4 – PORT DE VENASQUE PAR LE PAS DE L’ESCALETTE

Steps

Step 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

Step 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!

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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).

Step 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.