnee or walk that scales the entire length of the Pyrenees) is clearly marked and for about an hour climbs steadily up the valley wall, at first through low pastures and moorland and then up into the tree line where the walk, although shady, offers several good views back down the valley. 90mins later, scrambling over the crest of a small dam, you will reach the Lac d’Oo 1504m, a pure green glacial lake set in a rocky volcanic landscape, fed by a 275m cascade waterfall which crashes down from the Lac d’Espingo. There is a small auberge where you can stop for refreshment before making your descent.

From Luchon take the D46 to Superbagnere, be sure to take the detour up to the summit where there are amazing 360 degree views and a orientation table. Rejoin the main valley road and continue to the end. Leave your car in the free Auberge carparking and take the small path to the left over the stream.

From there the beginning of the route is well signed 'Itineraire 40'. The first part of the walk to the stunning Cascade du Coeur (1296m) is gentle and shady. There is a short steep climb up through the Bois du Mont du Lys which after 25 mins opens out onto the lower reaches of the Prairie de L’artigue(1305m). Here you leave the itineraire 40 and take the small route off to the right. Then you have a gentle ½hr walk through the woods to the Gouffre d’Enfer (1376m). This stunning ravine and fast flowing river can be crossed and explored or you can take the route back down the valley to another beautiful waterfall - the Cascade d’Enfer - and the Auberge carpark.

Where to Stay

Both of the walks are pleasant half day excursions giving you plenty of time to rest and relax. Bagneres de Luchon, or Luchon as it’s known locally, is a perfect base to explore the area and is a charming old spa town with elegant shady avenues and a wealth of restaurants and fine hotels to choose from. At the end of the impressive tree lined Allee d’etigny is the Thermes Spa and Vitaline Complex. Resting in the shade of the mountain peaks it is the perfect place to unwind and restore tired feet with a natural steam bath.

The tourist office at Luchon also offers guided walks and information on accommodation.

Specialist walking map IGN number 1848OT Bagneres de Luchon has all the paths clearly marked.

The copyright of the article Ballades Facile: Easy Pyrenean Walks in France Travel is owned by Kerry Swash. Permission to republish Ballades Facile: Easy Pyrenean Walks in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.