MCTOUL

The village of Montgailhard is dominated by the famous Pic de Montgailhard, or ‘Pain de Sucre’, rising proudly to an altitude of 627 m. But there is another, lesser-known peak called Carsabel, which is well worth a visit, as, at 615 m, it has nothing to be ashamed of when compared to its big brother. Less imposing, far less easily accessible, yet without any major technical difficulties, you must nevertheless brave the challenges of its winding and hard-to-follow paths to reach its summit deep in the forest. This is the domain of wild boars, roe deer and other mammals and birds of this region in the Pyrenean foothills, but also of the foresters who (moderately) manage its slopes.Part of the route follows the paths across the plain, through the local park or along the old paths on the banks of the River Lios.An unusual route, reserved for hikers seeking a challenge or runners looking to add variety to their routes.

Above Barèges, the mountain landscape changes completely as soon as the snow settles. From Tournaboup, the snowshoe route first ascends the Vallon d’Aygues-Cluses, a gentle track that winds its way between the ridges, to the recently built refuge and the old shepherd’s hut. The route then climbs up slopes of varying difficulty towards the Pic de Gourguet, at nearly 2,600 metres: in winter, the summit is reached in a silence disturbed only by the occasional tracks of chamois. From there, the view stretches far into the distance — the Néouvielle, the Pic du Midi, and the slope down into the Coubous valley. The return route via the Col de Tracens takes you past a succession of lakes lying dormant beneath the snow: Tracens, La Jonquère and Les Coubous. A simple, challenging and rocky circular route, where the winter season sweeps away the crowds and strips the massif back to its essence.

Above Barèges, the Pic de Barbe (2,468 m) remains a rather unassuming peak. Yet it offers one of the most stunning views in the Hautes-Pyrénées: from the summit, the vista stretches from the Pic du Midi to the Néouvielle, from Mont Perdu to the Brèche de Roland, all the way to the Vignemale and the Balaïtous. Five hundred metres below, the Lac Bleu lies dormant beneath the snow.The route climbs round the Ruisseau de Mousquère, a sun-drenched southern slope, passing through the Plateau d’Aoube, then the Plateau de la Lahude, which offers two opportunities to take a break. Higher up, the mountain becomes tranquil yet rugged: steeper slopes and fewer tracks, just the sound of snowshoes and the silence of the ridges.A challenging yet accessible winter hike, requiring good snow cover and a high level of fitness. In return: a peaceful summit, a 360-degree view and a beautiful descent through the snow.

In the heart of Finistère, between Le Faouët and Quimperlé, the River Ellé has carved its way through the Armorican Plateau. Emerging from gorges 80 metres deep, the river rushes for 300 metres between enormous blocks of granite smoothed by millions of years of erosion: this is the Roches du Diable, one of Brittany’s most beautiful rock formations.Its name has ancient origins: the Breton name for the river, Ellez, means ‘hell’. Legend tells of a confrontation between Saint Guénolé, founder of the parish of Locunolé, and the devil, who hurled enormous boulders at him before plunging into a bottomless chasm. The devil’s hand, seat and bed… the rocks still bear the marks.From the footpaths overlooking the valley, a striking panorama opens up onto the rugged landscape and white-water rapids that attract kayakers every winter. The walk follows the river and its mill for nearly 5 km, as far as Locunolé, crosses the Moulin Neuf bridge and reveals some of the many facets of this rural area.

Perched at 2,666 metres, on a pass just a few metres wide on the French-Spanish border, the Tuquerouye Refuge is not easily reached. First, you must cross the Cirque d’Estaubé – the most unassuming of the massif’s three great cirques – walk alongside the waters of Lac des Gloriettes, then set off up the steep couloir that bears its name. Then, just as you’re at the end of your tether, the highest unmanned refuge in the Pyrenees comes into view: a stone shelter built in 1890, watched over by a statue of the Virgin Mary that a guide from Gavarnie carried there on his back. Twelve beds, a stove, and for a horizon nothing but the Lac Glacé du Marboré, where the north face of Mont Perdu (3,355 m) and the walls of the Cylindre are reflected in the morning light. A balcony suspended between two slopes, at the heart of the Pyrenees-Mont Perdu site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A night up there has to be earned — and is never forgotten.

