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35 - LE RU D'ENFER
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Description
A true natural curiosity nestled above the Gouffre d'Enfer (Hell's Chasm).
At the bottom of the Lis Valley, you can see the Portillon hydroelectric power station on your left, built in 1941.
Did you know that the water used in this plant comes from Lake Portillon, at an altitude of over 2,500 metres in the neighbouring valley? An 8-kilometre underground tunnel and a penstock (above the plant) transport the water to the turbines.
Starting from the car park in the Lis Valley, to the right of the waterfall, trail no. 35 climbs up to the right to the chasm. The path then continues to the Ru d'Enfer. You can descend via the Pré de l'Artigue and the beech forest to complete a loop.
Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Points of interest
Additional information
Detailed stages
1 - Start at the bottom of the Lis Valley. Take the track in front of you, passing the houses, and head towards the Cascade d'Enfer, a magnificent waterfall (altitude 1,170 m).
2 - As you approach the waterfall, you will see the start of the shared trails marked 35 and 36 on your right. The climb under the hazel trees is pleasant, with regular switchbacks. Higher up, you will enter a coniferous forest. Continuing on your way, you will cross a stream, which can be problematic at the beginning of the season due to snowmelt at high altitudes.
3 - A little further on, the slope levels out and even descends to a first bridge.
4 - Go to the promontory for a superb view of the Gouffre d'Enfer.
Continue climbing and cross the stream again on the upper bridge. You will come to the junction with the path that leads to the Crabioules Mines. Continue straight ahead, leaving the path on your right. At the Ru d'Enfer, walk along the flat stones to admire the gorges.
Descend by the same path to the Gouffre d'Enfer.
5 - A little further down, you can either go back down the same path or turn right towards the Artigue meadow.
6 - The path is almost flat and very pleasant. Through the gaps in the trees, you can admire the view of the Lis valley. Just before the meadow, a metal footbridge allows you to cross the stream and reach the Artigue meadow (1,404 m).
7 - Cross the meadow following the path – leave the trail on your right leading to Lac Vert and continue straight ahead towards the valley.
8 - The path then descends steadily through beech trees and you will easily reach the place where you parked your vehicle.
Dates
From 2026-04-01T00:00:00 From 2026-11-29T00:00:00
Elevation gain
670 (Medium)
Start and end town
CASTILLON DE LARBOUST
Contact
Tel : 05 61 79 21 21
Email : inof@pyrenees31.com
Website : www.pyrenees31.com
Data producer
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.
Data author
