Beginner Dirigée De Luchon

Leaving the village of Bossòst, the route starts on a quiet forest path that climbs gently through beech and fir trees. The first part of the walk is shaded and peaceful, with soft ground underfoot and small streams running alongside the trail. As you make your way uphill, the forest slowly opens up and glimpses of the surrounding mountains begin to appear.

After a while, the trees give way to wide, grassy hillsides. The terrain becomes more open, the views get bigger, and the path turns into a clear track across the high pastures of the Val d’Aran. This middle section feels bright and spacious, with long views towards the ridges near Còlh de Barèja and the gentle plateau of Campsaure.

Once the meadows are crossed, the trail dips back into a patch of forest on the French side of the ridge. Here the atmosphere changes again: mossy stones, cool shade, and a quieter, more enclosed path lead you down toward the valley. When the trees finally part, the landscape opens suddenly, revealing the wide glacial valley of the Hospice de France. A short, easy final stretch brings you to the refuge, surrounded by grassy terraces and steep mountain walls.

From the Hospice de France the trail begins gently, crossing open grassy slopes with wide views into the surrounding valley. The path is easy to follow and gives you a chance to warm up your legs before the climb begins in earnest. Soon the terrain steepens and you reach a long series of zigzags that carry you up the mountainside. These switchbacks are well-built and steady, allowing you to gain height quickly while the views behind you grow broader with every turn.

Higher up, the landscape becomes much more alpine. The grassy slopes fade away and the ground turns into a mix of rock, gravel and scattered boulders. The path winds across open, exposed terrain, with rugged ridges rising on both sides and deep shadowed valleys far below. This part of the stage feels wild and dramatic, with constant panoramic views that make the effort of the climb more than worthwhile.

As you reach the final section, the ground levels out and the trail traverses a high, stony plateau. Here the atmosphere is unmistakably high-mountain, quiet and expansive. Just before the refuge comes into view, the landscape opens suddenly to reveal a series of beautiful mountain lakes. The largest, the Boum de Vénasque, lies deep and blue in its rocky basin, while smaller lakes sit just above it. A short walk brings you to the Refuge de Vénasque, perched above the water and surrounded by towering peaks.