Walking from the Gites to Rent in the French Pyrenees Midi

Close to the highest and most rugged sections of the Pyrenees mountains, the gites are an ideal location as a walking base and all round walking accomodation. 

For the latest weather try the French Meteo Service.

Directly East of the hut lies the Crête des Six Pics and Montségu.  In a website we found that this is a class 1/2 scramble that starts just below the Gite accomodation, and is a 12 hours circuit, taking the East ridge and returning via the Peyragudes ski area.

Crête des Six Pics from the patio of the Gite.  Montségu is out of sight on the right.

Another fabulous mountain walk is the Pic de Cecire which rises up to the West of the Luchon ski area.  Indeed, the black runs tend to be on its slopes.  Here the peak can be reached by the GR10 and a detour, or directly up the impossible looking ridge.  Steep and grassy this ridge is not for the vertically challenged, and just makes a grade 1 scrable in parts, though it is mostly a walk with steep drops either side.  Highly recommended.  We did it with an eight year old used to walking over rough ground.  Return via the GR10.  Total climb around 800m if you start from the top of the bubble car.

Looking East half way up the Pic de Cecire ridge.  The Luchon ski area is to the left out of sight.

For those looking for gentler walking there are many non-peak options.  A favourite is Lac de Oo.  Mentioned in every guide it lies just a few minutes drive away.  The Lac and its fabulous waterfall is worth a visit, and it is well worth carrying on above the Lac de Oo to the second lake and mountain hut where wild horses graze in tranquil surroundings.  Even in summer take warm clothing, and a windproof as you total climb of 800m results in a large temperature drop, and a slight breeze can make it feel chilly.

As you walk keep your eyes open for the myriad of many coloured grasshoppers, Pyrenean Vultures, Eagles (often in pairs) and the Red Kites that nest below the peaks.

Spending a day or two on the Spanish side is well worthwhile.  The landscape is completely different, and the people very friendly.