Bénac (Hautes-Pyrénées) walks

A half-day hike through meadows and fields, from Bénac to Hibarette, then through the wooded hillsides from Bénac to Layrisse.The two circular loops link up easily, taking 3½ hours for hikers and 4 hours for families. This route is well suited to Nordic walking and can be completed in 2½ to 3 hours.The second section is well suited for some short interval training, with three hills of 1 km each.

Observe the traditional architecture of the Bigourdan houses in Orincles and their pebble walls along an easy route, which can be enjoyed by the whole family over half a day while strolling. From the top of the hills, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Pyrenees. This walk can be done in just under two hours at a brisk pace.

A beautiful, easy circular path near the small village of Gez-ez-Angles, located a few kilometres from Lourdes. You will walk along an open ridge to the small summit of Aubuchous, where you can enjoy a wide panorama of the foothills and the Pyrenees mountain range, before returning to the village via a more wooded path.

This is a beautiful family circular on the heights of the village of Montgaillard. It will allow you to discover beautiful views of the Tarbes plain and the Haut-Adour valley, with the Pic du Midi de Bigorre and Montaigu as a backdrop! As you climb up to an ancient Roman oppidum, follow historic paths or stroll through the village streets, you will also get a glimpse of the region's past.

This easy hike south-east of Tarbes offers views of the Pic de Midi de Bigorre and Montaigu mountain ranges and takes you through typical Pyrenean villages. The hike follows sections of small roads with little traffic. The description and map are essential as there are many turn-offs.

An off-the-beaten-track hike that takes you up two small peaks near Lourdes.A good sense of direction is required for the climb to the Pic du Jer. Do not attempt this hike in wet weather. ⚠️ User comment dated 8 March 2026 => There appears to be a serious access issue at the start due to the poor condition of the track. See alternative route in the practical information section.

A classic family walk. A stunning view from the summit, from where, in good weather, you can see the Vignemale, the Pic du Midi de Bigorre, the Ardiden, etc. There are also lovely views towards Lourdes, Tarbes and Pau all along the ascent. The first section is through a well-shaded forest, whilst the second is more exposed. Bring a cap and water in summer. It is a shame, however, that the summit has been left to fall into disrepair, as the promontory is no longer accessible, nor is its orientation table.

Easy circular. Beautiful views of the Pyrenees. Hike on quiet roads. One section is on a dirt track.

A beautiful route linking Lourdes to Pau along an ancient Roman road steeped in history. The Henri IV trail stretches across the Hautes-Pyrénées and Pyrénées-Atlantiques departments, along the foothills of the Pyrenees.

Tour of the Cité Saint-Pierre via the Béout ridge, passing by the summit cross and the old cable car station with views of Lourdes, the Gave de Pau and the start of the Vallée des Gaves.This hike in a wild area, with little or no signposting and trails that are difficult to see in summer and overgrown with ferns (especially on the descent), makes it accessible only to "adventurers" over the age of 10 who are not afraid of discovering this little summit!

Short hike in the hills above Lourdes. The route is very quiet but well worth a look. It follows the northern ridge, which is the longest and has the greatest elevation gain. From the main summit at 791m, where a cross has been erected, there is a 360° view of the Lourdes region. From the second summit at 719m, there is a viewpoint with the old Béout cable car installation. A little further on is the entrance to the cave known as the "Gouffre de Lourdes", which is 82m deep.

Hike in the Bois du Commandeur in Ibos and Bordères-sur-l'Échez along the Souy river.The route is located between the D817 road from Pau and the D2 road from Bordères to Pintac, mainly using forest paths and trails. However, there are some short sections on roads. ⚠️ Read the comments on this hike.

The route starts at the top of the Ger hill in Ibos and takes you to the Menhir on the Ger plateau. After entering the woods, the route becomes shaded and you will walk up the Géline. You will see a mini waterfall. You may even spot some deer... Moderator's note : the slate bridge has been destroyed: see the notice dated 21/03/2022.

Short hike on the outskirts of Lourdes, in the Batsurguère valley. Above the charming village of Omex, there are isolated pastures in a natural basin, the source of the Moules stream. The pass is topped by the Soum of the same name and the Mail des Portes, the start of the beautiful Pernes ridge, towards the Soum du Montné, gateway to the Saint-Pé-de-Bigorre massif and the Très-Crouts forest.

This hike is not technically difficult but goes beyond the scope of a "Sunday stroll". Its appeal lies in reaching the pastoral summer pastures above the magnificent Batsurguère valley, at the gateway to Lourdes, and taking a break in a perfectly maintained refuge hut. To the west, you can see the Aguée valley, towards the Col d'Espadres. The place is quiet and superb. With a bit of luck, you will be in the company of horses roaming free on the grassy slopes of the pass.