Hautes-Pyrénées walks

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.

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.

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.

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

(!) (September 2024). Following recent bad weather, the footbridge at point (6) has been swept away by the floodwaters. Fording the Gave de Pau is tricky and strongly advised against. (!) Updated 25/06/2025, Gavarnie Valleys Tourist Office. => The footbridge at (6) has been repaired and will reopen to the public from 25/06/2025.However, the footbridge located upstream of the Hôtellerie du Cirque (9) is still not in place, and fording the Gave de Pau is tricky depending on the current water level. The Tourist Office advises: ‘Please note, however, that the footbridge will be dismantled every late autumn and reassembled in late spring as it is situated in an avalanche path.’ A different approach to the Gavarnie Cirque. The plateau offers a panoramic view, allowing you to take it all in at a glance. A little later, you’ll wander through the cirque to fully appreciate its majesty. To quote Victor Hugo, the Colosseum of nature.

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).

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.

The Central Pyrenees boast three superb cirques, the best known of which is Gavarnie. However, the other two, Troumouse and Estaubé, are also well worth a visit. Troumouse, situated furthest to the east, features stunning rock faces that mark the border with Spain.Important note: following discussions with the Gavarnie-Gèvre Tourist Office, here is some information about this hike:Road access to Héas and the Maillet plateau has been restored, and the road is considered to be open again. Works will resume in the spring and may occasionally affect traffic.However, the access road to the chapel at Héas is closed every winter and in early spring due to snow and avalanche risks. The road reopens gradually from March–April and then in late May–early June. To find out when the road is open, please visit the website.

A typical Pyrenean lake in the mid-mountains. 47 hectares, 120 metres deep. Beautiful blue colour.

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.

A small mountain lake with a beautiful blue-green colour. Less frequented than the Lac Bleu, it is a real pleasure to soak up the calm and splendour of the site. The route offers views of the magnificent Pitch d'Ouscouaou waterfall.

This route includes no fewer than four mountain lakes, cascading down from the ancient glaciers that shaped the Pyrenees. There is a fifth, lower lake, which we invite you to visit on your return journey.You are entering the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve, which is protected by regulations. Please respect these regulations (see practical information).

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).

To the west of Argelès-Gazost, there is a very pretty, not too difficult circuit on well-maintained trails offering two viewpoints over the Gave de Pau valley and a 360° view of the Central Pyrenees!

This hike, starting from Pont d'Espagne, will take you to the heart of the Pyrenees National Park. You will follow the Marcadau valley to reach the lakes of Embarrat, Pourtet and Nère at an altitude of over 2,400 metres.

This is an easy walk along the border between the Pyrénées Atlantiques and Hautes Pyrénées departments, suitable for walkers. You will encounter sheep, horses and cows, admire birds of prey soaring overhead and enjoy views of peaks such as the Pic du Midi de Bigorre and the Gabizos, as well as beautiful landscapes (the Ouzom and Arrens Marsous valleys).

A short walk to warm up, but not recommended in wet weather. Nice view from the top.

In the Val d'Azun, away from the shores of Lake Estaing the Barbat huts and Lake Barbat are perfect for a day out.

A beautiful walk in the Vallon des Granges de Bué, which can be done with children provided they are fit.

Hike above the Cirque de Gavarnie to visit a mountain pass made famous by its name.

This trail is much less frequented than the main path and offers more views of the cirque along most of its length. ⚠️From 1 November to 30 April, and as soon as the quiet zone is established, using the route between 4 and 5 constitutes an offence under the National Park regulations: a 4th category offence under: R.331-65 3° — "Deliberate disturbance of the peace in the core area of the National Park" (€750 fine)." ⚠️ DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED between 2-3-4 and 5. Please check with the Gavarnie Tourist Office before setting off: +33 (0)5 62 92 49 10.

This is a very accessible walk. After following a valley where irises bloom in late July, it climbs up to the Lac de Barrage dets Coubous. It then winds its way from lake to lake, across the meadows of a high-altitude cirque.

From the Col d'Aspin, this short round-trip hike will take you along the ridges between the Campan and Aure valleys for a superb view of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre, the Arbizon and the Perdiguère peaks.

Discover Lac de Gaube from La Raillère, south of Cauterets, via theGR®10.

Starting from the centre of Loudenvielle, this lovely route offers exceptional views of Lake Génos while recounting the history of the town. It is not particularly difficult and can be enjoyed by the whole family, although it is best to choose a dry day as the stones can be slippery when wet.

Hike passing by the Bastan lakes to reach Pic du Pichaley, which offers a 360° view. This hike is accessible to all up to the Bastan refuge, but becomes more difficult after that. The short climb up the Pic du Pichaley is very steep.

A walk steeped in local history. Starting at a 12th-century Cistercian abbey, a pleasant path leads to the 14th-century Château de Mauvezin de Gaston Phébus. Take a break on this rocky outcrop, which offers remarkable 360° views. The return to the abbey follows a downhill path through the woods.

Please note: access to the Pic du Midi is prohibited until 1 November 2024 by municipal decree The Pic du Midi de Bigorre is a classic in the Pyrenees. Apart from its length, this hike is very accessible. The approach via the Ruisseau d'Oncet is magnificent, where you will encounter marmots and llamas. Once you reach the summit, you'll be blown away by the view of all the legendary peaks, including Aneto, Vignemale, Balaïtous and the Néouvielle massif. Below, you can see Lac d'Oncet, which you passed on the way up.

