Pic de Sauvegarde

Pic de Sauvegarde is a 2,737-meter (8,980 ft) peak in the Pyrenees situated along the French-Spanish border. The mountain is accessed via a marked route beginning from Hospice de France and ascending through steep switchbacks to the summit.

The mountain's name translates to 'Peak of Safeguard,' reflecting its historic role as a natural border marker between the two nations across centuries. The summit served as a reference point for defining and maintaining this international boundary.

The summit hosts encounters between French and Spanish mountaineers, especially during summer months, fostering a shared sense of connection across the border. Visitors experience how different alpine traditions meet and interact at this shared landmark.

The climb demands good stamina, as the steep ascent takes approximately six hours for the full round trip. Proper footwear and weather-resistant clothing are essential, since conditions at this elevation can change quickly.

From the summit, hikers observe large groups of vultures circling over nearby quarries, creating spectacular aerial shows against the mountain landscape. These birds of prey use the thermal currents rising from the high terrain for their daily flights.