One last short hike before our long drive back home. This loop, suggested to us by our hostess at the Hotel Marboré, includes a steep climb up the hill just behind the hotel along a pretty stream with frequent cascades, as well as views overlooking the town and surrounding valley.
About 3 miles with a 1475 foot change in elevation.
The starting point is just past the small boulangerie at the end of the hotel parking lot. Descend the small lane to your left, cross the bridge and follow the trail up, up, up.
After about 30 minutes you’ll reach a grassy plateau with the remains of an old stone foundation and views of the Cirque de Gavarnie.
Another 10 minutes up the hill is the junction with the return trail leading back down to town. If you have extra time and energy you can continue up the trail towards Refuge des Espugeuttes reaching a higher grassy plateau in about 15 minutes more.
The trail back to town is steep in places but is equally easy to follow and lands you at the other end of town towards the cirque. Cross back through town to return to the hotel.
June 7, 2012
For links to all the posts in this series see the French Pyrenees page.