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 circular route through the woods of Odos. Of the 11.5 km of this route, only 2.5 km are on roads. You will set off from the Esplanade du Château car park in Odos. You will pass successively through Le Bouscarou, Château de la Passade, Le Turon du Balabay, Les Vignettes, and the ridge path above Hibarette. The return descent takes you through Biouès, La Passade, the path from Odos to Louey and the Beyrède path. A final short stretch of road before arriving back at the château. A pleasant route to tackle by Nordic walking in 2½ hours for the fitter or by mountain bike in 1½ hours.

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.

This easy walk takes you through the Bois de Lassègues, home to two remarkable springs and the Cap de la Serre ponds. You can also enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the Pyrenees.

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!

A short hike in the hills above Lourdes. The route is rarely used 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 stands, there is a 360° view over the Lourdes region.From the second summit at 719 m, there is a viewpoint overlooking the old Béout cable car station (sic). A little further on is the entrance to the cave known as the ‘Gouffre de Lourdes’, which is 82 m deep.

This route offers a lovely walk along the wooded slopes of the Béout and ends by passing through the Mouniquet farm – with its remarkably peaceful meadows – and the magnificent grounds of the Cité Saint-Pierre.

Just a few kilometres from the centre of Lourdes, without ever really straying far from the town, Lake Lourdes looks like something straight out of a postcard. Formed by a glacier and nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees, it offers a circular route of around six kilometres where calm waters, forests and clearings alternate at every bend. Along the way: a remarkable peat bog designated as a Natura 2000 site, unobtrusive yet very much present flora and fauna, and, in fine weather, the Pyrenees mountain range stretching out on the horizon. No daunting climbs, no technical difficulties: simply the pleasure of walking at your own pace alongside tranquil waters, just a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of the Marian city. A walk accessible to all, to be enjoyed with the family or on your own, and which holds a few surprises for the observant walker.

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.

An urban walking tour allowing you to explore the city whilst discovering the main points of interest.

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.

On the outskirts of Lourdes, the Bois de Subercarrère stretches out over four hundred hectares of shade and coolness. The Castet Bern trail winds its way peacefully through the deciduous trees and undergrowth: 3.9 km, 54 m elevation gain – perfect for a leisurely family walk.The town fades from view. You walk to the sound of birdsong, on the lookout for a roe deer, a great spotted woodpecker or a red squirrel. Fun information boards and a game booklet spark the curiosity of the youngest visitors and turn the walk into a land of discovery. But the woodland also holds its secrets: a name meaning ‘above the road’, legends that storytellers still bring to life, centuries of forestry history and, nearby, the route taken by pilgrims on the Way of St James. A breath of fresh air in the countryside, a real forest bath, within everyone’s reach.

An ideal route for Nordic walking in winter as it is in very open countryside; pleasant in fine weather with magnificent views of the Pyrenees. You’ll pass the menhir on the Plateau de Ger, as well as numerous roe deer, a few does and wild boar. This route takes less than two hours to complete at a brisk pace using Nordic walking poles. Allow three hours for a leisurely walk.

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.