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Bielsa walks
In the Pineta Valley
Short, easy hike in the heart of the Pineta Valley. Superb scenery.
The Cinca waterfalls
A trip to the Cinca waterfalls, then a return via the sheep pasture before heading back down. A shorter version involves a round trip to the sheep pasture.
Hike without description, to be followed with the Visorando app.
Cirque de la Pineta by the Larri waterfall
Accessible and very pleasant hike to the Pineta cirque with a beautiful view of Mont Perdu.
The watchtowers of Revilla
This hike, accessible to all, takes you to various viewpoints offering breathtaking views of the Escuain Gorge and Rio Yaga. Stop to see the Ermita de San Lorenzo, a rock covered with mysterious symbols and inscriptions. If you're lucky, you'll be able to spot the mythical bearded vulture and, more easily, vultures.
Refugio San Vicenda - San Urbez
Second day of this superb two-day trip with a bivouac at the Refugio de San Vicenda. It is possible to go as far as Fuenblanca for the bivouac. In the Añisclo Canyon, bivouacking is permitted from 1,650 metres.
If you plan to sleep in your van the night before the hike, it is best to park 5-8 km before the canyon car park. The road to the car park is one-way, and crossing the canyon during the day must be magnificent (night crossing for the hike).
Port of Bielsa and return via the ridges of Port Vieux
The Port de Bielsa is reminiscent of a miniature version of the Brèche de Roland (in the Pyrenees). It can be seen from several places along the road leading to the start. Once you reach the other side, the view of the valley and the Sierra Pelada is spectacularThe return trip via Les Crête du Port Vieux offers splendid views, but requires some experience of high mountain terrain.Following the GPS track is essential as there are no signposts. See Practical Information.
Port de Bielsa via Port and Pic de Bataillence, returning via the Port Vieux ridges
The Port de Bielsa is reminiscent of a miniature version of the Brèche de Roland (in the Pyrenees). On the ridges of the Pic de Batalliance and all the way to the Col des Aiguillettes, the view of the valley and the Sierra Pelada is spectacular and the view along the ridges is splendid.Following the ridges requires a lot of experience in high mountains.Following the GPS track will prove essential. See Practical Information.I would classify this hike as very, very difficult
Port de Bielsa
This is a fairly short hike with a moderate elevation gain. It is still enjoyable and spectacular at the end. The Port de Bielsa is reminiscent of a miniature version of the Brèche de Roland (in the Pyrenees). It can be seen from several places along the road that takes you to the start. Once you reach the other side, the view of the valley and the Sierra Pelada is magnificent.
The Spanish ledges
Second day of the trek between the Mont Perdu massif and the ledges overlooking the Ordesa Canyon: Faja Luenga, Faja de las Flores, Faja Tardiador and Faja Escuzana, with a passage via Pico Mondarruego. This hike leaves the mineral landscape of the high mountains for a succession of vertiginous ledges and grassy sections between the peaks. A long route offering thrilling experiences on the ledges and spectacular views of the mountains around Ordesa. Not recommended for those who suffer from vertigo.
Lac de Catchet
This is a short hike that is rarely done, seems unremarkable and does not appear in most guidebooks. However, it is well worth the effort and the lake is magnificent.
Once it's time to go back, you'll want to stay longer. There are very few people, just a few hikers, a fisherman, some marmots and, very early in the morning, some chamois.
For those who like camping, I would recommend pitching a tent here. A day and a night here is pure bliss!
From the Hospice de Rioumajou to Saint-Lary-Soulan
The first stage starts at the Hospice du Rioumajou. You are at the start of the summer pastures, one of the arrival points of the Ténarèze. This ancient path, first traced in prehistoric times and then developed by the Romans, linked the Adour and Garonne basins, avoiding fords and tolls. A major transhumance route, it allowed herds to move between the plains and the mountains, while serving as a commercial and cultural link between Gascony and Spain, notably via passes such as the Ourdissétou.
The Estaubé Circus
This easy hike leads to the foot of the Cirque d'Estaubé. Although less famous than its neighbour Gavarnie, the Cirque d'Estaubé is a magnificent sight, with many waterfalls. Great picnic opportunities in a superb mountain setting.
Tour of Tozal d'Escoubillons
Hike in the heart of the pastures of the Sierra de los Fubillons (Aragon), with splendid views of the meadows and peaks of Aragon and the border.
Hike without description to be followed with the Visorando app.
Barroude Lakes
This hike is magnificent. The climb starts on a wide, open path and then continues through the forest. It continues through beautiful mountain pastures along the Neste de la Géla, where large herds graze peacefully. The view across the valley floor is spectacular. The end of the route on the balconies of the cirque at the foot of the cliff, which towers 500 metres above us, is just as magnificent. The arrival at the lake with its islets and jagged contours is a marvel.
Anisclo Canyon
In the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, walk through the famous Anisclo Canyon, created by the Rio Bellos.
The altitude difference shown is an overestimate - it's only 500m.
Añisclo Canyon: San Urbez to San Urbez via Sestrales and Fuenblanca
A superb hike done over two days with a bivouac at the Refugio de San Vicenda. It is possible to go as far as Fuenblanca for the bivouac. In the Añisclo Canyon, bivouacking is permitted from 1,650 metres.
If you plan to sleep in your van the night before the hike, it is best to park 5-8 km before the canyon car park. The road to the car park is one-way, and crossing the canyon during the day must be magnificent.
