Aulon (Hautes-Pyrénées) walks

A very beautiful hike through the summer pastures of Aulon. Best done after the transhumance so you can enjoy the many herds of cows and sheep. You will pass by huts, walk along and cross streams, and walk through meadows full of flowers.

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.

An easy hike apart from the climb to Sailhan, which is steep but on a good, very passable path. Yellow markings are faded or non-existent in places, but the Xs indicating the wrong direction are clearly visible.

A large circular route passing through Soulan from Saint-Lary-Soulan, taking tracks, paths and the road through Soulan, marked in yellow. Signs indicate this large circular route and also a shortcut for the small one. The access path to the circular route is steep but the rest is easy.

A balcony route leading from Saint-Lary-Soulan to Tramezaïgues, its Romanesque church, its castle ruins and back via the balcony on the other side of the valley to Vignec.Some pretty views and villages.Note: the hike is called Chemin des Traques by the Tourist Office and is marked in yellow all along the way.

The second stage of the Ténarèze, at the bottom of the Aure valley, runs alongside the Neste river through fields. In places, the path widens, suggesting the trace of the old drovers' road, particularly near the Nourde footbridge. A peaceful route that passes through several small rural villages set on a plain ideal for resting herds before the climb to the summer pastures.

An easy hike that takes you on a circular route around the Hourquette. Dominant position 70% of the time, some beautiful views, passage at Lac d'Arou (where the cows bathe) and crossing of a few streams. Important: for this hike, it is best to use "Open Street Map Rando", which offers more trails than IGN. However, it is impossible to get lost as all the landmarks are visible while walking and serve as reference points.

Hike from Col du Portet to Refuge de Bastan. A pleasant, easily accessible route, completed with a child of (almost) 5 years old. In summer, it can be very hot as there is little shade along the path.

Above Saint-Lary via the Col de Portet.A hike not to be missed for anglers and lovers of mountain lakes and wide open spaces.Ideal for families, all the way to the Refuge de Bastan.Note the very friendly welcome at the Refuge de Bastan in an idyllic setting.Depending on your fitness level, various trails continue beyond the refuge for everyone to enjoy.From 10 to 14 July 2023 - Road closed at Espiaube from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. to climb to the Col de Portet. Access possible by cable car from Espiaube (see practical information)

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.

This long hike, varied by its succession of landscapes, will allow you to discover three lakes tucked away in a mountainous world enveloped in silence and solitude. A hike for nature lovers.

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!

This is a beautiful hike, the first part of which takes you through lovely pine forests. You can then admire a superb panorama of the Aure valley on the south side, not to mention the highlight of the show, an incomparable view of the Arbizon.

Second stage of the Three Days in the Néouvielle Reserve and its lakes. From the Bastan refuge to the Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon. The tour and contemplation of the 20 lakes continues. You are entering the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve, which is protected by regulations. Please respect these regulations (see practical information).

This second stage, after spending the night at the Refuge de Campana de Cloutou, returns to Artigues, off the beaten track, with the discovery of the little-known Montarrouye valley.This day is classified as difficult because you need to know how to find your way.

Hike along the Moudang Valley to Port de Héchempy (2,450 metres, Spanish border), passing by the Granges du Moudang and Lac de Héchempy.

Beautiful hike in the Moudang Valley to the iron-laden springs of the Source ferrugineuse de la Reine.

Cette Crête de Bidour permet de descendre au Col d'Aspin depuis le Plo Del Naou et d'admirer la Vallée d'Arreau. En certaines périodes estivales, la zone de Payolle et les crêtes du Bidour sont assez fréquentées. Il est bon de démarrer la randonnée tôt.

Hike offering some beautiful views of Lake Payolle and the Pic du Midi de Bigorre. At the Col d'Aspin, beautiful view of Arreau.

A short walk through the wilderness, passing close to Courtaou d'Artigussy and Les Esclozes. A few leytès (traditional milk coolers) and building ruins bear witness to the area's former pastoral activity.

This route is a must-see. A family walk, you can choose to go from (3) to (4) along the mountainside, but if you are prone to vertigo, it is better to avoid this route and walk near the lake instead. This is a pastoral area where pets are not allowed.

