Pic du Gar, France

[yokehead]

Driving down to Bagneres de Luchon I could not fail to notice this peak from the road, a dramatic high line of pure rock cliffs with a large cross on top. I had no route details but the way was clearly marked on the map.

the obvious south north route in red

Parking next to the church in the hamlet of Bezins-Garraux, the start of the route was signposted. Like 2 days ago the weather was dry but visibility hazy and not great for photos.

target peak centre

zoomed into the cross

Starting as a track, the way become a superb path through and alongside the edge of woodland, zigzagging in a great way to ease the effort.

fine path

Just before the col, after which the path climbs to get to the peak from the back, there were scrambling opportunities on the right which may have led more directly to the summit 300m higher. I was very tempted but not being sure of the distant terrain I chose the more mundane option.

scrambling possibility not taken

The Col de Teyech at 1460m is a proper little ridge and a nice spot, beyond which the path descends a little before rising again.

Col de Teyech

Soon out of the woodland the path heads north below the rocky skyline, before doubling back towards the peaks.

bit of blue sky

just below the final climb to the summit

A final push to the first of the peaks, the slightly lower one with the cross.

me at the summit Pic du Gar

looking across to the true summit, Peak Saillant

A short descent and climb to the highest peak where there is a cairn. I went on along the ridge for a little way before stopping for lunch then turning back to descend the way I came.

looking west across Pic Saillant then Pic du Gar

More chance to see the nature of the rock.

superb rock architecture

I spotted birds perched on a ridge and managed to get closer to them. They appear to be Griffon Vultures but I am no expert!

griffon vultures, I think

An easy stroll down to complete an interesting day.

looking back, on the descent