Bastan (cours d'eau) - Affluent du Gave de Gavarnie walks

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).

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.

Please note: access to the Pic du Midi is prohibited until 1 November 2024 by municipal decree The Pic du Midi de Bigorre is a classic in the Pyrenees. Apart from its length, this hike is very accessible. The approach via the Ruisseau d'Oncet is magnificent, where you will encounter marmots and llamas. Once you reach the summit, you'll be blown away by the view of all the legendary peaks, including Aneto, Vignemale, Balaïtous and the Néouvielle massif. Below, you can see Lac d'Oncet, which you passed on the way up.

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 very pleasant family hike on a very wide track (suitable for pushchairs and mountain bikes) at an altitude of over 2,300 m. The climb is gentle and steady.Breathtaking views of the various passes in the Pyrenees, culminating in a magnificent view of Lac d’Oncet and the Pic du Midi de Bigorre.“I heard several marmots and spotted a lovely marmot below us just before reaching the lake.The icing on the cake: on our return, clouds were rolling in towards the Tourmalet and we were above them at 6.30 pm in July. An easy 1½-hour climb with no difficulty. 25°C at altitude compared to 29°C in Luz-St-Sauveur.”

A lovely circular walk passing two beautiful lakes and three mountain passes.

It was following Napoleon III's visit that this small town in the Pyrenees began to flourish. This route highlights the buildings that the Emperor was directly or indirectly responsible for. Firstly, there is the spa district of Saint-Sauveur, then the bridge that bears his name and spans the Gavarnie river, and finally the small Solférino chapel, a reminder of his victory over the Prussians.

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.

Third stage of the Three Days in the Néouvielle Reserve and its lakesFrom the Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon to the Tournaboup car park.The multi-day hike is coming to an end, but the beauty of the 20 lakes remains.You are entering the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve, which is protected by regulations. Please respect these regulations (see practical information).

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.

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.

On this route, there are five 11th- and 12th-century churches to see:- The 12th-century Church of Saint-Julien in Sazos.- The churches of Saint John the Baptist and Saint Nicholas in Esquièze-Sère: listed historic monuments from the 11th century. One is in the basilica style, whilst the other houses ancient chapels. Visits in July/August, 4pm–6pm.- The 12th-century Saint-Michel Church in Vizos.- The Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Saligos, dating from the 12th century.

An unmissable hike, visiting five villages that look like something out of a mountain ecology textbook. The men and women have tamed the slopes, working tenaciously to make a year-round living from livestock farming, which now boasts an appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) designation. It is thanks to this activity that we have these charming landscapes of high-altitude gardens, flower-filled meadows meticulously bordered by ash hedges, balcony paths and terraces on retaining walls.

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).

Panoramic view of Luz-Saint-Sauveur, situated at the confluence of three valleys. From the site, which has been developed as a viewing point, you can see the whole of the Central Pyrenees.

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 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 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 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.