Just a few kilometres from the centre of Lourdes, without ever really straying far from the town, Lake Lourdes looks like something straight out of a postcard. Formed by a glacier and nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees, it offers a circular route of around six kilometres where calm waters, forests and clearings alternate at every bend. Along the way: a remarkable peat bog designated as a Natura 2000 site, unobtrusive yet very much present flora and fauna, and, in fine weather, the Pyrenees mountain range stretching out on the horizon. No daunting climbs, no technical difficulties: simply the pleasure of walking at your own pace alongside tranquil waters, just a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of the Marian city. A walk accessible to all, to be enjoyed with the family or on your own, and which holds a few surprises for the observant walker.

On the outskirts of Lourdes, the Bois de Subercarrère stretches out over four hundred hectares of shade and coolness. The Castet Bern trail winds its way peacefully through the deciduous trees and undergrowth: 3.9 km, 54 m elevation gain – perfect for a leisurely family walk.The town fades from view. You walk to the sound of birdsong, on the lookout for a roe deer, a great spotted woodpecker or a red squirrel. Fun information boards and a game booklet spark the curiosity of the youngest visitors and turn the walk into a land of discovery. But the woodland also holds its secrets: a name meaning ‘above the road’, legends that storytellers still bring to life, centuries of forestry history and, nearby, the route taken by pilgrims on the Way of St James. A breath of fresh air in the countryside, a real forest bath, within everyone’s reach.

In the Ardiden Massif, two high-altitude lakes, two peaks and you. There are places we don’t talk about too much, for fear they might change. The Cirque de Litouèse is one of them. Up there, at over 2,000 metres above Luz-Saint-Sauveur, time seems to have stood still: first, the Lac de Bastampe, so picturesque with its island in the middle and its calm waters… Then, after a discreet pass between large granite boulders, Lake Litouèse comes into view: 42 metres deep, with waters so crystal-clear that you feel you can see right to the bottom. In days gone by, black trout used to live there! Above, the rocky, sun-drenched cirque beckons: first the Pic de Litouèse (2,420 m), from where the reward is immense – Gavarnie, the Vignemale and the Pic du Midi lined up as if to greet you, then the Soum de Caubarole (2,386 m). At the lakeside, a well-maintained hut guarantees peace and quiet. It’s one of those circular walks, with unforgiving slopes that will test your legs and stay with you for a long time!

In the footsteps of water and early humans, close to the underground world Beneath the forest of Très-Crouts lies a secret world: over 1,850 caves have already been recorded in this limestone massif, known as “karst”, a Slavic term describing these fissured and rugged landscapes, carved out by water over millennia. Caves, chasms, underground passages… and no doubt more treasures yet to be discovered. This circular walk invites you on a journey of discovery into the bowels of the Earth, first explored by Abbé Abadie in the early 20th century. In the shade of the tall trees of a remarkable forest, you’ll walk in the footsteps of the very first humans, those from the distant times of the last ice ages, and in those of the cave bears and hyenas, some of whose remains await you as you wind your way along the path. The route, made easier by steps and handrails, remains accessible to all. A thrill awaits you at the Gouffre du Hayaü, where the footbridge overlooks the abyss.

Set off for the Ria de Merrien, this unassuming gem of southern Finistère where the tides, capricious and bountiful, have danced to the rhythm of the centuries. Its turquoise waters, sheltered by lush green woodland, have been home to oysters farmed by oyster growers for over a century. Between the Bois de Plaçamen and the oyster ports, thisnatural site – protected by the Conservatoire du Littoral – invitesyou to enjoy a fun orienteering walk. The Merrien Lighthouse, one of a string of four lighthouses in the area, which you’ll come across right at the end of the route, watches over this haven where tradition and nature blend together between land and sea.

