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The iron springs of Mudang

Starting point

The barns of Moudang are located in the eponymous valley parallel to that of Rioumajou. At the exit of St Lary in the direction of Spain, you pass the road to Tramezaïgues and the hamlet of Eget-cité on the departmental road 929 and you arrive at the pont du Moudang, the start of the hike.

At this place is also located the famous“adventure course of Moudang” activity very popular with children and adults.

An easy trail

At the Pont du Moudang parking lot, the Neste de Moudang flows into the Neste d’Aure. This is the starting point of our hike.

Go towards the forest, the path is well indicated and accessible to people with reduced mobility. It gradually climbs into the woods where the shouts and laughter of the adventurers of the “suspended course” give way to the sounds of the river and the scent of the pines. You can also watch your friends and/or children having fun on the course.

The path runs alongside the river, providing a pleasant and very refreshing ambient temperature….the little ones will thank you!”

 

The Queen's springs

The valley of Moudang as well as that of Rioumajou are listed as “Natura 2000” sites to preserve its fauna and flora. These sites belong to the original chain of the high Pyrenees and rest on strongly folded grounds.

At the exit of the wood, the path leads to a wide sunny valley not far from the barns. You will notice the color of the rocks of the river below…they are ochre!”

But where can this come from? Follow me as I take you to discover the Queen’s springs.

From a scientific point of view

This water is consideredhighly mineralized. It is to be consumed when there is a significant mineral deficit in the body. If its consumption is not contraindicated by medical advice, it increases the iron content of the blood. The manganese and cobalt present in the water promote the assimilation of iron.

The iron salts explain where this rusty color of the rocks in the stream from the springs comes from. The Neste de Moudang into which it flows and dilutes does not drain as much iron-bearing water but harder water containing manganese.

 

And it all makes sense…

So that’s why this color doesn’t extend to the Moudang Bridge. There is little fishing in these waters, the fish are not abundant because of the iron content is too high.

The Moudang Valley

When you arrive at the barns, you are at an altitude of 1530 meters.

This pastoral village is set on a green plateau. It is often deserted in the “bad season” but comes back to life in the spring as well as during the summer and autumn when the colors are breathtaking!

The ewes present are of the Tarasconnaise breed and allow the maintenance of the meadows. Step forward to the fountain, to refresh yourself.

Two solutions are offered to you; continue to the left of the Pic de la Hount which splits the valley in two by following the watercourse to join the sources of the Queen at (+/-) 1650m of altitude, or, go to the right on the way leading to the Lake of Héchempy (cf another article).

A little history

The Sources de la Reine are made up of 5 springs, 2 of which have been privatized since the 19th century. These springs have been analyzed. The results defined the water as ferruginous and having therapeutic properties (mainly against anemia).

The water was renowned for its treatment of chloro-anaemia and was bottled. Many tourists came to take the waters and were sometimes accommodated in the barns.

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