6 must-see Pyrenees mountain huts
The Pyrenees are home to some exceptional mountain refuges, offering hikers unforgettable stopovers in the heart of grandiose landscapes. Between crystal-clear lakes, majestic peaks and wild valleys, these havens of peace allow you to discover the Pyrenean mountains in all their splendour. Whether you’re a beginner hiker or an experienced mountaineer, these 6 mountain refuges to discover in the Pyrenees promise authentic experiences and breathtaking panoramas.
1. Le refuge d’Ayous – Breathtaking view of the Pic du Midi d’Ossau
Perched at an altitude of 1,980 metres in the Pyrenees National Park, the Ayous refuge is one of the must-see mountain refuges in the Pyrenees. Situated on the edge of Lake Gentau in the Ossau valley, this refuge, renovated in 2021, offers spectacular views of the majestic Pic du Midi d’Ossau, affectionately nicknamed “Jean-Pierre” by the locals.
Accessible from the Lac de Bious-Artigue (1,422 m altitude) via a GR10 path with a vertical drop of around 600 metres, the Ayous refuge has 47 dormitory places. The approach hike takes around 1? hours and passes through breathtaking scenery, gradually leading to the Ayous lakes, veritable jewels of the Pyrenees, perfectly reflecting the recognisable silhouette of the Pic du Midi d’Ossau.
Download the audio-guided tour to discover Pau on foot and on your own
Before setting off on your assault on the Pyrenean mountain huts, take time to discover Pau, the gateway to the Pyrenees. This historic capital of Béarn will win you over with its royal castle, its famous Boulevard des Pyrénées and its remarkable gardens. The audio-guided itinerary allows you to explore independently the 18 most emblematic places of interest in this city of a thousand facets, the birthplace of Henry IV.
Also read about the Pau guide:
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- The 16 most beautiful lakes in the Pyrenees
- The most beautiful villages in the Pyrénées-Orientales
- 5 swimming spots in the Pyrénées-Orientales
- The 18 must-sees for discovering Occitania
2. The Bastan refuge – Authenticity in the heart of the Néouvielle massif
In the heart of the Néouvielle nature reserve, the Bastan refuge stands at an altitude of 2,250 metres, bordered by the Bastanet lakes and surrounded by a forest of hundred-year-old hooked pines. Built in the traditional mountain style with its stone walls and slate roof, this authentic refuge offers 35 places for Pyrenean mountain lovers.
The Bastan refuge can be reached from several points: the Col du Portet, Barèges or Lac d’Ordon. The most popular route from the Lac d’Ordon is around 2? hours’ walk with 400 metres of ascent. The refuge is an ideal stop-off point on the GR10, giving you the chance to discover one of the most unspoilt sites in the Pyrenees, classified as a nature reserve in 1935.
Please note: the Bastan refuge is currently closed for renovation work for safety reasons. Hikers are advised to check the reopening dates before planning their stay.
3. The Sarradets refuge – Gateway to the mythical Brèche de Roland
At an altitude of 2,587 metres, the Brèche de Roland refuge, better known as Les Sarradets, faces the legendary breach that Roland de Roncevaux is said to have opened with a blow from his Durandal sword. This refuge, which is guarded from June to early October, has 70 places and is one of the most spectacular mountain refuges in the Pyrenees.
There are two main access points: the Col des Tentes car park (2hrs 30mins walk) or from Gavarnie village (4hrs walk with 1,400m ascent). The refuge des Sarradets offers high-quality catering using organic and local produce, and has a terrace with a breathtaking view of the Gavarnie cirque. Hikers can also choose to bivouac close to the refuge.
From the refuge, it’s just another hour’s walk to the Brèche de Roland (2,807 m), offering exceptional views of the French and Spanish sides of the Pyrenees. For the ultimate experience, be sure to visit Pau, the ideal starting point for exploring this Pyrenean region.
4. The Packe refuge – Privacy and magnificent views
Nestling on the Col de Rabiet, the refuge de Packe is an intimate refuge sleeping just 8, perfect for an authentic mountain refuge experience in the Pyrenees. Unguarded, this open-access refuge offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, including the Brèche de Roland and the Pic du Midi de Bigorre.
