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Published route(s)
Mandelieu and Mandavit parks in Gradignan
A very green circular loop, without concrete or tarmac, in Gradignan, very close to Bordeaux. Suitable in all seasons (paths are not muddy and there is shade). There are benches dotted along the route. There may be mosquitoes near the river (the Eau Bourde).
The Peugue ascent
This route takes you roughly along the small River Peugue from the border between Bordeaux and Mérignac to its source in the Bois de la Princesse in Pessac. It is a well-shaded route, suitable for all seasons except during very hot weather or rainy conditions, and can be completed by mountain bike or hybrid bike (the terrain is either tarmac or clay). It is also possible on foot, but a little tedious in places (Rue des As and Rue Socrate).
Short loop around the Domaine de Graveyron in Audenge
The Certes and Graveyron estates in Audenge (33) are a group of former salt marshes, once used as fish ponds, nestled in the Arcachon basin. Now a nature reserve, it is a unique place to observe nature and especially birds. The short loop trail allows you to explore these places at your leisure.
Circular mountain bike route between the châteaux of Pessac-Léognan
A circular route for mountain bikes (or hybrid bikes) featuring plenty of cycle paths, small roads and passable dirt tracks; and from town to countryside, of course, passing through some very famous vineyards.
Between water and wine: from Lac Bleu to Château de France in Léognan
A short loop, suitable for all ages, to discover the vineyards and moors of Pessac-Léognan. Very few roads, beautiful views. Easy to follow.
Above Égat and Targassonne
A circular walk for a family outing, yet offering a magnificent view of Cerdagne from La Solana (with marmots as a bonus).Allow a good hour for the climb and the same for the descent.
Circular above the Col du Pradel
A short circular half-day loop starting from a little-known pass between Aude and Ariège, with magnificent views. Recommended in spring (as soon as the snow has melted) and autumn, or even in summer if it is not too hot.
Circular at Lac Vert in Canéjan
A short, gentle walk, neither too long nor too muddy, suitable for walking or mountain biking in all seasons. A stone's throw from Gradignan and Cestas for those who don't know Canéjan, 12km from Bordeaux.
Bassens circular loop
O you who seek coolness!
Who flee from lovers of concrete,
Keep La Gardette in terror,
Leave Lormont without delay,
Head not far from Bordeaux,
Come to Château Seguinaud,
Come and stroll around Bassens
And don't miss Rozin Park.
The Tour du Busteigts (revised version)
This walk around the valley overlooking the village of Etsaut is delightful for its views, the shade it offers and the short climb. It can be enjoyed in all seasons, though it is best to avoid rainy periods when the path may be slippery.
This is a route recommended by the Departmental Council.
Please note: the original route (marked path) is currently impassable following a landslide. We present here an alternative route that can be followed in complete safety.
The Ourdinse plateau above Bedous
Discover the enormous plateau overlooking Bedous and its region on this circular walk. It is not only a mountain but also an important grazing area for livestock and an exceptional viewpoint over the entire mountain range. The diversity of the natural environments found here is remarkable.
The Bérat circular route in Urdos
A fairly short circular route to explore the village and the surroundings of Urdos, in the upper Aspe Valley, offering a fine view of the enormous walls built over the centuries using stones extracted during the arduous ploughing of the fields.
The route is varied, signposted (yellow markings) and described in several guidebooks.
Suitable for all seasons (shaded), but avoid midday in the height of summer!
Pic de Narbissat via Les Muralhetas – WINTER
A circular walk offering a unique viewpoint over the centre of the Aspe Valley and the Bedous valley, with an alternative loop route along a signposted path. The Pic de Narbissat is a prime spot for geological observation, situated at the point where the Iberian tectonic plate slides beneath the Eurasian plate. It also offers a good vantage point over the surrounding mountains.
This circular route is only recommended in winter ( November to April), when the ferns no longer obstruct the path or visibility.
The Bedous valley
Circular route to discover the villages and hamlets of the Bedous valley, a unique place due to its geological origins and culture. Few climbs, lots of trails. The suggested route is marked in yellow as the "Tour du vallon" and is described in several guidebooks. We suggest it here to encourage you to hike in this charming area.The train (TER) serves Bedous.
From Ansabère to Acherito
A cross-border circular to discover a little-known area (Ibón de Acherito) from a very popular location (Cabanes d'Ansabère from Lescun). Magnificent landscapes, a varied route.
