Roland's Breach
Brèche de Roland
A 40-meter-wide natural gap in the 2,804-meter ridge on the French-Spanish border, a classic high-mountain hike in the Pyrenees.
Roland's Breach lies on the ridge above the Gavarnie cirque, about 40 m wide and 100 m high. Legend says the knight Roland cut it open with his sword. The usual route starts at Col des Tentes (reached by car) and passes Sarradets refuge, a round trip of about 6 to 7 hours. The final section may have lingering snow, requiring crampons. Fit hikers can cross the gap and look out over the Ordesa Valley in Spain. Suitable only for experienced hikers.
Opening hours
Open for hiking in summer
Nearby sights
- Faja de las Flores
- Ordesa Valley
- Mirador de Calcilarruego
- Refugio de Góriz
- Arazas River Waterfalls (Arripas, La Cueva, Estrecho)
- Faja de Pelay
- Gradas de Soaso
- Cola de Caballo