Pic du Midi d'Ossau

Arrival at Col de Pourtalet, situated at nearly 1800 metres right on the border between France and Spain, with the Pyrenees at your feet. If you arrive early, you might have time to climb up to a peak on the Spanish/French border. Delicious evening meal with mountain views.

After a short 30-minute ride, you start with a section in Spain then cross over into France for a beautiful descent along the river. Next you conquer the long ascent up to the mountain hut, hiking first through forests then through barren mountain landscapes. Refuge de Pombie is beautifully situated on a lake beneath the majestic Pic du Midi d'Ossau.

NOTE: If you are travelling by public transport, the bus to Col du Pourtalet leaves at 09.00 hrs.

Hike: 12 km / 7 mi, 800 m ascent, 600 m descent, 5 hours.

It's time to circle back to the starting point of your mini-trek. And this may be the last hiking route, but it's certainly not the least! Soon you reach the first alpine jewel, Lac Bersau. Next you can opt for an adventurous section on the ridge bordering France and Spain, following vague sheep tracks with magnificent views and the feeling of being alone in the world. This option can only be done on clear days with the use of our travel App/GPS device. If the weather is not the best, you can trek along clear paths at the foot of Pic du Midi. Traversing a lovely high plateau where flocks of sheep or half-wild horses roam, you end the day's journey back at a comfortable hotel.

NOTE: If you are travelling by public transport, the bus to Col du Pourtalet leaves at 16.40 hrs

Walk: 14 km / 9 mi, 800 m ascent, 1000 m descent, 6,5 hours. The adventurous variant is a bit shorter, with less ascent and descent but much more difficult paths.