Rédéné is a commune in Finistère. It is situated in the Vannetais region, 8 km from Quimperlé. This grand tour of Rédéné is designed to provide a 10 km route for runners. But it also allows all walkers visiting Rédéné to explore the neighbourhoods of this charming Breton village. Setting out in search of the village’s three fountains adds a little extra interest.

Nestled at 2,019 metres in the Ardiden Massif, above Luz-Saint-Sauveur, Lake Bastampe is a little glacial gem in the Luz Valley. Off the beaten track, it lies nestled in a rocky cirque where the Pic de Carlis is reflected in its shallow waters. Its charm? A wooded island of mountain pines, sitting in the centre like a picturesque detail from a postcard!To reach it, you’ll face a lovely climb, long and steep towards the end. But the effort is well worth it for the route itself, which is quite simply magnificent: woodland, stony grassy slopes, and sweeping views towards the jagged ridges of the Pic de Badet d’Aubiste (2,741 m), the Soum de Culaus (2,577 m), the Pic de Bastampe (2,783 m) and the Pic de Barbe de Bouc (2,964 m), the latter being the very embodiment of these jagged, tapered peaks!The effort pays off: by the water’s edge, we treat ourselves to photos, a picnic and a nap whilst walking round the lake.

There’s no need to describe the Cirque de Gavarnie any further – this ‘colosseum’ of stone, snow and water cascading in countless waterfalls… But let’s describe here the hike to its peaks, all those legendary summits over 3,000 metres high overlooking the cirque on the French side and the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park on the Spanish side. It is a demanding route, at times somewhat technical and quite long (though it can be shortened by skipping a few peaks or by spending the night before or the night of your return at the Refuge des Sarradets). This hike can, however, be completed in a single day, which makes it all the more exceptional! Please note, 18 September 2026: water shortage at the refuge; it is not possible to refill water bottles!

The ridge bordering the Cirque de Gavarnie and its immediate surroundings boast several legendary ‘3,000-metre’ peaks. This route to the west of the Cirque allows you to tackle four of them in a single day whilst traversing a stunning ridge! The ascent to the Taillon via the south-western ridge of the Gabiétous—a climb requiring no equipment other than your hands—is fun, exposed, yet without any major difficulty. The route remains at PD level (slightly difficult), making it accessible to many experienced mountaineers. The entire hike takes place in the high mountains in a marvellous setting, on both the French and Spanish sides, leaving you with memories to last a lifetime! Please note, 18 September 2026: water shortage at the refuge – it’s impossible to fill water bottles!

At the gateway to the Vercors, at the end of a long ridge at an altitude of 1,000 metres, this rocky promontory is visible for dozens of kilometres around. The site offers a remarkable panorama of the village, which it overlooks by nearly 200 metres, the Rieussec and Gervanne valleys and the high plateaus of the Vercors, the Diois, the Trois Becs and the Montagne Saint-Pancrace. The place is peaceful at sunrise and offers an interesting view of the plateau stretching around the village with its farms, temple, chapel and castle. The elevation gain is modest and the distance is short. The loop makes the climb less difficult. We chose to start from the Church of Notre-Dame, at the bottom of the village, to discover this well-renovated Romanesque heritage site.

The Néouvielle Massif is impressive for the diversity of its landscapes, peaks, lakes, "eternal ice" and abundant wildlife. The Turon de Néouvielle is named after this prestigious massif and is located in one of the easternmost areas of the "Core Zone of the Pyrenees National Park". This area of the PNP extends over territories with altitudes never falling below 1,067 m and peaking at 3,298 m at the Pique Longue du Vignemale. It is home to extremely varied landscapes. On the Turon de Néouvielle trail, there are numerous glacial mountain lakes, granite rocks, sharp ridges and a few grassy areas with diverse wildlife. An exceptional sight! This route takes you to two of the 3000-metre peaks in the area. It can be done in one or two days, with a break at the Refuge de la Glère, in a heavenly location.

