Mountaineering in the Pyrenees

Mountaineering in the Pyrenees features twenty-five classic mountain routes and link-ups that will delight any mountaineer who enjoys getting off the beaten track. Author and mountain guide Francois Laurens has drawn upon his encyclopaedic knowledge of the Pyrenees, and recommendations from other mountaineers, to put together a diverse selection of climbs - many of them accessible from spring to autumn - along the entire Pyrenean chain, from the Mediterranean to the Basque country.

The most characteristic feature of the Pyrenees is its hodgepodge of topographies, climates and lives, all jumbled together. Sometimes, moving just a short way across this patchwork landscape, perhaps from one side of a cliff to another, is enough to take you into a completely different environment. This diversity is reflected in the routes featured in this book.

Ridge traverses and rock climbs dominate the selection, which includes only a few ephemeral snow climbs, but every route has its own unique character and provides a wonderful day out in the mountains. Featured routes include the Salenques-Tempestades Ridge on Pico de Aneto, the Espadas Ridge on Pic des Posets, and a selection of climbs on the renowned peaks of Monte Perdido, the Maladeta, the Balaitous, the Vignemale, and the Grand and Petit Astazous. Each route features technical notes, a topo and route description, and photos illustrating the character of the climbing.


Francois Laurens was born in the Luchon Valley, where he continues to live and work. After beginning his outdoor career with the ski patrol at Superbagneres and as a walking guide, he qualified as a mountain guide in 1986. Through his work, he has climbed all the Pyrenees' most beautiful peaks, in both summer and winter, as well as most of the major summits in the Alps. He loves discovering new places and has explored many countries, far and wide. Motivated by his belief in the educational benefits of outdoor activities, he recently began working with an association that helps young people in difficulty to reintegrate into society. He is also a keen photographer whose work is frequently published in the outdoor press.