Circular passing by Lac de l'Oule, Laquet de Coste Oueillère, Laquets de Port-Bielh, Lacs de Bastanet and Lacs de Bastan. You are entering the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve, which is protected by regulations. Please respect these regulations (see practical information).

Snowshoe route offering views over the entire Payolle area. This hike can obviously also be done in summer. However, do not head towards Plo del Naou in foggy or snowy conditions as there are no landmarks (it is a very large summer grazing area). A good sense of direction is essential (especially after the summit).

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 hike for experienced walkers, but a feast for the eyes: Lake L'Oule, the Col d'Estoudou and its superb panorama of the Néouvielle and the lakes of Oredon and Cap de Long. This is one of the most magical places in the Pyrenees. You are entering the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve, which is protected by regulations. Please respect them. (see practical information).

This tour of the lakes will take you into the heart of the Néouvielle Nature Reserve. Two elements are omnipresent: water, from the large Lac de l'Oule and Lac d'Orédon to the small lakes, the Miroirs d'Aubert and Miroirs d'Aumart, and the tiny lakes that are gradually filling up, and pine trees, either solitary or in groves. All the riches of this protected environment are fragile. So please be careful to leave no trace of your visit.

Discover the Néouvielle Reserve. This hike offers superb views of the lakes and the opportunity to climb up to the Bastan refuge (allow an extra 1½ hours for the round trip).

On the edge of the Néouvielle Nature Reserve, this hike alternates between wide open spaces, stretches of water such as the large Lac de l'Oule, pine forests bathed in sunshine, groves and small lakes. Enjoy views of the high peaks, not to mention the Bastan Refuge and its idyllic surroundings. The ascent to Pichaley, with a final climb over rocky, steep terrain, will be the highlight of your journey, with panoramic views as your reward.

This hike will take you to the Bastan Lakes via Lac de l'Oule. On a clear day, you will be treated to superb panoramic views.

A very beautiful hike. The descent into the steep-sided Sarrouyes valley retains a wild aspect. The climb to Lac de Sarrouyes takes you through meadows, following the stream. You may see many marmots here. From the Lac de Sarrouyes junction, the climb to Lac des Miares becomes more challenging. Good physical condition is recommended. I would say it is difficult rather than very difficult, as recommended by Visorando.

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.

After exploring the village of Granges de Nabias, you will walk to the Col d'Azet, which offers a superb view of Lac de Génos. As you round a bend, you may spot a marmot. In the 1960s, to prevent their land from becoming a desert, the farmers of Granges de Nabias set up a dairy cooperative. They built a milk pipeline that allowed them to transport milk from the mountains to the village in just a few minutes!

Hike along trails starting from Payolle, through the forest to the Col d'Aspin, then following the ridges of the Plo del Naou. At the summit, you can enjoy an exceptional panorama of the Campan and Arreau valleys, part of the Pyrenees mountain range, as well as the Pic du Midi de Bigorre and the Arbizon.

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.

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.

Starting from the Val Louron ski resort (65), this short, easy hike takes you up to the heights of the resort, through the Lapadé Forest. The hike can be done on foot or with snowshoes in winter. Several viewpoints along the route offer beautiful views of the valley.

A lovely snowshoe hike from the Payolle marble quarry. This is an unmarked trail, so a basic sense of direction is required.N.B. In some places, the IGN map is not up to date. The GPX track can be very useful.

On holiday in the Pyrenees, the weather is fine and dry, so why not take a walk to the Col d'Aspin with our two children (aged two and a half and five and a half).

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.

Ascent to the Hourquette de Caderolles, the Col de Bastanet and overnight stay at the Campana de Cloutou refuge. This first stage is classified as difficult because there is a lot of elevation gain.

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!

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.

The climb to the Cirque de Barroude is after a passage through the forest along the Neste de la Géla in magnificent summer pastures. The arrival at the lakes via a bucolic path offers a splendid view of the cliffs that tower 500 metres above. The return via the Port de Barroude and then the ridges allows us to see the Spanish side and its Aragonese sierras.

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!