The Néouvielle massif is the highest massif in the Pyrenees entirely within France. The Pic du Néouvielle (3,091 m) is its emblem, if not its highest peak, in the heart of a regional nature reserve where every lake is a marvel. This hike offers the ascent via the usual route, through the ancient Néouvielle glaciers, and a less easy but more fun descent via boulders. Starting from Lac d'Aubert, the route is fairly easy, especially in spring and early summer when the snow in the north-east couloir is still present, allowing you to avoid the scree, and is fairly well marked. In the last section, you cross the area of the former Néouvielle glaciers, partially replaced by snowfields, scree and large boulders. Finally, a short, easy climb up a chimney takes you to the summit, where you can enjoy exceptional views of the surrounding area and the entire Pyrenees mountain range!

This loop in the Ossau Valley offers a wide variety of peaks, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, aerial passages and remarkable 360° views. It is a challenging hike due to its significant elevation gain and passages where you need to use your hands, but it is not one you will forget. It adds difficulty and also enjoyment to the traditional loop by passing through the famous Passage d'Orteig, the Pic d'Arrious and the cliffs of the Barre d'Arrious!You will be following in the footsteps of Henry Russel, who climbed the Arriel via the normal route in July 1874 and gave a faithful account of his ascent in the Bulletin de la Société Ramond, under the title "Explorations pyrénéennes" in October 1874.Writing a description yourself forces a certain amount of humility, as his style, always generous, often lyrical and sometimes emphatic, commands respect! All this with the limited technical means of the time!

This winter hike through majestic scenery takes you to the lovely Lac d’Arrious, which may be frozen over in winter, and offers views across the valley to the string of lakes at Artouste and Arrémoulit. A hiking app or GPS is strongly recommended.

The beautiful Pic de Merlheu is just one aspect of this pleasant circular route, comprising three peaks, an exposed ridge and two lakes, in a very wild area that is less frequented than many of the classic Pyrenean routes.From the summits and the ridge, there are a succession of incredible views over the Piedmont, the surrounding valleys and the peaks of the border range, 30 km away.The route is somewhat demanding due to its elevation gain, its length and the fact that it follows unmarked paths, some of which are not shown on maps. It is reserved for mountaineers accustomed to trekking in remote high-mountain terrain.

It’s impossible to spend a few days in Montgailhard without climbing the local ‘peak’, the ‘Pain de Sucre’ of Montgailhard (in Occitan) or Montgaillard (in French), also grandly known as the ‘Pic de Montgailhard’ or Costebelle on the land registry. From the summit rock at an altitude of 627 metres, there are beautiful views of the surrounding countryside, set in completely unspoilt natural surroundings. In the Middle Ages, each hilltop was crowned by a castle or a watchtower. At the summit of the peak, you can play at being an archaeologist by searching for the remains of a stronghold of the County of Foix, the Château de Montgrenier (built in the 12th century and demolished on the orders of Louis XIII), of which at least one square tower still stood in 1673. But the circular walk first takes us to ‘Le Château’ in the village centre, then up a small hill known as ‘Le Castel’ (the castle)... All that’s missing are the men-at-arms to transport us straight into the heart of feudal warfare.

This long circular day-long loop (including breaks) combines the “urban” landscapes of the charming port of Carteret with coastal scenery, beaches and austere moorland, leading to the small village of Hattainville, then to Les Moitiers-d’Alonne, mostly along footpaths.With a few variations, this is a classic route for regulars at the seaside resort and local walking clubs!The Visorando app is recommended for the dunes

Perched at an altitude of 801 m, Mont Caume is one of the four ‘Toulon brothers’ that frame the city. Above all, it is the highest; its summit is very barren as it is highly exposed to winds and the vagaries of the weather. All these features make climbing it a must and well worth the effort. The suggested walk takes you almost all the way round it.

