My first mountain refuge in the Pyrenees - A family Pyrenean adventure
In summary
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Sports
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Duration2 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationPyrenees / Cauterets
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AgeFrom 10 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions7.31 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
Spanish
In a few words
Discover the magic of the high mountains during a wild immersion in the heart of the Pyrenees National Park . This one-and-a-half-day trek is the perfect opportunity to experience the unique atmosphere of a night in a mountain refuge , while remaining on an accessible route.
As you hike, you'll find yourself in an enchanting landscape where crystal-clear glacial lakes give way to panoramic mountain ridges. This trip is a true invitation to contemplation and awakening your sense of nature: accompanied by the distant sound of cowbells, you'll learn to identify majestic birds of prey and spot chamois and marmots in their natural habitat.
Between verdant valleys and granite peaks, this route prioritizes disconnecting from the everyday and direct contact with nature. A suspended interlude, designed for lovers of wide-open spaces who wish to combine the pleasure of hiking with observing Pyrenean biodiversity . It's the perfect adventure for a first foray into multi-day hiking, combining conviviality with the splendor of high-altitude landscapes.
The highlights
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A night in a small, typical mountain refuge
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A very abundant wildlife
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Glacial lakes for refreshing breaks
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
The minimal elevation changes and reasonable distances make this route accessible to most people. However, it is still mountain hiking with sections at altitude, so a minimum level of fitness is required.
The terrain on the second day is quite stony, and the descent is quite long, requiring a minimum of comfort on this terrain.
Children aged 10 and over.
In figures
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 9 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 500 m
- Average daily descent: 435 m
Management
French
English
Spanish
The stay will be supervised by a state-certified mountain guide.
Program
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Ascent to the Ilhéou refuge
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 5 km
- Positive elevation gain 630 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
An easy first stage will allow you to gently warm up. The Ilhéou valley is famous for its marmot colony, but also for its slopes where herds of chamois sometimes frolic.
After passing a beautiful waterfall, you will discover the Ilhéou cirque with its flock of sheep.
Then, as night falls at the refuge, on the edge of the great lake of Ilhéou, you will stroll on the terrace to observe the celestial vault in very pure air at these altitudes.
Day 1 -
The great crossing Ilhéou - Pont d'Espagne
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 370 m
- Negative elevation 870 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Breakfast at the refuge.
We'll take advantage of an early start to enjoy the quiet, uncrowded mountains. A first climb will test our newly awakened calves, then we'll reach the Col de la Haugade, with its magnificent panorama. We will have already completed the only climb of the day!
We will then follow a well-marked path downhill to the Embarrat lakes, in a breathtaking setting. Here, chamois and ibex reign supreme...
Then, continuing the descent, we will set foot in the large and very rich Marcadau valley: vast plateaus with wetlands full of discovery, a river cascading between the rocks, this is the valley of wonders of the Pyrenees.
Finally we will reach the famous Pont d'Espagne and its powerful waterfalls, before taking the shuttle that will take us back to the village of Cauterets.
Day 2
Accommodation
The Ilhéou refuge is located at an altitude of 1988 m, in the heart of the valley of the same name, on the edge of a large lake.
It is accessible from the Cambasque car park (1370 m): You will walk along the Gave d'Ilhéou, cross the small Ilhéou bridge about 1 km from the car park and follow the track to the Ilhéou waterfall.
The shelter has 22 places.
Access
Visit us at our premises located at 5 avenue du Général Leclerc, next to Les Halles.
Go to the starting point
From the train station to Cauterets:
- Bus: This is the simplest option. The liO 965 line provides a direct link between Lourdes train station and Cauterets bus station (approximately 50 minutes journey, €2 ticket).
- Taxi: Allow approximately 35 to 40 minutes for the journey (estimated fare between €70 and €100 depending on the time of day).
Free parking at the entrance to the village of Cauterets or paid municipal parking.
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be supervised by a state-certified mountain guide.
- Accommodation in mountain huts and dormitories
- Full board from dinner on Day 1 to picnic lunch on Day 2
The price does not include
- Transportation to the start of the hike (we organize carpooling),
- Personal equipment
- Drinks and any personal expenses
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
Suitable walking shoes, preferably with very good ankle support, and with a notched sole.
1 backpack of approximately 40 liters
1 waterproof bag or heavy-duty bin bag to keep belongings dry.
1 water bottle of at least 1.5 litres (remember to fill it) + 1 small thermos if possible.
Sunglasses, sunscreen.
A sleeping bag liner ("sleeping bag") for the night.
1 small toiletry kit + 1 small personal first-aid kit + toilet paper.
1 headlamp.
Good quality sunglasses, a cap or hat.
A snack, cereal bars, cakes, energy fruits for breaks.
Camera, binoculars if you wish!
Lunch for day 1.
Clothing to bring
1 long-sleeved t-shirt (preferably made of synthetic material or merino wool).
2 short-sleeved t-shirts (preferably made of synthetic material or merino wool).
1 thin long-sleeved fleece.
1 warm and thick garment (sweater, thick fleece, down jacket…).
1 waterproof jacket.
1 short.
1 Mountain trousers.
1 change of pants, jogging pants or tights for the evening.
1 Bonnet.
1 pair of thin gloves.
2 pairs of hiking socks.