Access is from Lienz in Barèges via a well-marked mountain path. The refuge serves as a base camp for the ascent of Pic Long and is a popular stopover on the tour of the Néouvielle massif. The water comes from a small lake at the foot of the Coume de l’Ours peak, but be warned: this lake can run dry at the end of summer, so be sure to bring plenty of water.
The special atmosphere of this small, unguarded refuge will appeal to hikers in search of tranquillity and mountain authenticity. However, its limited capacity means that you will need to make alternative arrangements in case of overcrowding.
5. The Tuquerouye refuge – The highest and oldest refuge in the Pyrenees
Perched at an altitude of 2,666 metres on the Spanish border, the Tuquerouye refuge holds the double record of being the oldest and the highest mountain refuge in the Pyrenees. Built in 1890 on the Breche de Tuquerouye, this historic 12-person refuge offers an exceptional mineral setting and a breathtaking panoramic view of the Franco-Spanish peaks.
Access from the Lac des Gloriettes (1,668 m) in the Gavarnie valley involves a 3.5-hour walk with a 1,000-metre climb. The trail passes through magnificent scenery and offers a glimpse of many waterfalls, including the spectacular Cascade de Gavarnie. The refuge, which is unguarded but open all year round, has no running water: you have to take a 15-minute walk down to the icy Tuquerouye lake to get water.
This hut is an essential stop-off point on the Haute Route Pyrénéenne (HRP), providing access to legendary peaks such as Mont Perdu (3,355 m) and the Marbor Cylinder (3,328 m). Its unique architecture, literally built into the gap, makes it one of the most photogenic refuges in the Pyrenees.
6. The Lac d’Oô refuge – Spectacular waterfalls and family-friendly access
Situated at an altitude of 1,505 metres on the shores of the magnificent Lac d’Oô in the Larboust valley, this refuge stands out for its relative accessibility and idyllic setting. Dominated by the 275-metre-high Espingo waterfall, one of the highest waterfalls in the Pyrenees, the Lac d’Oô refuge offers a permanent natural spectacle, particularly impressive in spring when the snow melts.
From the Granges d’Astau, it’s just an hour-and-a-half’s walk and 400 metres of ascent, making this one of the most accessible refuges for families with children. The well-marked path runs alongside the Gave d’Oô through a variety of landscapes, from forests to alpine meadows. The hut, which is guarded from May to October, offers snacks and is an excellent base for exploring the Espingo lakes further up the cirque.
The beauty of the site, with the turquoise waters of the lake reflecting the sheer walls of the cirque, makes it one of the most photographed destinations in the Pyrenees. To book your stay, contact the refuge by text message on 07.84.56.55.88. This ease of access and the beauty of the site make Lac d’Oô a perfect introduction to the mountain refuges of the Pyrenees.
In conclusion, these 6 mountain refuges to discover in the Pyrenees each offer a unique experience in the heart of exceptional landscapes. From the family-run refuge at Lac d’Oô to the legendary refuge at Tuquerouye, not forgetting the must-see refuge at Ayous, these mountain huts reveal all the diversity and beauty of the Pyrenean mountain range. Each refuge has its own story to tell, allowing you to discover different facets of the mountains, from crystal-clear lakes to breathtaking peaks. To best prepare for your Pyrenean adventure, start by exploring Pau and its historic treasures, the ideal gateway to the high altitude wonders that await you.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit the refuges in the Pyrenees?
The best time to visit is from June to October, with peak numbers in July and August. Spring (May-June) offers spectacular waterfalls, but some refuges may still be closed. Autumn (September-October) guarantees fewer visitors and often favourable weather conditions.
Is it compulsory to book at mountain refuges in the Pyrenees?
Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for huts staffed during the high season (July-August) and at weekends. Some refuges, such as Ayous, fill up very quickly. Unguarded refuges are freely accessible, but their capacity is limited.
What equipment should you bring for a night in a Pyrenean refuge?
Bring a sleeping bag or sheet, warm clothing (the nights can be chilly even in summer), a headlamp, a change of clothes and something to protect you from the rain. Don’t forget your first-aid kit and enough water for the climb.
Are the refuges in the Pyrenees suitable for beginners?
Some refuges, such as Lac d’Oô, are perfectly suited to beginners and families. Others, such as the Tuquerouye refuge, require a good level of fitness and experience of mountain walking. It’s essential to assess your level before choosing your objective.
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