LES CHEMINS DE LA LIBERTÉ : DE SALÉCHAN À LES

From the villages of the Garonne Valley to the ridges overlooking the Val d’Aran, the Path of Liberty combines mountain walking with the history of the routes to Spain. On the first day, the route gradually leaves the inhabited areas behind, passing along the ‘Chemin Pédagogique de la Liberté’ and the chapel at Soueste, before heading through the forest to the Planet hut. The following day, the route climbs towards the Pic de Bacanère before crossing the border, then descends through the mountain pastures towards the Aranese villages of Bausen and Les.

This two-day trek is aimed at experienced walkers. Its long ascent, ridge walk and descent into the Val d’Aran require a good level of fitness, self-reliance and careful preparation.

This route can be split into two days of hiking.

Day 1: Set off from Saléchan station to the Planet hut (hut open, capacity 4 people).
The first day involves a gradual ascent from the Garonne valley towards the first wide-open high-altitude landscapes, passing through the villages of Cierp Gaud, Marignac and the stunning setting of the Soueste Chapel.

Not to be missed: Lake Cierp, the first views of the Pic du Gar, the ‘Sentiers de la Liberté’ educational trail, the Soueste Chapel, the ridge walk to Taons de Bacanère…

Day 2: from the Planet hut to Les. The second day takes you to the Taons de Bacanère Pass, a symbolic turning point towards Spain, then descends towards Bausen and Les. This section of the route strongly emphasises the historical significance of the path: crossing the border did not always mean immediate freedom, as some escapees were still arrested on their descent towards the Val d’Aran.

Not to be missed: the panoramic views from the ridges of Le Burat and the Pic de Bacanère, crossing the border at the Col des Taons de Bacanère, the succession of high-altitude landscapes and the Aranese villages of Bausen and Les.

To enjoy a peaceful walk and discover the local flora and fauna, a mountain guide can accompany you on your hike: www.pyrenees31.com/randonnees