The ascent to the Brèche de Roland is demanding, but the view at the top is well worth it! At 2807 meters, this giant natural pass carved into the rock reveals a breathtaking panorama. Straddling both countries, you’ll have one foot in France in the Pyrenees National Park and the other in Spain in the Ordesa National Park! On the descent, you’ll cross glacial scree and high-altitude plateaus where marmots, isards, and birds share space with a delicate flora (spring gentians, helianthemums, thyme). Your path will pass close to the Norbert Casteret frozen cave before reaching the Goriz refuge (2200 m). Along the way, you’ll admire majestic peaks like Mont Perdu (3355 m), the highest limestone summit in Europe, all while preparing to explore the spectacular Ordesa canyon.

For this stage of crossing the Brèche: until July 15th, the presence of a guide is mandatory (additional cost). After July 15th, the guide is optional. The guide will also allow you - if you wish - to take the Flower Ledge (a challenging day), which runs 3.7 km right along the edge of the abyss.

If you’re not experienced in mountain trekking, opt for the alternative route that takes you through the Port de Boucharo and Torla (code: ARGALQ2).

You will spend part of the day admiring the Ordesa Canyon from above, a natural masterpiece. This gigantic "L" carved into the rock houses the Arasas River and its sparkling waterfalls, including the famous "Cola de Caballo." The canyon walls, bordered by lush forests, create a spectacular backdrop. After ascending the Collado Gordo (2188 m), you will descend southward, crossing landscapes that mix limestone slabs, fragrant bushes, and the first trees. You will reach Nerin, a charming village in the Aragonese foothills, where history and nature intertwine harmoniously.

The day begins with a crossing of abandoned agricultural terraces, where oaks gradually take over. After passing through the village of Sercué with its charming Romanesque church, you'll reach the San Urbez hermitage (founded in the 8th century by the Saint, who created a cave-sanctuary here), a sanctuary nestled in the rock of the Anisclo Canyon. You’ll then cross the spectacular San Urbez Bridge at the entrance to the Anisclo Canyon, before starting an ascent through forests and stone-laden with history. At the summit, you'll discover the plateaus of the villages of Vio and Buerba, remnants of the pastoral life of Sobrarbe, offering a breathtaking view of the Anisclo Canyon, bathed in the golden light of sunset.

A more challenging option allows you to climb the summit of Mondoto (1957 m), an exceptional vantage point overlooking the Anisclo Canyon, where vultures will likely soar close overhead.

Following the crystal-clear, ever-changing waters of the Rio Ara, you'll enjoy refreshing moments and discover a stunning geological mille-feuille. In Boltana, you can stroll through the narrow streets of the medieval village and explore the ruins of its historic castle before continuing to the perched village of Sieste. Between the Pyrenees and the Sierra de Guara, you will be greeted by breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding mountains. This day, blending untouched nature and heritage, will immerse you in the rich history of this region, where traces of Moorish civilization blend with magnificent landscapes.

A slower-paced morning invites you to take a swim in natural pools with crystal-clear waters. Then, you'll reach Morcat, an abandoned hamlet offering stunning views of Sobrarbe and the surrounding mountains: Vignemale, Brèche de Roland, Ordesa-Mont-Perdu, Montañesa, Cotiella... Next, the trail leads along the crests of the wrinkled landscape that forms the foothills of Ainsa-Sobrarbe. The Moorish presence will feel almost tangible, and the slow, patient steps of the pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago will echo in rhythm with your own. Here and there, a mended track or a cultivated field will stand as a testament to human perseverance in these dry and rugged lands. You'll return to your hotel for a two-night stay, where a pool and top-tier amenities will conclude this day, marked by the beauty and serenity of the landscapes.

Peaceful villages and a prehistoric dolmen, marking the first human rituals, set the tone for the morning. A beautiful balcony trail, shaded by boxwoods, will then lead you to a secluded hamlet with remarkable stone houses. The dry-stone walls winding through the oak groves will lead you to the charming village of Lecina, with its vegetable gardens, a crystal-clear spring, and its remarkable thousand-year-old oak tree, crowned "European Tree of the Year" in 2021... and not far away, its caves adorned with cave paintings that we will be sure to show you. You will explore these historically rich sites before returning to your hotel in Arcusa for a peaceful and relaxing evening.

After a short transfer to Lecina, you'll set off to explore the canyon of the Rio Vero. Its towering cliffs and emerald waters will offer breathtaking landscapes, soaring majestically above by the dance of enormous vultures. Everything is beautiful, unusual, and fantastic! You’ll have the chance to explore the Neolithic shelters of Mallata and their cave paintings before heading to Alquezar, a medieval village steeped in history: a stunning stone citadel founded by the Moors in the 9th century. This day, filled with wonder, beautifully concludes this unforgettable adventure.

The time to depart is approaching, but you'll still enjoy a few more hours in this beautiful region of Aragon: a visit to a cheese dairy or an olive oil mill will extend your culinary discoveries. This final moment in the sun-drenched Aragonese landscapes will give you the chance to fill up on memories before heading to Lourdes.

Optional extra night and hike around Alquezar: If you wish, you can extend your stay in Alquezar to continue your journey with a loop through Quizans and the Chimiachas Cave – home to a remarkable deer depicted in a cave painting – and/or complete the loop of the suspension bridges along the Rio Vero.