Pic du Midi d'Ossau facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pic du Midi d'Ossau |
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Pic du Midi d'Ossau
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,884 m (9,462 ft) |
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 Pic du Midi d'Ossau
Location in Pyrenees
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| Location | Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France |
| Parent range | Pyrenees |
The Pic du Midi d'Ossau is a famous mountain in the French Pyrenees. It stands 2,884 meters (about 9,462 feet) tall. Even though it doesn't have a glacier or the highest peak in the range, its unique shape makes it a well-known symbol of the French Pyrenees. This special shape also makes it easy to spot from far away. You can see it clearly from the city of Pau, which is about 55 kilometers (34 miles) to the north.
What It Looks Like
When you look at the mountain from the north, it seems to have two main peaks. However, if you view it from the south, you can see two other summits! The Pic du Midi d'Ossau stands apart from other peaks. It is mostly surrounded by the valleys of the Gave de Bious to the west and the Gave du Brousset to the east. These two mountain streams meet in the small village of Gabas. This village is at the foot of the mountain's northern slopes. There, they form the Gave d'Ossau.
First Climbs and History
People believe the Pic du Midi d'Ossau was first climbed in 1552. An expedition led by François de Foix-Candale tried to reach the top. He later became a bishop. We are not sure if this first climb was successful. However, we know the mountain was climbed by 1787. A military surveyor noted that a special stone marker, called a triangulation cairn, had been built on the summit.
The first fully recorded climb happened on October 2, 1797. Guillaume Delfau climbed the mountain with a shepherd named Mathieu from Eaux-Bonnes.
Climbing the Mountain
The mountain offers many ways to climb it. The most common route is called the voie normale. This route involves a serious scramble and rock climbing. It is graded as PD, II+, 550 m. This means it is a difficult climb that requires skill.
Climbers usually approach the summit from the Refuge de Pombie. This is a mountain hut owned by the Club Alpin Francais. It is located at 2,031 meters (about 6,663 feet) high. Climbing the mountain usually takes most of a day.
Location and Protection
The Pic du Midi d'Ossau is located in the commune (a type of local government area) of Laruns. This is in the département (like a county) of Pyrénées-Atlantiques. It is also part of the Aquitaine region of France. The mountain is inside the Pyrenees National Park. This means it is a fully protected area.
