The 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.
Third part of this hike, which began at the Port de Balès (see the Chemins de la Liberté: Opuses 1 and 2), from the Granges d’Astau to the Lac du Portillon. Beware: from the Lac d’Espingo onwards, you enter the realm of the high mountains, and we advise you not to do this hike alone if you are not experienced. Some parts of the route may be snow-covered even late in the season, and supervision by a mountain professional is essential. To contact them: https://www.pyrenees31.com/planifier/activites/randonnees/trouver-accompagnateur/
By taking this route via the Col de Balès, you are following 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.
As you follow in the footsteps of these shadowy fighters, escapees, smugglers, networks of helpers, anonymous people who contributed to the rescues, 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.
