



A beautiful trail reserved for the fittest, with breathtaking views of the highest peaks of the Pyrenees as a bonus!
"In the Pyrenees, hospices are places where you can find hospitality all along the Spanish border. At an altitude of 1,400 metres, the Hospice de France is a listed site located a few kilometres from the town of Bagnères-de-Luchon.
Whether you're hiking or trail running, this beautiful route is reserved for the fittest, with breathtaking views of the high peaks of the Pyrenees as a bonus!
This is truly THE trail to run in the Luchonnais Pyrenees, following in the footsteps of the runners of the famous Luchon Aneto Trail, which has been held every July since 2014.
History is never far away from this important place: a memorial dedicated to Spanish Republicans stands where these refugees arrived after crossing the Pyrenees.
Info: Yellow markings are in place until Port de Vénasque, then follow the signs for Port de la Picade and Pas de l'Escalette, and start the descent without markings but with cairns until you return to the plateau indicating Hospice de France.
Would you like to discover this route with a guide? www.hautegaronnetourisme.com/activites/sporteur-de-bonheur/ or www.hautegaronnetourisme.com/activites/bureau-des-guides-de-luchon/"
1 - Start from the Hospice de France car park. Climb up towards the inn and continue along the path opposite, then cross the river. Follow the path uphill towards the Col de Vénasque. - L'Esplanade des évadés
3 - Follow the many switchbacks up to the right of the stream and then cross it (1798m). Continue to the Boums du Port (lakes). The Vénasque refuge will quench even the thirstiest thirst!
2 - After about 10 minutes, cross the Penjat bridge and leave the chemin de l'impératrice (Empress's path) which branches off to the right, continuing straight ahead and following the Port de Vénasque stream.
4 - The hairpin bends leading to the Col de Vénasque are visible from the refuge. This natural border with Spain offers views of the Aneto massif, the highest peak in the Pyrenees at 3,404 metres.
5 - Descend a hundred metres on the Spanish side, then take trail No. 23 (yellow markings) on the left towards the Port de la Picade.
6 - Begin the climb to the Port de la Picade and continue before turning left onto the stony path with a tricky section to reach the Pas de l'Escalette.
7 - Continue along the well-marked trail that returns to France and begin the descent towards the Crête de Crabidès and straight on to the Pas de Mounjoye (border marker).
8 - Continue straight ahead to Pas de Mounjoye (border marker no. 336). Leave the ridge on your right and turn left towards the Roumingau pastures. You will come to a crossroads. Turn left and descend towards the Hospice de France.
From 2026-05-01T00:00:00 From 2026-11-29T00:00:00
1275 (High)
BAGNERES-DE-LUCHON
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.