Pyrénées walks

This high-altitude hike gives you an exact view of the high mountains of the Ariège and their perched ponds. This small pond in a peaceful setting has an immediate charm. Moderator's warning as of 22/03/2021: Caution! in snowy conditions, very tricky passage; see reviews

The not-to-be-missed Lacs d'Ayous, deep in the Ossau valley, with a magnificent view of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau.

A circuit a dozen or so kilometers long in a green area among forests, streams and waterfalls. And especially crossing the Holzarté bridge which is the headline event of this quite demanding hike. If it is too physically demanding, you can turn around once you have seen the bridge.

A half-day tour to admire the magnificent Étangs de Fontargente and their emerald green reflections.

A beautiful loop starting from the village of Gourbit. Passing through the Etang d'Artax (Artats), the Roc de Querquéou and the Col de Lastris. The viewpoint, approaching 1900m, is a feast for the eyes.

A shady walk that takes in a splendid canyon and wonderful waterfalls.

A circular walk in a magnificent landscape bathed in a calm and soothing atmosphere. This loop will delight lovers of peace and quiet as well as those wishing to reconnect with nature.

On the trail of the GR10, the Granges d’Astau and Espingo Lake, via Lake Oô.

One of the best-known paths in the Pyrenees, carved into the steep rock above the Gorges d'Enfer. The Chemin de la Mâture still echoes with the blows of the pickaxes of the convicts who dug it. An unforgettable page of history!

Easy hike to the Lac de Bordères (Bareilles) via the Port de Pierrefite, with superb views of the Pyrenees. Moderator's warning as of 25/01/2021: Warning! In winter, the starting point at Port de Balès may be inaccessible by car. See the notice below dated 25/01/2021

This hike, accessible to all, offers a taste of the high mountains. After the Étang de Labant, the route leads to the Pic de Cabanatous, a marvellous lookout point over the Étangs de Bassiès and beyond to the great summits of the Ariège. On the way back, the Étang d'Alate is the perfect place to stop for a break before heading back to the Port de Saleix, a very important ancient communication route that facilitated trade between the Couserans and Vicdessos regions.

This easy hike leads to the foot of the Cirque d'Estaubé. Although less famous than its neighbour Gavarnie, the Cirque d'Estaubé is a magnificent sight, with many waterfalls. Great picnic opportunities in a superb mountain setting.

This hike takes you up the Suhalmendi for a magnificent 360° view of the Pyrenees and the ocean. You'll also discover the Basque pig that makes such delicious hams and other charcuterie. There's also a nice little picnic area where you can enjoy your picnic.

Departing from Le Pont d'Espagne, this moderately demanding hike will take you into the Pyrenees National Park to discover Lac de Gaube and the Oulettes de Gaube refuge, from where you can admire the Vignemale, the highest peak in the Pyrenees at 3298m. If you're lucky, you might even spot some marmots.

A lovely walk gradually ascending towards the artificial Lac d'Oô and the large waterfalls that feed it.

A short, pleasant half-day hike in spring to the Étang d'Appy and its cirque.

Hike to discover the fountains of Laroque-des-Albères: the Font dels Simiots and amazing animals which, according to legend, kidnapped babies and came to settle near the fountain after being dislodged from Arles-sur-Tech; the Font de la Vernosa, a well-preserved, beautiful fountain from where one has a magnificent view of the plain of Roussillon.

This hike allows you to reach the Pic de Cagire in a morning, offering a 360° view between the plain and the highest peaks of the Pyrenees. 07/01/2024: Hiking prohibited to the public from 1 January 2025 to 31 March 2025 by municipal decree (from Pic de L'Escalette towards Pas de l'Âne via the ridges located in the commune of Boutx). This hike is strongly discouraged in winter due to its dangerous nature, particularly between the summit of Les Parets and Col du Pas de l'Âne! See practical information.

A beautiful route to discover La Rhune in all its glory.

The granite cirque of Bassiès, near the Montcalm massif, is impressive for its size and its lakes. It is accessed from the right bank of the steeply-sided Bassiès stream via a comfortable but steep path that passes through a beautiful forest before coming out onto a rocky outcrop that marks the first lake. The descent is on the other bank, which is just as steep, following a well-maintained stony mule track.

A gentle walk to the Artigue waterfalls.

A hike that will lead you to one of the primary summits of the Pyrenees, offering you a view over the entire Basque country, French and Spanish.

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.

(!) (September 2024) Following recent bad weather, the footbridge at (6) has been washed away. Crossing the Gave de Pau river is tricky and strongly discouraged. (!) Update 25/06/2025, Vallées de Gavarnie Tourist Office. => The footbridge located at (6) has been repaired and will be reopened to the public on 25/06/2025.However, the footbridge upstream from the Hôtellerie du Cirque (9) is still not in place and crossing the Gave de Pau river is tricky depending on the water level. A different approach to the Cirque de Gavarnie. The plateau gives you an overview that allows you to take in the whole site at a glance. A little later, you can stroll through the cirque to appreciate its full majesty. To quote Victor Hugo, it is the Colosseum of nature.

