Vignemale

Vignemale is a mountain massif straddling the France-Spain border with multiple peaks, the highest reaching 3,299 meters. The range displays typical alpine features with steep rocky faces, snow fields, and glaciers at higher elevations.

The peak was first documented to be climbed in 1838, and several decades later a nobleman acquired usage rights over extensive portions of the mountain. These early explorations established the peak as a destination for mountaineers and explorers.

The mountain has long served as a defining landmark for communities in this border region, shaping how people perceive the high Pyrenees. Locals and visitors alike associate the peak with mountain adventure and the raw power of alpine terrain.

Two mountain shelters provide lodging and supplies for visitors traveling this route. The best time to visit falls during warmer months when trails are passable and conditions are less hazardous.

The mountain contains seven artificial caves carved into stone that once served as shelters and gathering places. These excavations reveal how determined people were to explore and inhabit this harsh alpine environment.

Location: Torla-Ordesa

Location: Hautes-Pyrénées

Location: Huesca Province

Location: Cauterets

Elevation above the sea: 3,299 m

GPS coordinates: 42.77394,-0.14734

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:06