San Urbez - Sestrales - Refugio San Vicenda
A superb two-day hike with a bivouac at the Refugio de San Vicenda. It is possible to go as far as Fuenblanca for the bivouac. In the Añisclo Canyon, bivouacking is permitted from 1,650 m.
Hourquette de Chermentas via Lac de Badet
This hike will take you to the Hourquette de Chermentas via Lac de Badet. The first part to the lake is very easy, but then becomes more difficult due to the steep gradient, although there are no particular technical difficulties.
Soum des Salettes from Piau Engaly
At just under 3,000 metres, the Soum des Salettes nevertheless offers a superb panorama of the great Pyrenean peaks with a sublime view of the Mont Perdu massif and the Cirque de Troumouse.
Circular at Lac de Badet
A short, easy walk for the whole family.
Bucolic landscapes and a beautiful little lake where you can relax and daydream.
Cirque de Gavarnie via the Corniche des Espugues
This magnificent hike takes you off the beaten track for more than half of the route, passing through splendid, varied and uncrowded landscapes. Forests, small waterfalls, passages under cornices and breathtaking panoramas, before arriving at the highlight of the show, the foot of the Grande Cascade de Gavarnie.
Péguère Trail
This hike is accessible to everyone, even young children. It offers beautiful scenery and a pleasant walk along the river.
The Cirque de Gavarnie via the Bellevue plateau
(!) (September 2024) Following recent bad weather, the footbridge at (6) has been washed away. Crossing the Gave de Pau river is tricky and strongly discouraged.
(!) Update 25/06/2025, Vallées de Gavarnie Tourist Office. => The footbridge located at (6) has been repaired and will be reopened to the public on 25/06/2025.However, the footbridge upstream from the Hôtellerie du Cirque (9) is still not in place and crossing the Gave de Pau river is tricky depending on the water level.
A different approach to the Cirque de Gavarnie. The plateau gives you an overview that allows you to take in the whole site at a glance. A little later, you can stroll through the cirque to appreciate its full majesty. To quote Victor Hugo, it is the Colosseum of nature.
A winter loop in the Cirque de Gavarnie
A beautiful site in summer, with its majestic waterfall. Please note that it is very busy in summer.In winter, you will appreciate the magnificent, peaceful landscape with the ice waterfalls at the bottom of the cirque.This circuit can be done very easily at any time of year:- in 3 hours in summer, including breaks and lunch.- but in 3 to 4 hours in winter.
The Cirque de Gavarnie via the ledges
This trail is much less frequented than the main path and offers more views of the cirque along most of its length.
⚠️From 1 November to 30 April, and as soon as the quiet zone is established, using the route between 4 and 5 constitutes an offence under the National Park regulations: a 4th category offence under: R.331-65 3° — "Deliberate disturbance of the peace in the core area of the National Park" (€750 fine)."
⚠️ DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED between 2-3-4 and 5.
Please check with the Gavarnie Tourist Office before setting off: +33 (0)5 62 92 49 10.
The iron-laden springs of the Moudang Valley
Beautiful hike in the Moudang Valley to the iron-laden springs of the Source ferrugineuse de la Reine.
Refuge du Pailha circular
A magnificent circular hike that allows you to climb to a high altitude without too much difficulty and arrive at a refuge guarded by very friendly people. The return journey takes you along a path carved into the rock, offering splendid views.
Cirque Gavarnie par le Plateau de Bellevue et Bosquet Long
The Cirque de Gavarnie needs no introduction, it's a monument! The passage through the Plateau de Bellevue offers a wonderful viewpoint. Without snow, the path running along the side of the Bosquet Long heights adds an extra element of excitement, allowing you to appreciate it in all its splendour and tranquillity, which is not possible on the more well-known variants. The more classic return route allows you to cross the very pleasant La Prade plateau, as well as meeting other people.
⚠️ Hiking is prohibited from 1 November to 30 April. Once the quiet zone is in place, using this route between (4) and (5) constitutes a violation of National Park regulations. This is a category 4 offence under: R.331-65 3° — "Deliberate disturbance of the peace in the core area of the National Park" (€750 fine).
⚠️ DOGS PROHIBITED
See other prohibitions in the practical information section.
Please check with the Gavarnie Tourist Office before setting off: +33 (0)5 62 92 49 10.
The Baricave Tower, Rioumajou Valley
A pretty mid-mountain circular, straddling two valleys, Baricave and Rioumajou, which allows those who wish to do a little climbing to reach the summit, but without obligation.
Gavarnie waterfall with return via the Cirque du Pailla
Hike in the most famous cirque in the Pyrenees. Return via the path leading to the Cirque du Pailla, which allows you to avoid the crowds and gain height to enjoy this magnificent place from a different perspective.
Cirque de Gavarnie via the Plateau de Bellevue
Walk to the Cirque de Gavarnie, staying above the Plateau de Bellevue, aptly named.
⚠️ Hiking is prohibited from 1 November to 30 April. Once the quiet zone is in place, using this route between (4) and (7) constitutes a violation of National Park regulations. This is a category 4 offence under: R.331-65 3° — "Deliberate disturbance of the peace in the core area of the National Park" (€750 fine).
⚠️ DOGS PROHIBITED
See other prohibitions in the practical information section.
Please check with the Gavarnie Tourist Office before setting off: +33 (0)5 62 92 49 10.