This little-visited peak is part of a series of four peaks along the stunning and challenging ridge stretching from Lac Bleu de Lesponne (2,021 m) to Pic du Midi de Bigorre (2,876 m). The pass is somewhat technical in winter conditions or at the end of the winter season, but it nevertheless provides fairly easy access to the peak itself. From the top, there is an exceptional 360° view, stretching from the nearby Pic du Midi Observatory to the border range and the 3,000-metre peaks of Gavarnie.The circular route through the superb, secluded hanging valley of Aoube to Lac Bleu, via the Col Bédéra (2,404 m), adds a wild, untamed flavour to this ascent.

This loop in the Ossau Valley offers a wide variety of peaks, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, aerial passages and remarkable 360° views. It is a challenging hike due to its significant elevation gain and passages where you will need to use your hands, but it is sure to leave a lasting impression.You will be following in the footsteps of Henry Russel, who made the ascent in July 1874 and gave a faithful account of it in the Bulletin de la Société Ramond, under the title "Explorations pyrénéennes" in October 1874.Writing a description of it yourself requires a certain amount of humility, as his style, always generous, often lyrical and sometimes emphatic, commands respect! All this with the limited technical means of the time!

Lakes, lakes, lakes! Gazing out over the Pyrenees from the Vignemale is a much-sought-after experience. But taking in the full expanse of the Vignemale Massif from the Pic de Labas viewpoint (2,947 m) is a sight that no lover of the High Pyrenees mountains can afford to miss!The climb to reach it is manageable, and from up there the 360° view is exceptional.Adding an extra touch of wilderness to this summit by completing the circular route around the Estom and Soubiran lakes is a challenging undertaking, but one that brings unrivalled satisfaction!

Whilst the Pimené holds no secrets for any experienced hiker in summer, it is less well-known in winter. It is reserved for experienced walkers, undeterred either by the route’s significant elevation gain, or by the need to cross expanses of pristine snow – which are not always easy to navigate – to reach its base, or by its arduous slopes, and even less so by its final ridge, which is short but tricky. See Practical Information. But from up there, the winter spectacle makes you forget the summer view: the Cirque de Gavarnie, Mont-Perdu, the Cirque d’Estaubé and much more besides, all cloaked in white!

A very beautiful winter round-trip hike, allowing you to discover the splendid Lac Bleu de Lesponne in winter beneath its layer of pristine snow and ice, then the Col de Bareilles and its view of the lake, the Lesponne Valley and the Pène det Pouri, and finally the Aiguillettes septentrionales (2,367 m), which are the most easily accessible peaks for winter alpine hiking. Whilst the total elevation gain is considerable, there is nothing to stop you stopping at each of the notable points along the way. Please note: this hike requires you to monitor snow conditions before and during the route and therefore demands an excellent knowledge of the mountains in winter.

This little-visited peak is the last in a series of four along the ridge from Lac Bleu du Chiroulet to the Pic du Midi de Bigorre (2,876 m). Somewhat technical in winter conditions or at the end of the winter season, it offers a fairly easy and very enjoyable final ridge. From the summit, there is an exceptional 360° view stretching from the nearby Pic du Midi Observatory to the border range and the 3,000-metre peaks of Gavarnie. You can choose to stop at the Col d’Oncet if the ascent of Pène Blanque seems too difficult.

A classic destination in the Cirque d’Anéou, this winter hike offers the vast, snow-covered and peaceful expanses of the cirque, along with majestic views of the French and Spanish peaks along the border. The distance and elevation gain make it a great destination for the start of the season!

This winter version of the walk takes you through the stunning Cirque d’Anéou and its vast snow-covered expanses.But its main attraction lies in the approach to the giant of the Béarn, the Pic du Midi d’Ossau (2,884 m), via a circuit around and ascent of its little brother, the Pic Peyreget, which lies just a few hundred metres opposite it. At the summit of the Peyreget, you feel as though you could almost touch the ridges of the ‘Jean-Pierre’, as it is nicknamed by the locals.Covered in snow, this secluded route is challenging but truly exceptional!

This beautiful winter circular route in the high mountains circles La Bonida and the Pic d’Oncet, taking in the stunning, secluded Aouda Valley and the southern flank of Pène Blanque, at the foot of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre.The views are exceptional and, although the route is used by a few ski tourers, peace and quiet are guaranteed.

