When choosing where to stay, two distinct reference points can help: the centre of Gouaux-de-Larboust and the Agudes side of Peyragudes. The latter is 2 km from the village centre and lies at an altitude of 1,600 to 2,300 metres. This lets you decide whether to focus more on village architecture and cultural history or on activities on the Agudes side during your trip.
Mountain village, architecture and history
Gouaux-de-Larboust is considered a mountain village with traditional stone-and-wood houses and slate roofs. One historic feature is the village church bell: it dates from 1509 and is listed as a protected object under the Monuments historiques. The two dates have different roles: 1509 is the year it was made, while 11 July 1942 is the date it was granted protection.
The natural surroundings also offer several specific points of interest. The Val d'Esquierry is known for its flora. The “Haute montagne en Haute-Garonne” nature area also includes the commune of Gouaux-de-Larboust. The Cabane du Bout du Bois, in turn, is an old shepherd’s hut on the boundary between forest and pastureland.
Skiing, lessons and winter trails
Peyragudes offers skiing, snowboarding, handiski and other activities at the resort. The ESF Les Agudes-Peyragudes offers lessons in alpine skiing, snowboarding, telemark, freestyle, off-piste skiing, ski touring and snowshoeing. Both private and group lessons are available. This gives you a choice of disciplines and lesson formats, from alpine skiing to snowshoeing and ski touring.
Snowshoeing and ski touring on a marked trail are also available in Gouaux-de-Larboust. A snowshoe hike to the Cabane du Bout du Bois starts on the Agudes side of the Peyragudes resort and leads through the winter mountain landscape. The hut, at the boundary between forest and pastureland, is a specific destination in this landscape.
Hikes to lakes and across pastureland
Gouaux-de-Larboust is a starting point for hikes to Lac d'OĂ´ and to Espingo, Saussat and Portillon. Another family hike follows the Chemin des Coustasses from the town hall, through pastureland, to the Les Agudes area of Peyragudes.
Lac de Boum de Soulas is a small high-mountain lake in the Peyragudes area, between the Louron and Larboust valleys. It is easy to reach from Les Agudes and is suitable for a family hike or mountain fishing. On the hike to Lac du Boum, the panoramic terrace at the top of the Sessellift du Lac offers a 360-degree view of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Check in advance whether the lift and facilities are accessible during your visit. If you plan to fish, also check the applicable rules and seasons.
A family hike to the Cabane du Bout du Bois is also described, taking you through the Larboust forest and pastureland in summer. It offers a different way to reach the hut than the snowshoe hike on the Agudes side: here, the focus is on the forest and pastureland.
Mountain biking and other destinations
For mountain bikers, the Peyragudes bike park offers downhill runs on prepared trails, accessible via Skyvall and the Privilège and du Lac chairlifts. The “PLB – Blue Wave Agudes” enduro run starts at the top of the du Lac chairlift. “PLZ – Zone Ludique Agudes”, by contrast, is designed as a practice course: with a few turns, it introduces riders to more challenging downhill runs. The two names therefore refer to different types of trails.
The “PL 18 – La Traversée du Larboust” mountain bike route starts in Les Agudes and follows the Chemin des Coustasses downhill to the Gouaux-de-Larboust cemetery. The starting point and destination provide clear reference points for anyone interested in the route. For shopping locally, Le Hors Piste in Gouaux-de-Larboust sells local products, fresh produce, cheese, charcuterie and raclette platters.
Discover more destinations: Gratentour, Ganties, Daux, Pompertuzat, Agassac, Saint-FĂ©lix-Lauragais, Fougaron, Montjoire.
For the broader travel overview: Haute-Garonne.
