> Climb from valley forests into a chain of high glacial lakes
> Cross wild mountain shelves between Maupas and Vénasque
> Finish among the green meadows of Artiga de Lin after days in rugged terrain
There is a moment early in the trek, just above the first basin, when the view suddenly expands and reveals the entire upper cirque below Maupas: dark water, steep faces and a maze of granite slabs. From here on, the scenery keeps shifting. The high traverse toward Vénasque brings long contours above deep blue lakes, sharp ridges on the skyline, and wide views into both France and Spain. Later, the landscape softens as the descent enters the forests and pastures of Artiga de Lin, where clear streams and open meadows replace the rock and scree of the previous days.
Across four demanding stages, the route links the upper Lys valley with the elevated plateau beneath the Boum de Vénasque before dropping into one of the most sheltered valleys of the Arán region. Nights are spent in remote Pyrenean refuges, each placed in its own dramatic setting. With steep ascents, varied terrain and unforgettable viewpoints, this trek delivers a powerful sense of progression — from deep mountain cirques to open Spanish valleys — making it an exceptional choice for hikers seeking a tougher, more adventurous multi-day experience.
