MCTOUL

This walk is very pleasant in Pagnol's Provence, in the foothills of the Sainte-Baume massif, passing through the charmingly named "Pé de la Colle". Even though much of it is on tarmac roads, there are no visitors as it is a dead end. This in no way spoils the feeling of solitude and being surrounded by nature!

Chausey Island (more specifically La Grande Île) is a must-see for tourists visiting La Manche and the surrounding area. This route allows you to explore the island on a pleasant and comprehensive walk.The island itself is exceptionally beautiful and wild. The surrounding seascapes are also stunning. It is said that at high tide there are as many islands visible as there are weeks in the year (52) and at low tide as many as there are days in the year (365).

What could be more surprising than visiting a chapel built by human hands, completely isolated on a seemingly impassable rock face, with a huge cave overlooking it, also equipped with an altar forming another chapel, this one natural and even larger than the previous one!On the way up, there is a smaller cave. Both caves are completely safe. With a torch, you can explore them more fully...From up there, you'll get a breathtaking view of the Têt Valley, the surrounding valleys and the Canigou.

This short hike of just over 7 km takes you along the banks of the Canal de Jando (or "Rec Nou"), an abandoned irrigation canal that now serves as a footpath.The unmarked trail is located on the south side of the Têt valley and offers a sunny 2.5-hour walk or 1.5-hour run on suitable sections, close to the campsite, providing hikers with an alternative to longer hikes that require a car.

This half-day hike, far from the beaten track of Catalonia and the marked trails, takes you to the heights of Serdinya in the secret territory of wild boars and chamois. You will pass through the abandoned village of Les Horts. Magnificent landscapes, superb views and tranquillity guaranteed!

Comment gagner Villefranche-de-Conflent depuis Lastourg sans emprunter la dangereuse N116, qui n'a aucune circulation piétonne de prévue ?Petite découverte d'un circuit alternatif le long de la Têt !Attention, cette randonnée qui emprunte un itinéraire partiellement sur le terrain d'ERDF (non clôturé), se fait à vos risques et périls !

Roc Campanyà rises to an altitude of 1,134 metres, just above the Mas de Lastourg campsite in the Têt Valley, very close to Villefranche-de-Conflent. Breathtaking views of the Têt Valley, the Rotja Valley, the Fillols Valley and the Catalan giant, the Canigou. With a sheer drop of 834 metres, it seems inaccessible... yet it is!

To get from the Lastourg campsite to Serdinya without taking the main road, there is a charming path that runs alongside the Têt river.Please note that crossing the campsite is not permitted, as it is private property!

A beautiful route in the heart of nature, along the Vire river, very quiet and very pleasant.

A short hike in the mountains above Serdinya to the abandoned village of Les Horts.This is a typical landscape of the Catalan Pyrenees: mountains, yet with Mediterranean buildings and vegetation.

Hiking around Coutances No. 10.A lovely walk around the River La Soulles.This short walk takes us along paths and small local or district roads on a journey through the valley and hillsides of one of Coutances’ three rivers, the Soulles, in the villages to the south-east of Coutances.The route passes by some very pretty local stone houses (or outbuildings from old farms).

A short, family-friendly and easy hike in summer but a challenging one in winter under the snow. You’re in the heart of the Hautes-Pyrénées, amidst the highest peaks, on the route to the Pic du Cabaliros and Lake Anapéou. In both summer and winter, a complete change of scenery in these ancient pastoral areas.

A beautiful hike in the hills above Ollioules and Sanary, off the beaten track. Exceptional views of the coastline from La Ciotat to Porquerolles, and inland from La Cadière-d'Azur to Le Revest, the Sainte-Baume mountain range and the Ollioules gorges.The hike alternates between shaded sections in the Mediterranean scrub and sunny sections on the limestone rocks of the La Colle massif.See important notes in Practical Information.

This paradise island is criss-crossed by numerous trails from north to south and east to west. The proposed hike takes you through the village and then on to a beautiful day of walking and swimming in the western part of the island. Magnificent panoramas, turquoise waters, oak forests, olive groves and vineyards on all sides. You'll be able to say, "I was there!" and feel like you're playing Robinson Crusoe, without spending the day roasting on a beach...

Short walk to reach the summit of Notre-Dame du Mai facing the Mediterranean. The 360° view is one of the most beautiful on the French Riviera. Best done early in the morning or in the evening at sunset to see the amber colours that the sun casts on the surrounding mountains, or in the middle of the day when the weather is very nice to see the azure sky and sea. Unforgettable photos and memories!

