LES CHEMINS DE LA LIBERTÉ (OPUS N°3) : DES GRANGES D'ASTAU AU REFUGE DU PORTILLON

"The paths of freedom are routes that were used by around 90,000 people during the Second World War: resistance fighters, Allied pilots, Jews and those refusing to participate in the STO (compulsory labour service). By attempting to reach Spain, they all hoped to escape the Nazis who threatened their very existence.
Haute-Garonne Tourisme and the association ""Chemins de la liberté par le Comminges et le Val d'Aran"" invite you to discover these historic routes while hiking."

"This is the third part of the hike that began at Port de Balès (see Chemins de la Liberté: Opus n°1 and 2), from the Granges d'Astau to Lac du Portillon. Please note that from Lac d'Espingo you are entering high mountain terrain and we do not recommend attempting this hike alone if you are not experienced. Some parts of the trail may be snow-covered even late in the season, and the guidance of a mountain professional is essential. To contact them: www.pyrenees31.com/planifier/activites/randonnees/trouver-accompagnateur/
taking this route via the Col de Balès, you will be walking in the footsteps of André Bon. This escapee was taken to Saléchan station via Toulouse thanks to the Françoise resistance network, one of the first to help and involved in the escape of at least 700 people.
Like André Bon, who made it to Bénasque in Spain, thousands braved the dangers of the mountains in the hope of finding freedom beyond the peaks of the Pyrenees.
A dangerous and demanding human adventure, this gruelling journey cost the lives of more than 2,200 people, victims of the mountains or Nazi troops.
As you walk in the footsteps of these shadow fighters, escapees, smugglers, networks of helpers and anonymous individuals who contributed to the rescues, many of whom never returned, do not forget them!
To find out more about the history of these fugitives and their smugglers, visit the website of the association ""Chemins de la liberté par le Comminges et le Val d'Aran"" (Paths to Freedom through Comminges and the Val d'Aran)."