Barèges walks

A very pleasant short hike between Barèges and Saint-Justin via Courratge. The route is not difficult and mostly through forest. The view from the Oratoire Saint-Justin is magnificent, both towards the Luz Saint-Sauveur valley and towards the Tourmalet. The route is well marked and shared with the GR®10 between Barèges and Saint-Justin.

This is an easy and relaxing summer walk, perfect for filling a few hours if, like us, you are passing through Barèges, or if you want to explore the village for the first time after settling there for a few days. It is also a good warm-up before setting off on one of the more challenging hikes offered by the resort in the Néouvielle Nature Reserve.

From the Ayré Forest, the hike begins by climbing up the Glère Valley. A trough-shaped profile, winter avalanche slides, a torrent at the bottom of the valley and groves of pines and rhododendrons; a classic approach to the high mountains. Nothing suggests that at the top of the main ridge, the Refuge de la Glère opens the door to the crystalline empire of Néouvielle, a universe where a constellation of lakes, large and small, sparkle, each more charming than the last.

The Néouvielle Massif is impressive for the diversity of its landscapes, peaks, lakes, "eternal ice" and abundant wildlife. The Turon de Néouvielle is named after this prestigious massif and is located in one of the easternmost areas of the "Core Zone of the Pyrenees National Park". This area of the PNP extends over territories with altitudes never falling below 1,067 m and peaking at 3,298 m at the Pique Longue du Vignemale. It is home to extremely varied landscapes. On the Turon de Néouvielle trail, there are numerous glacial mountain lakes, granite rocks, sharp ridges and a few grassy areas with diverse wildlife. An exceptional sight! This route takes you to two of the 3000-metre peaks in the area. It can be done in one or two days, with a break at the Refuge de la Glère, in a heavenly location.

This very pleasant and accessible walk takes you through the beautiful Aygues Cluses Valley. You will walk along the torrent between groves and lawns to the lake of Coueyla Gran. Located at the gateway to the Néouvielle Nature Reserve, come and meet its emblematic host: the mountain pine. See During the hike or nearby. Observe the "coueylas", which are old shelters for shepherds and their flocks.

On the outskirts of the Néouvielle Massif, I’ll lead you along my route for a magnificent, challenging winter hike. We’ll ascend via the Aygues Cluses Valley and the Madaméte Lakes, climb Pic de Madaméte, and return via the Coubous Lakes. The scenery is spectacular, combining a very undulating landscape, forests of mountain pine, a string of snow-covered lakes and the magnificent viewpoint at Pic de Madaméte (which can be avoided if necessary). I hope I’ve made you want to join me!

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).

First stage of the Three Days in the Néouvielle Reserve and its lakes. From the Tournaboup car park to the Bastan refuge. This is a fairly challenging hike due to its elevation gain and short distance. At (6), you can listen to the stage and remove some of the elevation gain. See Practical Information. At (7), you can shorten the route and remove some of the elevation gain by starting on a south-facing balcony trail.

For mineral enthusiasts. This walk offers many attractions, including beautiful scenery, several lakes along the route and the option of completing a loop via the Refuge de la Glére, returning to the starting point (for experienced walkers).

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.

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

This relatively easy hike offers many attractions: scenery, several lakes along the route for fishing enthusiasts, and the option of completing a circular hike via the Col de Tracens, returning to the starting point.

A long time ago, a group of young people spent a memorable week at the Bolou stopover lodge, between Luz-St-Sauveur and Barèges. Although the accommodation no longer exists, the building is still as it was when we found it during a beautiful walk under, in, and almost above the clouds. I invite you to follow us into one of the valleys that leads to the Néouvielle Massif.

A lovely family hike starting from the Pont de la Gaubie on the road to the Col du Tourmalet, past Barèges.

This beautiful winter circular route in the high mountains circles La Bonida and the Pic d’Oncet, taking in the stunning, secluded Aouda Valley and the southern flank of Pène Blanque, at the foot of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre.The views are exceptional and, although the route is used by a few ski tourers, peace and quiet are guaranteed.

This little-visited peak is part of a series of four peaks along the stunning and challenging ridge stretching from Lac Bleu de Lesponne (2,021 m) to Pic du Midi de Bigorre (2,876 m). The pass is somewhat technical in winter conditions or at the end of the winter season, but it nevertheless provides fairly easy access to the peak itself. From the top, there is an exceptional 360° view, stretching from the nearby Pic du Midi Observatory to the border range and the 3,000-metre peaks of Gavarnie.The circular route through the superb, secluded hanging valley of Aoube to Lac Bleu, via the Col Bédéra (2,404 m), adds a wild, untamed flavour to this ascent.

This little-visited peak is the last in a series of four along the ridge from Lac Bleu du Chiroulet to the Pic du Midi de Bigorre (2,876 m). Somewhat technical in winter conditions or at the end of the winter season, it offers a fairly easy and very enjoyable final ridge. From the summit, there is an exceptional 360° view stretching from the nearby Pic du Midi Observatory to the border range and the 3,000-metre peaks of Gavarnie. You can choose to stop at the Col d’Oncet if the ascent of Pène Blanque seems too difficult.

This is a must-see hike for fishermen and mountain lake enthusiasts, offering a quiet, unspoilt spot that is rarely visited. Lake Maucapéra is nestled in a basin at the foot of the Maucapéra peak (2,589 m), Cumadiére peak (2,623 m) and Lettious peak (2,589 m).

A circular hike, much of which follows old shepherds' paths. A good sense of direction is necessary on the climb up the left bank of the stream. The GPX track can be very useful from (S/E) to (4). This circular can also be done in the opposite direction. Please close electric fences and cabin doors. Thank you.

You will be captivated by this short route, which leads to a breathtaking panorama of the Estaubé and Gavarnie cirques, the Pic de Cestrède and the Ardiden and Pic du Midi massifs.

Day three of the four-day Tour du Massif de Néouvielle, the shortest route of the four days, but no less magnificent.This hike is classified as difficult due to the ascent of Pic d'Aygues-Cluses (T5 ridge). See the variants if you wish to avoid the peak or climb it in the other direction (less complicated).