Pure beauty! A hike that will take your breath away, surrounded by cows, marmots and chamois!

A very beautiful hike that is accessible to everyone. The descent into the steeply-sided Sarrouyes valley retains a wild appearance. The end of the climb is in the middle of a meadow, following the stream. You may see many marmots here.

A very pretty route with a long ridge walk. This hike allows you to discover some very large summer pastures, some of which are still in use. In the background: the Pic de Midi de Bigorre, the Montaigu and the Mongie valley. Do not attempt this ridge hike in foggy or heavy rain.

A short, mostly shaded hike starting from the beautiful village of Mauléon-Barousse. The path is marked from start to finish (yellow markings). You can go to the Gouffre de la Saoule and admire the waterfalls.

This is a short hike that is rarely done, seems unremarkable and does not appear in most guidebooks. However, it is well worth the effort and the lake is magnificent. Once it's time to go back, you'll want to stay longer. There are very few people, just a few hikers, a fisherman, some marmots and, very early in the morning, some chamois. For those who like camping, I would recommend pitching a tent here. A day and a night here is pure bliss!

Hike in the most famous cirque in the Pyrenees. Return via the path leading to the Cirque du Pailla, which allows you to avoid the crowds and gain height to enjoy this magnificent place from a different perspective.

Magnificent view of the barns, extensive panorama of the Rioumajou Valley, Lustou, the Louron peaks, Hourgade and the village of Saint-Lary-Soulan. On the other side, view of the Plat d'Adet and the Aulon Valley.

In the footsteps of Georges Buisan, born in 1924 in Montréjeau (Haute-Garonne) and resident in Tarbes, he spent his childhood in Bigorre. His interest in the mountains led him to spend several years researching shepherds' huts. Georges Buisan has since passed away, but he leaves behind him, with this Courtaou de la Lit, which he restored over a period of thirty years, an original legacy and a powerful message.

This is a hike not to be missed for lovers of mountain lakes and wide open spaces. Moderator's addition on 23/08/2021: The start of the circuit has changed. It is now at the Chez Louisette restaurant and the hike is therefore longer. See the comments at the bottom of this page

The Batcrabère lakes are nestled in a cirque at the foot of a rampart formed by the Balaïtous, which rises to 3,144 metres, the Pic Palas (2,974 metres) and the Pic d'Artouste (2,816 metres). You are entering a national park: please respect the regulations https://www.pyrenees-parcnational.fr/fr/... https://www.parcsnationaux.fr/fr/des-dec...

This is an easy hike, best undertaken when there is no snow. Pay close attention to the weather.

This hike will take you to the bottom of the Estaing Valley to discover the Liantran Lakes and pastoral remains. You will discover the Lac d'Estaing, then the Lac de Langle (sometimes dry in summer), the Lac du Plaa de Prat, and finally the Lacs de Liantran. There are no difficulties from May onwards, although in spring there may still be some snow drifts, so caution is advised. Pyrenean ibex and chamois are often spotted here.

This hike forms a loop around Tuco and in the Gaoube valley. It offers beautiful views of several surrounding valleys. A beautifully restored hamlet has tables and benches for a very pleasant picnic stop. An ideal complement after a few days of hiking in the high mountains!

A lovely, easy hike from the Payolle campsite. This hike can be done on snowshoes. Le Courtaou near Les Esclozes has been restored. The Les Esclozes hut is maintained. A water supply channel is operational. This place was once an important settlement, as evidenced by the number of collapsed huts and barns. The route appears to correspond tothe PR® (no. 19), which is clearly marked in the opposite direction to the description.

This hike is magnificent. The climb starts on a wide, open path and then continues through the forest. It continues through beautiful mountain pastures along the Neste de la Géla, where large herds graze peacefully. The view across the valley floor is spectacular. The end of the route on the balconies of the cirque at the foot of the cliff, which towers 500 metres above us, is just as magnificent. The arrival at the lake with its islets and jagged contours is a marvel.

A very beautiful hike which, initially through the woods with informative signs, allows you to cover the elevation gain without even noticing. Ideal for children. Then the Clarabide Gorges with the path carved into the rock are magnificent and the reward is not far away.I would like to point out that, having done this hike again, the altitude figures given by the Visorando software are incorrect. The elevation gain is around 550 m.

The Crête de Bassia from the Col de Beyrède offers a magnificent panoramic view of the Baronnies de Bigorre to the north and the Pyrenees mountain range from Arbizon to the Pic du Midi de Bigorre to the south.

A lovely hike over the mountains from Bagnères-de-Bigorre. This hike requires a minimum sense of direction, although there were many signposts on the day of my hike. Warning A VR indicates a difficult path between (12) and (14): forestry work has been carried out, causing considerable damage to the forest path. Take extra care and use the GPX track.

In the heart of the Hautes-Pyrénées, between the Aure and Louron valleys, the charming village of Azet awaits you for this short family walk. On foot or by mountain bike, you will discover all the charm of the Pyrenean landscapes, their scents, their scenery and their local flora and fauna. Enjoy the coolness of the torrents and streams that flow through the pastures. Have a great walk!

From the start, there is a superb panorama of the surrounding mountains. The view of the widening lake is splendid.

A 24 km loop to discover between lakes, mountain streams, peaks, mountain pines and wildlife.

A very pretty hike with three lakes to see, including the magnificent Lac Bleu. The Pic de Bizoutére offers views of the Lesponne valley on the right and Hautacam on the left, not to mention the famous Pic du Midi. On the way back, you will come across some splendid waterfalls.