Ansó walks

A very pleasant, easy walk in the Cirque d’Igüer (Sierra d’Aisa), with splendid views of the area’s main peaks: Pic de Mesola, Pic Lecherin, Pic d’Aspe and Pic de la Magdalena.

This circular route takes you to Lake Estaens from Les Forges d’Abel. It is also possible to do this hike as a return trip from Sansanet; this route is described on the Lac d’Estaens information sheet The route suggested here is a circular route offering a variety of scenery. Please note that this walk is slightly more vertiginous than the other one, in that reaching the lake requires using a small ladder attached to the rock face and a few handrails – though it is completely safe. Alternatively, it can be done as an ascent, which is less vertiginous than a descent. Although the route is not signposted, it is very well maintained and it is impossible to get lost. However, it is advisable to follow the route on the app to ensure you don’t get lost.

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).

A fairly short circular walk offering easy access to a breathtaking viewpoint over the Col du Somport and the surrounding area.

There are several routes to Lac d’Arlet and the Arlet Refuge. This is one of the most beautiful: varied scenery with a magnificent viewpoint at an elevation of 1909 metres on the map, followed by the arrival at Col de Lapachouaou. The first half of the hike is steady but fairly strenuous. The rest of the way to the lake follows the contour lines more or less. You’ll have plenty of time to admire the stunning scenery unfolding before you from the slopes of Montagne de Banasse.

The aim here is to make a loop. You will need to climb down a small chimney and follow a path that runs along the cliff and takes you down a ladder. Magnificent view of the peaks and the valley below.

This round trip hike is mostly in Spain and is suitable for all walkers. It is a very easy family walk. The green surroundings are home to marmots and chamois, if you know where to look. From the end of June onwards, numerous flocks of sheep, cows and horses graze here. The lake is splendid and is surrounded by white rock mountains on the left with the Aspe peak and the Visaurin and on the right by red rocks with the Gabedaille peak.

It is a peaceful valley where a thin stream flows, where large herds of horses and cows graze in the calm air, indifferent to this geological feature, this reddish earth, on the border between Spain and France and Lac d'Estaëns (Ibon de Astanès).

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.

A lovely climb in the shade of the woods, highly recommended on hot days. On arrival, a beautiful view of the Cirque d’Aspe and a lovely picnic spot. Magnificent houses at the start, others currently being restored.

The Refuge d’Arlet is accessible from several locations. This hike, which is a little long and involves a significant elevation gain, is one of the most beautiful, alongside the Aubise route. The lake, dominated by the Pic d’Aillary and the Pic d’Arlet, is absolutely stunning. The herds grazing all around add a bucolic touch to the landscape. In 20 minutes, you can climb up to the Col d’Arlet.

A lovely walk offering magnificent views of the Pic d’Anie, the Orgues de Camplong and many other peaks throughout the ascent. Towards the end of the hike, the route isn’t always obvious but is straightforward in clear weather. The lake comes into view at the very last moment. Small but beautiful, it makes you want to take a dip in the summer and stay there for a while to rest.

The main attraction of this hike is the easy ridge walk, when there is no snow, from the Col de Souperet to the Col de la Nabe. The 360° view stretches from Bedous to the Cirque de Lescun, Ossau, Balaïtous and beyond. In summer, there are numerous herds of sheep, and shepherds make the famous sheep's cheese in their huts. Keep your eyes peeled, as chamois are not uncommon. Set off early to enjoy the shade on the way up. See practical information.

A beautiful little lake that is easily accessible. This hike is truly bucolic and the arrival at the lake is a wonder. You can stay there for a while to admire the scenery...

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

An easy walk with magnificent views of the snow-covered Cirque d’Aspe. Important note: there is a €5 entry fee, and a Capercaillie Protection Area prevents you from completing a circular walk; alternatively, you must cross over to the Spanish side through a former military site.

A pleasant hike through the undergrowth to discover a small valley and then the Montagne de Bannasse. Arrival at the mountain pastures with a few waterfalls on the high plains and a few huts where you can buy cheese. Discover the Lac d'Arlet then climb to the pass to finish at the Pic d'Aillary with a 360° view.

This hike will take you to a wild area where you can discover Lac d'Arlet and Refuge d'Arlet, then to the border pass, which offers a splendid 360° view of both sides. On the French side, you can admire a magnificent panorama, including the Pic du Midi d'Ossau. On the Spanish side, there is a view of Aragon with the easily recognisable Castillo de Acher, the Pic de Bisaurin, and the magnificent green valley of Aguas Tuertas.

A magnificent hike from Lescun, yet relatively unknown. There are magnificent views all along the way. Herds of chamois are frequently seen between the Col de Pau and the Col de Burg.Although this hike is challenging due to the elevation gain, it is not overly difficult. You can stop at the Cabane de Bonaris or the Col de Pau if you start to feel tired. If you are very fit, you can extend the hike by climbing the surrounding peaks or even reaching the Refuge d'Arlet.

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.

This is a long hike with a steady climb, taking you to some beautiful huts, with a water source, a lake in France and a lake in Spain. The elevation gain is significant, exceeding 1,200 metres. The hike starts at the Lamareich car park next to La Borde de Trésarricq. This is a difficult hike due to its length and the sense of direction required.

From Lescun, discover the Aiguilles d'Ansabère and the superb landscape of the Aspe Valley!

Climb up, crossing the valley, and arrive at the pasture plateaus to fully enjoy the mountains and the landscape. Hike done in early July, wild irises are present and form magnificent blue fields. You may encounter chamois or marmots and, of course, herds of horses, sheep and cows.

A very beautiful hike, accessible to all hikers in summer, and a really nice, unmanned refuge, well equipped for spending the night, with several beds, or for eating. Drinking water point outside. An added bonus for fit hikers is the Col d'Ayous with its magnificent views of the lakes and the Pic du Midi d'Ossau.

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!

An easy hike that can be done at any time of day with the family

This hike allows you to discover Lake Lhurs and its huts, nestled in a mineral cirque with the jagged Ansabère area in the background.

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.

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!

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).

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.

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 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!

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.