Arras-en-Lavedan walks

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 is an easy, short hike, ideal for young children. The lake, nestled in lush greenery and surrounded by mountains, is truly magnificent. Calm and peaceful, it makes you want to stay there for a long time.

Lac Dets Plagnous is a tiny lake above Lac d'Isaby. A little more difficult to access than the latter, it is neglected by hikers. However, it is very pleasant and makes you want to stay on its shores for a while.

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

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.

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 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.

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

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).

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

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 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!

The Néouvielle massif is the highest massif in the Pyrenees entirely within France. The Pic du Néouvielle (3,091 m) is its emblem, although it is not the highest peak. That honour goes to the Pic Long (3,194 m). However, this plutonic summit, in the heart of the Néouvielle Regional Reserve, has nothing to envy its neighbour, in the middle of this lake-filled massif, where every lake is a marvel.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 thick and allows you to avoid the scree, and is fairly easy to follow.In the last section, you cross the area of the former Néouvielle glaciers, partially replaced by snowfields, scree slopes and large boulder fields.Finally, a short, easy climb up a chimney leads to the summit, where you can enjoy exceptional views of the surrounding area and the entire Pyrenees mountain range!

Climb up to Néouvielle, a magnificent granite massif surrounded by lakes. It is one of the most popular peaks in the French Pyrenees. Moderator's addition on 02/08/2021: Some people have had problems with the GPS track. It also seems that crampons are very useful. See the reviews at the bottom of this page You are entering the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve, which is protected by regulations. Please respect them (see practical information).

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

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).

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.

Magnificent views of the French (Pic de Peyrelue, Soques, Balaïtous) and Spanish (Foratata, Sabocos, Pala de IP...) peaks of the Pyrenees on this moderately difficult loop trail, which goes around the El Forato massif, a group of several peaks very close to each other. Difficult if, like me, you choose to climb the peak from the landmark. Walking sticks are highly recommended for the descent. Lots of marmots along the route.

Hike from the car park at the Fomigal Zona Anayet resort towards Lake Anayet. Follow the GR®11 trail. Pass through the Garganta and continue on to Lake Anayet. Once at the lake, the view of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau is magnificent, as are the setting, colours and reflections. You can also climb the Cuello de Anayet pass (2,414 m) and then the Punta del Garmo (2,555 m), which are off the trail.

At just under 3,000 metres, the Soum des Salettes nevertheless offers a superb panorama of the great Pyrenean peaks with a sublime view of the Mont Perdu massif and the Cirque de Troumouse.