CHAPELLE SAINT-PÉ LA MORAINE
Edified in the 10th and 11th centuries. The main interest of the Saint-Pé la Moraine chapel lies not in its architecture, however, but in its exceptional decoration (sculptures, reuse…).
GARINThe Paths to Freedom were routes taken by around 90,000 people during the 2nd World War: Resistance fighters, Allied pilots, Jews and STO draft dodgers…. By attempting to reach Spain, they all hoped to escape the Nazism that threatened their very existence.
Haute-Garonne Tourisme and the “Chemins de la liberté par le Comminges et le Val d’Aran” association invite you to discover these historic routes while hiking.
The second part of this walk, which began at the Port de Balès (see Les Chemins de la Liberté: Opus n°1), from Portet-de-Luchon to the Granges d’Astau.
It is easy and can be done as a continuation of the first part. The proposed route is faithful to the path taken by André Bon, and sometimes takes in tarmac roads.
You are walking in the footsteps of André Bon. This escapee was transported to Saléchan station via Toulouse thanks to the Françoise resistance network, an early helper who helped at least 700 people escape.
Like André Bon, who made it all the way to Bénasque in Spain, thousands more braved the dangers of the mountains in the hope of finding freedom beyond the summit of the Pyrenees.
A dangerous and demanding human adventure, this gruelling crossing cost the lives of more than 2,200 people, victims of the mountains or Nazi troops.
Those of you who walk in the footsteps of these shadowy fighters, escapees, smugglers, networks of helpers, anonymous people who contributed to the rescues and many of whom never returned… Don’t forget them”.
To find out more about the story of these fugitives and their smugglers: “Chemins de la liberté par le Comminges et le Val d’Aran” association.
A mountain professional can accompany you on your hike to help you discover the flora and fauna of the area: https://www.pyrenees31.com/planifier/activites/randonnees/trouver-accompagnateur/
