This itinerary offers a route between the villages of Bossost and Les. The first half is along the Paliàs Path in the mountain area known as Malh Blanc with varied vegetation predominated by hazelnut and birch trees. As the slope changes its steepness there is more shade and you will find beech trees. The views towards the Montlude mountain ridge and the Uishèra Mountain are remarkable. The return is along the valley adjacent to the Garona River on a comfortable and easy trail. The nearness to the French border has encouraged these villages to develop strong historical and commercial relations with France which still continue today.

Detailed Route:

Starting point is the Bossost church square. Take the Carrer Major street until you reach the Sant Roc chapel. Continue ahead until seeing a yellow marker. Continue the ascent on an isolated rock cobbled path. On the ascent you will find several splits it the path towards the left. Take the rock cobbled path upwards that has the wooden hand rail and which passes a fountain. The path narrows and widens due to the access trails to the new remodelled farm houses. You will cross two streams. After crossing the second stream you will come to a farm house (on the left) which can be identified by two large rocks placed on the trail entrance. Just following this marker take the trail which is not very noticeable and which zig-zags rapidly up the hazelnut tree forest. Go up the last part of curves and the trail continues going through a beech tree forest. After passing a few old barns you will descend the mountain passing several streams. An old barn covered with vegetation marks the forest end. Take the trail to the right which reaches the cement Serís Bridge and crossing a wide trail (1) you will go down path in the centre on a steep ramp. You will enter Les on the Benqué road. Cross the N-230 highway ahead and cross the Garona River. On the right of the river bank you will see the Les Residence, a park and camping area. Follow the red and white marks of the GR-211 of the “Camin Reiau” following the Garona River will take you to Bossost.

Recommendations:

On your way to Bossost along the “Camin Reiau” just besides the Cledes hydroelectric centre there is a fish hatchery of Sturgeon fish specializing in the production of caviar. Guided visits are available.

Curiosities:

In the Aranese the term used for barn is “borda”. A “borda” is a building inside or outside the village used in the winter to store hay and as a stable for the animals while in the summer the “bordas” in the mountains where shelters for the shepherds when their livestock was grazing freely. The hazelnut tree which can be found along the majority of the itineraries was largely used in this valley to build all types of baskets due to its strength and flexibility.