This is a short hike in the mountains above Serdinya, starting from Villefranche-de-Conflent and ending at the fountains of Les Horts, an abandoned village in ruins. The hike follows the old village access path, known as the "Chemin des Horts à Villefranche" in the Napoleonic land registry, although it is in very poor condition. The landscape is typical of the Catalan Pyrenees: mountains, yet with Mediterranean buildings and vegetation.

Short, easy winter hike. This is a standard hike in the Argelès-Gazost region. A wide, well-marked trail leads hikers from the mini winter sports resort of Col de Couraduque to the Refuge du Haugarou, which is actually a beautiful mountain hotel. In winter, this route is best done on snowshoes (even though it is generally well groomed and possibly passable in shoes)! In summer, as the route follows a road, you may encounter cars...

Capeu Gros is one of the peaks of the Croupatier massif, whose ridge leads to Baou des Quatre Ouro. The route, an extended version of the Rinckenbach route (Cuves du Destel), first follows the bed of the Destel with handrail climbing, chains and passage through the vats. It then passes along the Croupatier ridge. On the way back, you will see the Chappe telegraph and the boundary markers of the municipalities of Ollioules and Évenos. Breathtaking views from La Ciotat to Giens, via the bay of Toulon. 25/03/2024: the route ofthe GR® 51, which passes north between the Col du Taillan and the summit of Cape Gros, has been modified and now passes between the Col de Taillan, the telegraph and the summit of Capeu Gros. The IGN map has not been updated.

This active route will take you through the Croupatier to the Baou de Quatre Ouro, one of the four "Toulonais brothers". Paths and ledges where you have to use your hands, passages with ropes, discover the main caves of the massif, where the famous caves of the Château du Diable make the route more interesting.

This very challenging route takes the hiker to the site of the Château du Diable and its remarkable caves and the Destel gorges, with their astonishing giant's kettles or cauldrons. Nice sections with chains or ropes.

This pretty mid-mountain lake (1,731 m) on the GR®10 is easy to access and overlooked by peaks over 2,500 m high. It makes for a pleasant hike of a few hours. It is also accessible in winter, under the snow, on foot or with snowshoes. The long walk through the magnificent forest along the Gave de Gaube, on the side of the Gaube coast, makes the discovery of the mountains even more beautiful when you arrive at the first Huats lake with the north face of the Vignemale as a backdrop.

This is a short, challenging hike, which could be described as "ravine hiking", in the steep, arid ravines of the Coutronne (now a dry river) and the Infernets to the Encanaux. There, the latter flows into the Vède in a charming, shady and fairly wide spot, which is popular with walkers at the weekend. The hike takes you through the potholes (giant's kettles) of the two rivers, in truly wild surroundings. The first ravine is very rarely visited.

This short walk on the heights of Auriol was discovered by chance while trying to get as close as possible to the chapel, which stands out immaculately against the blue sky. It's a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon with the family, climbing just 37 metres. From the top, there is a remarkable view of the village and the entire surrounding area, from the northern slopes of the Sainte-Baume mountain range to the east to the Étoile mountain range to the west.

A lovely, challenging circular route along goat paths to the heights of the Baou de Quatre Ouro massif and Cap Gros.Go through two steep valleys.Return via the southern ridge of Baou and the Madema breach, partially descending to the cliff path, then the ups and downs of Hautes Pavègnes and finally the old quarry and the old Bonnes Herbes shooting range.

A lovely mid-mountain hike through the lush forest of Saint-Pé-de-Bigorre (or Tres-Croutz or Crouts = Three Crosses in Bigourdan). The first quarter of the hike is a bit challenging, as it is steep. You then pass through the Aülhet and Artigue mountain pastures, before following the ridge westwards to the summit of Soum de la Génie Braque. Well known to locals, this route offers a guaranteed change of scenery!

Le Cabaliros is a classic Pyrenean peak above Cauterets. Take the southern route, which is the longest, through woods, lush summer pastures and abundant mountain streams, rather than the Val d'Azun route. The length of the route and the significant elevation gain make this a challenging route reserved for experienced hikers. Enjoy a 360° view from the summit over the main Pyrenean range, the Saint-Pé-de-Bigorre massif and all the surrounding valleys.

Short hike in the hills above Lourdes. The route is very quiet but well worth a look. It follows the northern ridge, which is the longest and has the greatest elevation gain. From the main summit at 791m, where a cross has been erected, there is a 360° view of the Lourdes region. From the second summit at 719m, there is a viewpoint with the old Béout cable car installation. A little further on is the entrance to the cave known as the "Gouffre de Lourdes", which is 82m deep.

