Ain't No Mountain Higher

view of Vignemale from the north

Vignemale is a mountain massif forming an intimidating part of the Pyrenean range. I say intimidating because it is the highest point on the French side of the Pyrénées, with Petit Vignemale (3032 m above sea level) and Pique Longue (3298 m) as the predominant and known peaks. The picture above is a view of the massif if approached from the north.

Well, we did not climb these peaks for it is really a difficult trail and you have to cross Glacier d’Ossoue (the largest Pyrenean glacier) from where the picture is taken to reach the summits. And since we’re not professional hikers, we just contented ourselves with looking at it from this point (refuge des Oulettes de Gaube). Well, reaching the refuge is already quite a feat for me and I wouldn't want to push my luck. Besides, even guide books marked the trail to Vignemale as "very difficult" so I wouldn't dare try it as I'm not equipped and trained for that.

To reach the refuge, you have to cross lac de Gaube (Gaube lake) and follow a rocky path of about 2000m above sea level. It’s not as daunting as hiking the trail towards the Vignemale peaks but I think it would already give your legs and lungs a good workout. Well, I believe you won’t mind too much the physical effort once you see the view around you. It is quite picturesque, especially with the lake behind and the view of Vignemale looming ahead that you cannot help but stop and take a few photos. Just don’t forget to take lots of water and have a good breakfast before starting the hike :).