Tired of long Catalan hikes?Treat yourself to a relaxing afternoon with a hot outdoor bath in the heart of the Entre-Valls forest, with views of the foothills of the Estallades and El Fornas. All this is free of charge in natural pools at a public site, spotlessly clean, not far from the majestic arches of the Yellow Train railway bridge. Unforgettable memories!

This route in the upper Ossau Valley allows you to explore the ridges overlooking the Ayous lakes, without having to contend with the crowds that flock there.The Vallon d’Aas de Bielle is a wonderful, peaceful, pastoral spot.From the summits of the Pics d’Ayous and Larry, the view is magnificent towards the Pic du Midi d’Ossau (2,884 m), which rises imposingly, as well as over all the Ayous lakes – a sight you won’t regret seeing from such a height!

This winter hike follows the charming Vallon d’Aygues-Cluses, passes close to the hut and refuge of the same name, then climbs up the ridge separating the Massif du Néouvielle, until it reaches the Hourquette Nère.The icing on the cake is the final ascent of the Pic d’Aygues-Cluses, a beautiful but fairly technical peak at an altitude of 2,620 metres (this is optional).You will be entering the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve, which is protected by regulations. Please respect these regulations (see practical information).

Starting from Lac de Fabrèges in the Ossau Valley, this winter route takes you along a ridge offering an exceptional view of the Pic du Midi d’Ossau from a little-known angle. You’ll also look out over the Magnabaigt Valley and the vast white expanses that slope down from it at a relatively gentle gradient. It is common to come across large herds of chamois here.

If you enjoy steep, long climbs in a beautiful, snow-covered high-mountain cirque, whilst still not being alone in the world – as many snowshoers and skiers enjoy and frequent these slopes – this route is for you.At the top of the ridge, the view over the Vallon d’Aygues-Cluses and Lac des Coubous is the finest reward of all!

This is an easy, short hike starting from the Col des Tentes in Gavarnie, offering views of Spain, the Plana de Sandaruelo, the peaks of the Spanish foothills, and the border ridge as far as Vignemale, climbing to the summit of a peak at almost 2,500 m, the Pic entre les Ports (the Port de Boucharo and the Port des Espécières). The return via the Col des Espécières and the lake of the same name offers views over the Vallée des Espécières and the ski resort. Please note: Pic Entre les Ports has a bivouac area sheltered by low walls and may be a good option for those who want to set off early the next morning for Brèche de Roland, Taillon or the Spanish ledges, and who want to sleep there the night before, as camping outside, in tents or cars, is strictly prohibited (and often fined) at the Col de Tentes.

A beautiful winter walk set in a wild and completely uncrowded landscape, on the French-Spanish border.

This lovely day hike in the mid- and high-mountain range takes you first through the magnificent setting of the Cirque d’Estaubé (the smallest of the three cirques in the area). The highlight is the gruelling ascent of the Couloir de Tuquerouye to reach the highest unmanned refuge in the Pyrenees, with a view of the stunning Lac Glacé du Marboré. The ascent of the Pic de Pinède adds an extra touch, revealing the Mont-Perdu massif. Thishike is reserved for experienced hikers.

Lake Isabe is one of the most beautiful and mysterious lakes in the Pyrenees and, in any case, a real gem set in a mineral landscape with steep cliffs. Towering above it, above the last snowfields of summer, rises the Pic de Sesques (or L'Escarbu). To reach it, you will have to traverse chaotic landscapes and climb a narrow couloir to reach an aerial ridge, but it is not dangerous. A beautiful mountain hike with a nice 1,700 m elevation gain over a fairly short distance of 14 km.

The Pic de Larry is a wonderful winter destination for experienced walkers. The ascent to the Refuge d’Ayous presents no particular difficulties. The ascent of the Col de Larry, followed by the peak, is often undertaken off-trail, solo, and over fairly steep slopes. The view is well worth the effort! The return route via the Ayous Lakes takes you through an enchanting landscape of forests, vast snow-covered expanses and frozen lakes, all under the constant, imposing watch of the giant of Ossau, the Pic du Midi.