A classic in the Eastern Pyrenees, this route takes you to the highest point in the department (2,921 metres), passing by more than a dozen small mountain lakes.

Loop starting from Alus-Les-Bains with varied landscapes. Hike to be undertaken after the snow has completely disappeared (check in advance). Several passages through peat, in the middle of streams and avalanche corridors.Please note: look carefully for markings and signposts, which are not always very visible.

A lovely half-day family walk to the Étang de Comte via the Jasse du Mourguillou.

A beautiful hike ending at the Étang d'Izourt with a stunning view. The Étang d'Izourt is a dam lake with a tragic history (read about it on the commemorative plaque). There are two paths you can take to get to the Étang d'Izourt: the left bank or the right bank of the stream. The outward journey is on the right bank of the Arties stream and the return journey is on the left bank.

A beautiful hike in the Lutour Valley, which is a magnificent place.

Landscapes “rich in nature” on this hike in the area of Gavarnie, accompany your steps towards the peak of Taillon, through the legendary Roland breach. Taillon, a summit that at the top of its 3144 m, offers a stunning panorama and striking views as far as the eye can see.

Walk through the ruins of Roquefixade Castle and the Coulzonne Cave.

This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful hikes in the Pyrenees. The climb is long and difficult, but the panoramic views will make you forget your aching legs. Once past the azure blue Boums du Port, the Port de Venasque fault offers the most beautiful balcony overlooking the Maladeta and its lord, the Aneto. The Port de la Picade with its superb panoramic views, the Pas de l'Escalette and the Crabidès ridge complete this unforgettable hike.

A magnificent hike. Superb landscapes await you along this route. You are entering the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve, which is protected by regulations. Please respect these regulations (see practical information).

Beautiful views of the Carlit. Three-quarters of the route is shaded near the lakes. Rhododendrons, blueberries, etc.

The hike is suitable in all seasons. If there is snow, snowshoes may be necessary (depending on the depth).

Between farmland and virgin forest, discover the ruins of the Château de Saint-Barthélémy, which overlooks the authentic villages of Durban-sur-Arize and Montseron on the Plantaurel massif. You will admire the most peaceful landscapes: views of the Pyrenees, emerald forests worthy of the greatest fantasy films, and hills stretching as far as the eye can see.

This beautiful hike will allow you to discover the most famous peaks of the Basque Country as you climb, as well as enjoy a wide view of the ocean.

De ruelles en sentiers, cet itinéraire conduira le promeneur de Saint-Lizier au Montcaliver, belvédère sur l'ensemble des vallées couserannaises et les splendides sommets dominés par le seigneur du Couseran: le mont Vallier.

A circular hike around the Étangs de Rabassoles lakes via the Pic de Tarbésou (2,364 metres), which offers magnificent views of the surrounding 2,000-metre peaks.

A beautiful hike that combines superb views and varied trails. Definitely do it in good weather to enjoy the landscapes that await you.

A pleasant, easy hike from the Col de Port, in a magnificent setting combining forest, stream, picnic area and views of the Pyrenees. Not very busy except at the pass.

A magnificent route that will take you up high and offer superb views of the village and the Rhune.

This three-day hike allows you to see at least 20 lakes. It is divided into three parts and includes two nights in a refuge (or in a tent). The first day is quite difficult. The times for each stage are those I have noted. They include photo breaks, meals, discussions, and time spent with your feet in the water. Please note that there are three hikes (normal walking pace).

This is a beautiful hike that allows you to discover the Iparla ridges without having to climb the various peaks.

This circular walk takes you to the Napoleonic redoubts used by Marshal Soult's army against Wellington's British troops in 1814. You can enjoy beautiful 360° views. Magnificent hundred-year-old oak trees line the route.

Why Grand Tour? Because you have to pass by the Ayous Refuge in a setting that is, how can I put it? Sublime...

Beautiful views of Itxassou and Mount Ursuya, then Roland's Pass and the Nive Gorges.

Arbas, land of bears, paragliders and beautiful hikes! The hike I suggest follows a ridge trail and offers beautiful views of the Comminges to the north and the high peaks of the Pyrenees to the south, all without much difficulty.

A simple hike with an almost continuous 360° view of the Aure and Louron valleys and the surrounding peaks (Arbizon, Lustou, Abeille, etc.). The quietest hikers are sure to spot squirrels, wild boars and birds of prey in the forest. Accessible on foot, snowshoes or mountain bike, with a slight elevation gain (mainly on three short steep climbs). No signposting but 90% of the route is on forest tracks and clean pastures. Crosses two small streams.

An interesting route that takes you around local farmers, where you can buy Espelette peppers and sheep's cheese. A pleasant route through a charming village.