Adventure in the French Pyrenees Balaïtous

The adventure begins in the Ossau Valley, goes up by cable car to access the famous mountain train, Le Petit train d'Artouste, then continues on mountain trails from refuge to refuge, crossing mountainous areas, loose stone trails, plains and forests green areas, until a well-deserved rest in the Panticosa Thermal Spas.

This adventure is aimed at all those with a taste for the mountains, used to walking 6 to 8 hours a day with elevation differences of 1200 meters. It is an experience in the high mountain environment, with its landscapes and challenges. It will be 7 exciting days with 5 stages from refuge to refuge.

Program

Saturday, July 20th:

Departure from Lisbon at a location to be arranged.

Travel in shared vehicles to the Sallent de Gállego region. With 3 adventurers per car, we can make the round trip at a cost of around 80 euros per adventurer.

Accommodation in a rural mountain hotel, in double rooms, and group dinner (included). Depending on the group's interest, we may visit the town of Sabiñánigo, normally in celebration at this time of year.

Sunday, July 21st:

Travel to the Panticosa area, the final destination of this linear adventure.

Transfer to the start of the adventure, in France, next to the Lac de Fàbregés lake, Valle de Ossau.

Take the cable car up to the train platform at the highest altitude in Europe. Journey of approximately 10km on the Petite Tren D'Artouste panoramic train, which is very picturesque and will allow you to enjoy an excellent time with fabulous landscapes and views.

At the terminal station, next to Lac d’Artouste, we will begin the walk, with a climb to the Col d’Artouste at around 2500m.

On the way down we will begin to see our first mountain refuge, next to the Migouélou lake, appearing to float on top of it. The lake, with its mild temperatures, invites you to take a dip. 8km 750m D+ 400m D- level: moderate

Monday, July 22nd:

We will start early with a winding descent that will allow us to enjoy excellent views of the sunrise and that will take us to the Plan d’Aste in the Valle de Arrens valley and in the middle of the Parc National des Pyrénées. In this area we find the park's Interpretation Center. We continue through leafy forests to the Doumblas area and its spectacular waterfalls. On the way up, we will take a short break at hidden lakes. On the way to the final destination, the Larribet refuge, we can see alpine goats and marmots. In this refuge, many foods are made only with regional products, such as bread and cheese, which are tasty and made in a traditional way. Dinner is excellent, typically French with several courses. Don't forget to save a slice of bread to accompany the cheese at the end.

As a landscape we have the Balaïtous Peak and its imposing 3144m.

12km 800m D+ 1000m D- level: moderate

Tuesday, July 23rd:

We will start the day with the longest stage, around 18 to 19 km, along the same trail to the Doumblas waterfall area. We will begin to climb slightly along a fantastic trail carved into the mountain. On our right side we appreciate the excavated valley and the countless turquoise blue lakes that emerge, the Remoulis lakes. Curious marmots can be observed. It's just beautiful and fabulous. Arriving at Port de La Peyre, our first major challenge arises: the climb to the Col de Cambalès at 2706m, a challenging ascent through granite blocks and gravel. We will navigate by instinct looking for the best trail to overcome this challenge.

Having conquered the summit (col) flanked by 3000m peaks, we will begin the descent, crossing green areas at more than 2000m, in the heart of the national park, to the large lake of Cambalès. A century-old forest of dark pine trees transports us to the Marcadau region, where a renewed refuge awaits us. 19km 1200m D+ 1400m D- level: difficult

Wednesday, July 24th:

We begin the gentle descent through the green pastures of Marcadau, through characteristic pine and fir forests, to the old border area of Pont d’Espagne. Here we dedicate some time to visiting the watercourse and the fabulous waterfalls over granite giants. We realize that this is an impassable area. We will now continue on the trans-Pyrenean route to the great Lac de Gaube. A large hotel located here offers fantastic views and is worth a stop for a snack and refreshing drink. Amidst granite, waterfalls and verdant dishes, we will arrive at our destination, seeing El Gran Vignemale, at 3299m, which remains motionless in our final destination, the refuge Les Oulettes de Gaube.

16km 850m D+ 500m D- level: moderate

Thursday, July 25th:

We will start the day with a trail overlooking the peak of Vignemale, a remote and wild area. We will then go up to Puerto de Los Mulos (2600m) where, with a 360º view, we can enjoy the Circo del Ara. Here the Ara River originates, a virgin river in the Pyrenees. We continue between granite blocks, skirting the Ibones de Brazato. Here begins a long descent of 1600 meters that will take us to lower elevations, through forest paths, ending at the famous mountain spas and their Tiberio Baths. The Termas de Tiberio thermal circuit (not included in the price) will allow you to relax and reinvigorate from this exciting adventure. We will find cars parked nearby, where it will be possible to change clothes, swimwear and cap (mandatory). At this stage we develop our resilience. After several days in high mountains, you need to return to lower altitudes. We will stay in a nice refuge. Dinner will be held in Panticosa.

16km 1100m D+ 1600m D- level: difficult

Friday, July 26th:

After breakfast, we head to the town of Sallent de Gállego, the picturesque heart of this area of the Pyrenees, for a visit to the center and shopping area. After a snack lunch, we headed back home, happy and with memories to remember.

Price and conditions

Price: €530.00 per person

What's included:

- 5 nights half board in refuge

- 1 night in a rural hotel

- Group dinner 1st night

- Transfer from Panticosa to Lac Fabrèges (France)

- Telecabin + Panoramic Train

- Mountain guide + support during the program

What's not included:

- Transport (shared expenses)

- Other meals

- Mountain rescue insurance up to 3000m (required to present to the organization)

We recommend Iati Mochileiro Insurance https://www.iatiseguros.pt/seguros-viagens/13340/seguro-viagem-iati-mochileiro

Extras:

- Spa baths: €30

Available vacancies: 11

Registration fee: €130.00

Remaining payments:

1st installment: €200 until March 15, 2024

2nd installment: €200 until July 15, 2024

Registration is valid after filling out the form and sending payment of the registration fee.

Quimera Travel Experiences

RNAAT 628/2015

RNVAT 8466