This hike takes us on a very airy route along the facilities created in 1954 by the SNCF in the middle of the mountains to collect part of the water from the underground river in the massif and part of the water from the Artouste power station, and to channel it through a penstock to the Miégebat power station on the Gave d'Ossau. After the Grottes des Eaux-Chaudes caves, the route follows the Artouste-Miégebat underground water supply canal with its many windows.

The Cabane des Tousaus is a short route designed for beginners to try their hand at snowshoeing. It is an easy destination for those looking to hike in the snow and who need to gain a little altitude. Once you reach your destination, you can stop for a picnic and enjoy an already exceptional panoramic view over part of the Ossoue Valley and the Soum Blanc ridge, stretching from Secugnat to the Soum des Canaus. The presence of many other snowshoers and skiers in the vicinity makes for a safe, stress-free hike where you can follow the trail by sight.

Above Barèges, winter shrouds the Aygues Cluses valley in silence. Beneath the snow-laden mountain pines, we tread softly; only the torrent accompanies the ascent, with the occasional track of a ptarmigan or a chamois in the powder snow. The Madamète lakes, so popular in summer, now lie dormant beneath their layer of ice, and the path is nothing more than a series of tracks to follow in the fresh snow.Higher up, the valley opens out and reveals the horizon: at 2,657 metres, the Pic de Madamète offers a 360° panoramic view of the entire Néouvielle massif, with its jagged ridges and string of frozen lakes. The descent via the Coubous Lakes completes the circular route in the low afternoon light.A wonderful winter’s day on snowshoes – challenging and spectacular – on the edge of a nature reserve which, for a few months each year, reveals itself only to those willing to explore it on foot. I hope I’ve made you want to join me!

Hanging above the Arrens-Marsous Valley are several lakes, the magnificent dam and the Migouélou refuge, surrounded by peaks ranging from 2,500 to 2,700 metres.But this classic route is not enough to tempt you! GPX track essential.After passing by old mining installations, the railway line, a metal footbridge and Lac de Lassiédouat, the route offers a return via the Vallon de Massey, home to two other adorable little lakes, the Touest.

Visiting the gaping maw of the impressive Gouffre de Paybou, lost deep within the steep forest, is just one of the reasons to undertake this splendid hike in the heart of the Très-Croutz Forest, in the Saint-Pé Massif.Here, we follow in the footsteps of Abbé Bernard Abadie, who brought fame not only to this chasm – which he ‘invented’ – but also to the remarkable and eerie site of Calihourc, where he posed for posterity, pipe in hand, beret firmly perched on his head and a mischievous look in his eyes… Warning!This walk takes place in the heart of the wilderness in a rather challenging environment: steep slopes, rocky outcrops, cliffs, thorny undergrowth, and at times a complete lack of signposting, or even a lack of a proper path… This is why it is reserved for experienced, fit walkers with a good sense of direction. A GPS device may also prove very useful.

This route is a 3-day circular route with 2 nights in mountain huts. Day 1: Explore the Cirque de Gavarnie and its remarkable Grande Waterfall. Hike along the little-used ledges. Overnight stay at the Refuge des Espuguettes for thisfirst day to get you up to speed! Day 2: The big day: ascent of the Pimené (2,801 m). Magnificent descending ridge. Ascent of the exceptional Tuquerouye Couloir. Overnight stay at the mountain hut. Day 3: Return from Tuquerouye to Gavarnie via the Hourquette d’Alans.

This route offers a lovely walk along the wooded slopes of the Béout and ends by passing through the Mouniquet farm – with its remarkably peaceful meadows – and the magnificent grounds of the Cité Saint-Pierre.

Day 3 The return route for the 3-day route starts at the Tuquerouye Refuge and heads to Gavarnie via the Hourquette d’Alans and the Espuguettes Refuge.