Hike published in Pyrénées Magazine in 1995 (without a map and with little detail on the descent).
Update: According to several hikers' reviews (see the associated forum), it would be preferable to do this route in reverse.
Astún - Pombie
This is the first day of a cross-border hike that takes you to the Pic du Midi d'Ossau, starting from an unusual point, the Col du Somport, rather than the Col du Pourtalet.Overnight stay at the Refuge de Pombie is essential, so remember to book in advance.
Towards the Narbèze hut
There is a fairly steep climb from Cette to the summer pastures above the village. The effort is well worth it, as the location and the view of the flocks of sheep on the grassy slopes are magnificent.To avoid the effect of going back the same way, we suggest two alternative routes to make the return journey more enjoyable.
The Pic de Gabedaille
A modest but extremely well-situated summit, on the France-Spain border, on the watershed (Gave d’Aspe and Río Aragón Subordán), in an exceptional geological area and with unobstructed views of the Western Pyrenees.
A hike suitable for anyone accustomed to walking in the mountains and navigating with a map (off-trail descent).
La Fuente del Paco in Villanúa
Version 2 updated on 30/04/2023
When the weather is bad in the Aspe Valley, it may be wise to go through the Somport tunnel and look for routes a little further south, where the sun may be shining. Here we present a fairly short, unpretentious but very accessible and frankly pretty (in our opinion) loop.El Paco is the cooler, wooded northern slope of a mountain, covered here with a protected pine forest, and La Fuente is a spring (fountain).
Short circular loop from Bedous to Accous
A short walk through the centre of the Bedous valley, very flat and easy, to explore this area surrounded by mountains and pastures. Suitable for all walkers!
A straight, car-free route near Bordeaux
Fellow non-motorised hikers, here’s a route designed just for you! Close to the city yet very green and peaceful, this easy walk will help you unwind, thanks to the Bordeaux-Libourne TER train dropping you off at Gorp station. You can, for example, catch this TER from Bordeaux Saint-Jean station or Cenon station (check timetables). On the way back, the tram (lines A and C) will take you easily back to your starting point.
Pic Roumendarès
A hike that isn’t too long but involves a fairly steep climb, very close to Oloron-Saint-Marie, with a magnificent panorama at the summit as a reward.
Suitable for all seasons (the ascent is north-facing and mainly through woodland, so it can even be considered in summer). In snowy conditions, take care (see below).
From Sarrance to Bedous via the Way of St James
The Way of St James (Voie d’Arles - GR® 653) offers a lovely, easy and shaded route in the Aspe Valley, winding through gorges and sun-drenched valleys. We do not suggest this as a circular route here, as the train (TER line 55) allows you to return easily to your starting point.The route is suitable for all seasons; however, avoid wet periods!
Warning (2025): following the severe flooding in the Aspe Valley in September 2024, some sections of the path may be damaged. Check before setting off.
From Somport to Astún via the ridges – HIKE TO SEE AGAIN
Hike to revisit
A little-used border hike offering views of the three valleys of Aspe, Canfranc and Ossau from above. Stunning views in all directions. Route for hikers: you will need to find your bearings at the start as there are no signposts. The end of the route can be avoided by hikers who suffer from vertigo.
Sigalens circular loop
At the very tip of the Gironde, on the border with Lot-et-Garonne, between the cantons of Auros and Grignols: a hilly, oak-wooded and very quiet area. Well worth a visit... except in October and November during the wood pigeon hunting season.
The Bois d'Arce loop in Lescun
A fairly short loop above Lescun, ideal for warming up, for children or people who are a little tired. A short climb and a gentle descent: what more could you ask for?
On the trail of the bear in Etsaut
An easy short circular loop above Etsaut, through a landscape of pastures visited by bears some time ago. The local authority has marked out two loops allowing visitors to explore the areas visited by the bears (scratches, etc.); this loop is limited to the upper section to ensure it is accessible to all.
The Chiniprés hut
A relatively short route to one of the best viewpoints in the upper Canfranc Valley, offering views of both Canfranc-Gare international station and the Candanchú ski resort.
Towards the Licoué hut
In the Aspe Valley, many people come to walk and admire the Chemin de la Mâture. Some of them continue on the GR®10, others make a loop by returning via the Col d'Arras. But who ventures further?That's what we offer you with this simple and very pretty route.
