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.

A fairly short hike, but more physically demanding than it appears, featuring a short, exposed ridge to reach thesecond summit of the Pic d’Ayré, which is slightly higher. The summit offers a beautiful view of the 3,000-metre peaks of the Néouvielle range.

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.

One of the most beautiful hikes you can do! A 3,000-metre peak, a multitude of lakes and tarns, torrents, mountain pastures, forests, rocky terrain and a ridge path. All this combined in a single hike! Its commanding position offers panoramic views of the magnificent Néouvielle Nature Reserve and its highest point, the Pic de Néouvielle. A feast for the eyes! You can split the hike over two days by staying overnight at the Refuge de La Glère.

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.

Above Barèges, winter shrouds the Aygues Cluses valley in silence. Beneath the snow-laden mountain pines, we tread softly; only the torrent accompanies the ascent, with the occasional track of a ptarmigan or a chamois in the powder snow. The Madamète lakes, so popular in summer, now lie dormant beneath their layer of ice, and the path is nothing more than a series of tracks to follow in the fresh snow.Higher up, the valley opens out and reveals the horizon: at 2,657 metres, the Pic de Madamète offers a 360° panoramic view of the entire Néouvielle massif, with its jagged ridges and string of frozen lakes. The descent via the Coubous Lakes completes the circular route in the low afternoon light.A wonderful winter’s day on snowshoes – challenging and spectacular – on the edge of a nature reserve which, for a few months each year, reveals itself only to those willing to explore it on foot. I hope I’ve made you want to join me!

This three-day circular hike takes you through the most beautiful landscapes of the Néouvielle massif and the Pic du Midi area. As you progress through the stages, you’ll pass by numerous high-altitude lakes, cross several mountain passes and enjoy magnificent panoramic views. A varied hike with a few rockier sections at the start, but one that offers three wonderful days in the heart of the mountains.

First day of a three-day circular route, from the Tournaboup car park to Lac de l’Oule. The first section up to the Col de Madamète is quite stony and requires good footwear, but after that it’s a real pleasure to walk past the magnificent Néouvielle lakes, including, amongst others, Lac d’Aumar, Lac d’Aubert and Lac de l’Oule.

A 9-hour hike of high difficulty. Wilder, longer and less frequented than the ascent from Lac d’Aubert (which it joins for the final 300 metres of ascent), it passes numerous lakes and torrents. It combines many different types of terrain: from tracks suitable for vehicles to sections where you’ll need to use your hands, as well as scree slopes of all sizes and snowfields. A challenging mountain hike requiring physical stamina and a good sense of direction. You will be entering the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve, which is protected by regulations. Please respect these regulations (see practical information).

This three-day hike takes in at least 20 lakes.It is divided into three sections and includes two nights in a mountain refuge (or in a tent).The first day is still quite challenging, though.The durations of each stage are those I noted down. They include breaks for photos, meals, chats and dipping your feet in the water, and I’d like to remind you that these are three hikes (at a normal walking pace). Please note: booking issues have been reported at various mountain huts on 10 August 2026. Furthermore, the Bastan mountain hut will be closed by the authorities from May 2025 until safety standards are met.

First stage of the Three Days in the Néouvielle Nature Reserve and its lakes.From the Tournaboup car park to the Bastan refuge.A fairly challenging hike due to its elevation gain and short distance.At point (6), it is possible to shorten the route and reduce the elevation gain. See Practical Information.At (7), it is possible to shorten the route and reduce the elevation gain slightly by taking a south-facing, balcony-style path. Please note: the refuge has been closed by the authorities since May 2025

This winter hike follows the charming Vallon d’Aygues-Cluses, passes close to the hut and refuge of the same name, then climbs up the ridge separating the Massif du Néouvielle, until it reaches the Hourquette Nère.The icing on the cake is the final ascent of the Pic d’Aygues-Cluses, a beautiful but fairly technical peak at an altitude of 2,620 metres (this is optional).You will be entering the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve, which is protected by regulations. Please respect these regulations (see practical information).

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).

Above Barèges, the mountain landscape changes completely as soon as the snow settles. From Tournaboup, the snowshoe route first ascends the Vallon d’Aygues-Cluses, a gentle track that winds its way between the ridges, to the recently built refuge and the old shepherd’s hut. The route then climbs up slopes of varying difficulty towards the Pic de Gourguet, at nearly 2,600 metres: in winter, the summit is reached in a silence disturbed only by the occasional tracks of chamois. From there, the view stretches far into the distance — the Néouvielle, the Pic du Midi, and the slope down into the Coubous valley. The return route via the Col de Tracens takes you past a succession of lakes lying dormant beneath the snow: Tracens, La Jonquère and Les Coubous. A simple, challenging and rocky circular route, where the winter season sweeps away the crowds and strips the massif back to its essence.

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.

Above Barèges, the Pic de Barbe (2,468 m) remains a rather unassuming peak. Yet it offers one of the most stunning views in the Hautes-Pyrénées: from the summit, the vista stretches from the Pic du Midi to the Néouvielle, from Mont Perdu to the Brèche de Roland, all the way to the Vignemale and the Balaïtous. Five hundred metres below, the Lac Bleu lies dormant beneath the snow.The route climbs round the Ruisseau de Mousquère, a sun-drenched southern slope, passing through the Plateau d’Aoube, then the Plateau de la Lahude, which offers two opportunities to take a break. Higher up, the mountain becomes tranquil yet rugged: steeper slopes and fewer tracks, just the sound of snowshoes and the silence of the ridges.A challenging yet accessible winter hike, requiring good snow cover and a high level of fitness. In return: a peaceful summit, a 360-degree view and a beautiful descent through the snow.

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.

A short, very easy walk which, by following the paths once used by the area’s former inhabitants, allows you to discover two magnificent little villages in the Toy region near Luz-Saint-Sauveur.

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).