Just a stone’s throw from the village of Saint-Pé-de-Bigorre, this walk takes us along the trail of the massif’s caves, particularly those on a large hilltop, the Mountagnou de la Pale. The caves are dotted along this route as if laid out especially for the walker. We approach the gaping hole of the Gouffre du Hayau, whose unusual size and the draught of air coming in would surely draw you into its dark abyss, were you not careful... This route was significantly altered in May 2024 by the creation of a new ‘karst trail’.

An exceptional and magnificent circular route on the heights of Saint-Pé-de-Bigorre, in the Tres-Croutz forest, then along the ridge of the Soums de Maletaule. This route circles the Génie Braque torrent, which supplies water to the village below. On the mountain pastures, the landscapes are magical in both summer and winter, on the northern side (St-Pé) and the southern side (the main Pyrenees range).

Short hike on the outskirts of Lourdes, in the Batsurguère valley. Above the charming village of Omex, there are isolated pastures in a natural basin, the source of the Moules stream. The pass is topped by the Soum of the same name and the Mail des Portes, the start of the beautiful Pernes ridge, towards the Soum du Montné, gateway to the Saint-Pé-de-Bigorre massif and the Très-Crouts forest.

A magnificent, challenging hike along the ridges at 2,000 m facing the Pic du Midi de Bigorre. Although off the marked trails, it is quite busy in summer. In winter, it is completely off the beaten track for hikers, particularly in the final section (see note in Practical Information below). In winter, as in summer, save this route for a perfectly clear, sunny day, as the views are remarkable and you won’t regret the effort.

This hike is not technically difficult but goes beyond the scope of a "Sunday stroll". Its appeal lies in reaching the pastoral summer pastures above the magnificent Batsurguère valley, at the gateway to Lourdes, and taking a break in a perfectly maintained refuge hut. To the west, you can see the Aguée valley, towards the Col d'Espadres. The place is quiet and superb. With a bit of luck, you will be in the company of horses roaming free on the grassy slopes of the pass.

An exceptional, challenging and demanding route through the Très-Croutz forest, first on the Gave de Pau side, with a brief detour to the Val d'Azun side at the Col d'Andorre, then on the plateau at 1,400 m, between the Col d'Espadres and the Saint-Pé ridge (Maletaule or Soums).Summer pastures with centuries of pastoral activity, at the crossroads of important local historical sites, including the famous Très Croutz (the Three Crosses of the Bigourdan bishoprics).

A must-see for Saint-Pé residents and their friends, the peaks of Le Mousqué and La Tourette offer an exotic stroll and magnificent panoramic views of the surroundings of Saint-Pé-de-Bigorre. Ideal at sunset in summer.

Montaigu is a beautiful peak in the Hautes-Pyrénées, facing the Pic du Midi de Bigorre and set back far enough from the main border range to offer a beautiful 360° view. This slope via the Hautacam ridges is the longest, but it is also the most beautiful and wildest. It offers a few aerial sections that add a certain interest! Only to be attempted if the weather is perfectly clear!

Roc Campanyà or Campagnia rises to an altitude of 1,134 metres, just above the Mas de Lastourg campsite in the Têt Valley, very close to Villefranche-de-Conflent. Its pointed, aggressive silhouette and the chaos of the Sant-Pere massif on which it is perched suggest that it is inaccessible without climbing equipment... But it's not. With a good pace and a good sense of direction, hikers can reach the summit in just 3 hours.Read the comments carefully before setting off on this route. Don't hesitate to turn back. There is a way out of the route between (10) and (5): return via the Vallon des Horts, a hike described here on visorando. The point (10) on this route corresponds to the point (4) on the other route.

This is a good, challenging hike, mostly off the beaten track, along ancient paths in the Sant-Pere massif. At the foot of Roc Campanya/Campagna, you will discover an incredible view of the Têt and Rotja valleys. There is a 180° view with the 2,784-metre-high Canigou in the south.

On the forgotten trails of Saint-Pé-de-Bigorre No. 3 A challenging and demanding circular route above Serre Pourcou, across the mountainous plateaus and summer pastures of the Pyrenean foothills, and through the vast and impenetrable forest of Très Croutz, or the state-owned forest of Saint-Pé-de-Bigorre. The diversity of the landscapes encountered never fails to impress the hiker...

This short family walk takes you to a cute little cave that is very accessible. Over the millennia, it has been home to all kinds of animals, as well as humans. All have left traces, few of which are visible to the naked eye, except for the bear dens and the paleontological excavation sites. What remains is the beautiful volume of this cave, surprising and rare in the region, and its location in the ever-mysterious forest of Très-Croutz.