The Pène d'Udapet circuit
The Pène d’Udapet is that curious rocky peak ‘perched’ above the village of Borce, guarding the entrance to the Belonce Valley. Isn’t the best way to appreciate it to walk around it, rather than climb it (which is perilous)? That is what we offer with this highly varied route featuring picturesque views.
Towards the Pédaing hut (revised version)
A gradual climb before joining the "classic" Narbèze path, passing through the pretty Pédaing valley, at the cost of a difficult moment!
Please note: following the GPX track is very useful for this route (as are walking sticks).
Above Lees-Athas
A short, well-shaded loop to explore the village of Lees and its surroundings. No difficulty except for carefully following the route at the numerous junctions and crossroads. Don't forget to look up, as the view over the Bedous valley is vast and picturesque!
The starting point is easily accessible: the bus stop (on the N134) is very close by.
On the Way of St James, between Villanúa and Castiello de Jaca
The Camino de Santiago (or "Camino francés") leaves the mountains here and follows the Aragon valley towards the stopover town of Jaca. Between the two villages mentioned, the route is easy but picturesque, with beautiful views of the peaks and forests... and a convenient train to return to the starting point. The route can easily be done in reverse, which may or may not be convenient depending on train timetables. With a few adjustments at the start, the route can be done by mountain bike.
On the Way of St James, between Etsaut and Urdos
The work carried out by the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department and the Haut-Béarn community of municipalities to facilitate access to the Fort du Portalet, as well as the route through the upper Aspe valley for hikers and pilgrims (GR®65), has been completed and now allows visitors to discover this exceptional site in the best conditions of visibility and safety. Let's make the most of it!
The Bois du Sansanet and the Col Causiat around Somport
An easy loop allowing you to discover the diversity of landscapes and natural areas on the northern flank of the Col du Somport. The climbs are gentle and the route is fairly easy to follow, provided you have a map on your phone with GPS. In addition, the Espace Somport is a pleasant place to relax. Everything you need for a "cool hike"!
Visorando app recommended
La Casita de la Cueva in Canfranc
The immense forests that dominate the Canfranc resort hide many secrets: amazing hydraulic structures, comfortable paths to access them, unique vegetation and a little-known history. Hiking in this setting is all the more enjoyable, even if the gentle slope of the paths means you cover more ground than you might imagine.
La Solana de Jaca
A circular route with few slopes and two pretty bridges, allowing you to explore the villages and surroundings of the town of Jaca (Spain, province of Huesca). Beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Shade, but not all the time..
Route exploratoire autour de Pompignac
For many years, the municipality of Pompignac has taken great care to preserve a green, wooded area around the village, which has enabled it to create a very pleasant circular walking route, in collaboration with the Communauté de Communes des Coteaux Bordelais and the Gironde Department. The path is well signposted (follow either “Ceinture Verte” or “Circular Path of Pompignac”).
Around the Río Gas in Jaca
The town of Jaca sits on a promontory between two rivers, the mighty Río Aragón to the north and the more modest Río Gas to the south. Here we suggest a short, fairly shaded circular walk, allowing you to explore this pretty river and the various springs (fuentes) scattered on both sides beneath the plateau.
To the Gentiane plateau from the Chalet Cadier
If you’re looking for a route in the Somport area that’s less busy than the one to Lac d’Estaens but just as beautiful, this one might be just what you’re after. It’s a modest route (fairly short, suitable for all) but offers spectacular views across the entire border range around Somport. You might even come across walkers accompanied by one or two donkeys, for whom this route is a classic.
Canfranc, Agüaré, Gabardito
A varied circular walk offering a chance to fully appreciate the woodland and historic surroundings of the village of Canfranc. Suitable once the snow has melted (usually in April) and at its best in spring (May–June) when the laburnums and asphodels are in bloom.
Please read the warnings in points 2 and 4!
Pic de Narbissat, starting from Cette
A route taking in a beautiful viewpoint over the centre of the Aspe Valley and the Bedous Valley, along a signposted path. The Pic de Narbissat is a prime spot for geological observation, situated where the Iberian tectonic plate slides beneath the Eurasian plate. It also offers a good vantage point over the surrounding mountains.
This route is particularly recommended in spring and summer (May to October), when ferns can obstruct the path and reduce visibility off the main tracks. In winter, a different circular route is possible (see the ‘Pic de Narbissat via Les Muralhetas’ walk).