A few Pyrenees cols France

Day 18, Friday 22 May 2026

Another glorious day in the Pyrenees as we set off to explore. Plans changed and, on our warmest day so far, we ended the day after driving 98km, looking for a shady spot.

We started the day back tracking down the from GUZET with the plan to walk the Cirque de Cagateille. Unfortunately the road became uncomfortably narrow and with the knowledge that we had to retrace our route and that there would be more traffic as the day went on, we decided to do a 3+ point turn and give it a miss. 

Back on the slightly wider road we continued along the Ustou Valley down to SEIX. Having been here 2 other times (2013, 2022), our visit was brief but we still managed to see a new part … the chateau. Before we left Mark bought a new wide brimmed hat.

Then up the road again to the Col del La Core.. this time in the lovely sunshine. We have breakfast and admired the beautiful view. 

Our next stop was the ever popular fishing lake of Bethlame. It is also set in a very picturesque setting and the colour of the water is stunning.

The footy was starting soon so we continued down into the next valley to get good reception to watch the game. Although I think Mark wishes the outcome had been better… We parked in a pretty little village of Audressein (2022) where there is a medieval chapel with alfrescos. 

These guys were doing part of the compostella trek

Isn’t he a beauty 

Stress munchies

With the footy over and the temperature soaring (30°+), we headed off once again up to the Col d’Aspet. The parking didn’t do it for us …a lovely drive tho.

We  climbed further up via a very windy road to the Col de Mente.

Here we turned off to fo to the MOURTIS ski station at 1450m alt. it was cooler than in the valley and we managed to find a spot in the shade. Perfect.

98km today