DAY 1 : Arrive Luchon

Day 1 and it's time to get cracking. We'll pick you up at Toulouse airport around 11.30 and bring you back to the guest house in Luchon. In the afternoon there's the opportunity to go rock climbing (if there's still time, and weather permitting). In the evening we'll have a chat about the plan for the following days going over all the essentials - food, equipment, weather, etc. All clued in it'll be time for dinner and a chill ahead of the adventure to come.
DAY 2 : Trek to Refugi de Saboredo

It's an early start on day 2 so we can make the most of it. After breaky we'll drive an hour and a half to the start point in the Val d'Aran in Catalonia, Spain. Without skipping a beat it's straight into the trek, which kicks off weaving through Pyreneen Black Pine before roaming out to expansive fields of alpine flowers. After a bit of a climb we'll discover our first sizeable lake near the Refuge de Colomers where it's time for a spot of lunch. Grubbed up we'll head out into the wild and rocky terrain meeting the Pyrenean Haute Route heading over the Gran de Sendrosa pass (2,200m) to reveal the Saboredo Refuge.
(Time on the move 5-6 hours)
DAY 3 : Refuge de Ventosa I Calvell

It's day 3 already and time to discover the mountains. We'll be traversing the shores of two stunning lakes pitched below the Ratera Pass where we join the GR11. We then stroll back down to the sparkling lakes of the Cirque de Colomers. Listen up for the marmots and soak in the colourful alpine flowers. We're then in for a treat as we head up the Colomers Pass (2,400m) to the Ventosi I Cavell refuge, which many think holds the best location of all huts in the Pyrenees.
(Time on the move 5-6 hours)
DAY 4 : Refuge de Restanca and Pico Montardo

Fully recharged and refuelled we'll head for Pico Montardo, looming 2,833m over the Refuge de Restanca. The route winds its way up the Haute Route to Crestada Pass. From there we'll move up to the ridge line to the summit of Montardo and its jaw dropping view of the Spanish/French border. You'll gaze out over inimitable Pyrenean peaks like Pico Aneto. Suitably awe inspired, we'll then trek down to Restance Refuge, known for its friendly atmosphere.
(Time on the move 5-6 hours)
DAY 5 : Out via col de Caldes and seven lake circuit

It's come time to love and leave the Thousand Lake area as we ascend over the Col de Caldes (2,400 meters) progressing to the Cirque de Travessani. Our path here meets the famous GR11 taking us onto what is for many the highlight of the circuit, the Seven Lake Walk. Now comes the icing on the cake for the wild swimmers amongst us who can attempt the seven-lake swim challenge. This is sure to be one you won't forget showing off your doggy paddle in an emerald lake surrounded by snowcapped peaks. It's then time to head back down to catch our transfer back to France and gorge on our celebratory feast!
(Time on the move 5-6 hours)
DAY 6 : Bagneres de Luchon and flight home

So does that mean it's all over? Maybe not. If you've got a later flight you can choose to either take a chilled morning to visit the natural spa and perhaps hit the shops for a few gifts. Or if you're up for it, get yourself out for some world class mountain biking and/or paragliding in this outdoor mecca before the transfer back to Toulouse.
Ascent of Mont Rebei
The 6th to 13th September trip is an 8 day trip which includes an ascent of Mont Rebei - contact us for more details!