Arrens-Marsous walks

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).

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

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!

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

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

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.

This hike climbs steeply over a short distance but the path is passable. The hike takes you to Lake Escalar and the Col des Moines. It offers a variety of viewpoints.

The Gavarnie Cirque is an outstanding area of conservation. It is classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This easy hike will give you your first look at it!

(!) (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.

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.

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.