On the forgotten trails of Saint-Pé-de-Bigorre No. 5A long journey from the Ouzom Valley, through Les Aoules, to the Génies Valley, in the unfathomable Saint-Pé massif.In all seasons, the landscapes and forests are impressive and majestic.Its main attraction lies in the beauty of the two valleys crossed from end to end: the Yerse and the Aguée, sites of ancestral pastoralism where shepherds and their flocks lived from June to October. There are still many traces of this to be found.

The Picharrots waterfall is a classic spot for lovers of the Saint-Pé Massif who aren’t afraid to tackle the challenges of navigating the Integral Biological Reserve, which is deliberately left completely untouched by human intervention. This route offers an alternative, allowing you to take the Sentier des Gardes on the way there – a trail somewhat forgotten within the massif, but a truly epic one. The final section of the route, between the Bédeille ravine and the waterfall, is more challenging and at times more exposed. Return via the Génie Longue.

Tour of the Cité Saint-Pierre via the Béout ridge, passing by the summit cross and the old cable car station with views of Lourdes, the Gave de Pau and the start of the Vallée des Gaves.This hike in a wild area, with little or no signposting and trails that are difficult to see in summer and overgrown with ferns (especially on the descent), makes it accessible only to "adventurers" over the age of 10 who are not afraid of discovering this little summit!

Starting from Gavarnie, enjoy a change of scenery by escaping to the wild plateaus at the foot of the Grand and Petit Piméné (2,801m and 2,667m). The Refuge des Espuguettes is a beautiful stop along the way. If you push on a little further to the Plateau des Cardous, you can admire the entire border range, the peaks of the Cirque, just for you, from the Tour du Marboré (3009m) to the Mailh Arrouy (2965m), passing by the majestic Vignemale (3,298 m). A change of scenery and tranquillity guaranteed!

On the forgotten trails of Saint-Pé-de-Bigorre No. 6 The Araü is the mountainous ridge jutting out from the Massif de Saint-Pé down to the Gave de Pau at the foot of the village. Its imposing, entirely wooded silhouette conceals pretty clearings, once meadows, some well-known paths and others forgotten, used only by hunters and hiking enthusiasts beneath the tall trees of the forest. Its summit, towering arrogantly over the village, is the Soum de las Toupiettas (1,357m).

A long hike through the Gaube Valley, the Oulettes and the Hourquette d’Ossoue, on the slopes of the Vignemale, with an overnight stay at the Baysselance Refuge. The proposed route is a winter snowshoe trek; it follows theGR®10trail almost everywhere, deviating from it only on the ascent to the Hourquette, coming within touching distance of the Petit Vignemale (or Séracs) glacier. The final ascent is gruelling, the scenery is breathtaking, and these are legendary sites from the golden age of Pyrenean mountaineering!

On the hillsides of Saint-Pé-de-Bigorre, this 10 km route with an elevation gain of 180 m takes you through everything that makes the immediate surroundings of this village so beautiful: its small paths, meadows, woods, rivers and houses, in short, its rural heritage.Whether you're a regular walker or runner, a local or a visitor, you're sure to enjoy yourself here!

The Très Crouts Forest holds many curiosities. Here is an unusual one, as it is very rare in this area: a very active resurgent cave. At Aygo Blanco, the torrent gushes from the mountain at 650m and plunges 120m down through a series of small waterfalls, where the river spreads out its white angel’s hair… An enchanting walk to discover this hidden gem! Most of the route follows a path in reasonable condition, although it is old and unmarked. The final 100 metres are quite rugged.

From the village of Eaux-Chaudes, with its old-fashioned charm and romantic 19th-century thermal baths, to the remarkable entrances to the two caves of the same name (although the water is cold), this hike is accessible to all and offers many surprising and visually stunning discoveries. At the end of the trail, venture underground along the riverbank by lamplight to admire some of the wonders of the underground world, adding an extra thrill and unforgettable excitement to the experience.

The Cabane de l'Aoulhet is a popular destination for the inhabitants of Saint-Pé, located above the village in the heart of the Très-Croutz forest. Although it is a stop on many routes in the massif, it can also be a popular destination in itself, on the border between the sunny summer pastures and the mossy forest, with a remarkable view of the Montné cliffs, the steep-sided Génie Longue valley, the Picharrots cliffs and the other summer pastures of Prat du Rey.

This beautiful day’s hike in the high mountains offers breathtaking views of the Cirque de Gavarnie, with its peaks over 3,000 metres towering above it, the Mont-Perdu massif, the Cirque d’Estaubé, as well as a 360° panorama of the entire Pyrenees mountain range, the border, the Spanish peaks and the whole of the French Piedmont region of the Hautes-Pyrénées. On the return leg, this circular walk follows the ridge leading up to the Hourquette d’Alans, offering a fun and airy, yet un exposed, section. Please read the recommendations regarding the (5) on both the outward and return journeys.