


A hike that takes you through all the mountain zones. Once you have passed the lakes of Oô, Espingo and Saoussat, you will reach the refuge in a rocky landscape. It is advisable to stay there if you want to climb the surrounding peaks, 12 of which are over 3,000 metres high. You are in high mountains, so check with the warden for access conditions.
The Portillon refuge (2,570 m) is also known as Jean Arlaud (Pyrenean mountaineer, 1896-1938, who died on the Gourgs Blancs ridge).
Start at the top of the car park and take a wide track through the forest, pass the sulphurous rock and follow the path up to Lake Oô. Follow the GR10 or yellow signs n° 42/43 to Lake Espingo. Pass Lake Saoussat and follow path n° 43 to the Portillon refuge.
Please note that swimming is not permitted in the mountain lakes.
- Starting from the barns in Astau, head towards Lake Oô. Then head towards Lake Espingo.
- From there, continue straight ahead, passing by Lake Saoussat, and head towards the end of the valley: the Coume de l'Abesque footbridge (2,099 m).
- The path then levels out and winds its way up to an old rain gauge.
- You will arrive at a plateau and shortly afterwards you will see the Portillon lake dam and its beautiful refuge on the right (2,543 m).
- Return via the same route.
From 2026-05-01T00:00:00 From 2026-11-15T00:00:00
1649 (High)
OO
Tel : 05 61 79 21 21
Email : info@pyrenees31.com
Website : www.pyrenees31.com
Contact : HAUTE-GARONNE TOURISME / OFFICE DE TOURISME PYRÉNÉES 31
Phone : 05 61 79 21 21
This information comes from the Haute-Garonne Departmental Tourism Network and is synchronized as part of the partnership between Cirkwi and Haute-Garonne Tourisme.