Borce walks

The work carried out by the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department and the Haut-Béarn community of municipalities to facilitate access to the Fort du Portalet, as well as the route through the upper Aspe valley for hikers and pilgrims (GR®65), has been completed and now allows visitors to discover this exceptional site in the best conditions of visibility and safety. Let's make the most of it!

This walk around the valley overlooking the village of Etsaut is delightful for its views, the shade it offers and the short climb. It can be enjoyed in all seasons, though it is best to avoid rainy periods when the path may be slippery. This is a route recommended by the Departmental Council. Please note: the original route (marked path) is currently impassable following a landslide. We present here an alternative route that can be followed in complete safety.

An easy short circular loop above Etsaut, through a landscape of pastures visited by bears some time ago. The local authority has marked out two loops allowing visitors to explore the areas visited by the bears (scratches, etc.); this loop is limited to the upper section to ensure it is accessible to all.

One of the best-known paths in the Pyrenees, carved into the steep rock above the Gorges d'Enfer. The Chemin de la Mâture still echoes with the blows of the pickaxes of the convicts who dug it. An unforgettable page of history!

The Pène d’Udapet is that curious rocky peak ‘perched’ above the village of Borce, guarding the entrance to the Belonce Valley. Isn’t the best way to appreciate it to walk around it, rather than climb it (which is perilous)? That is what we offer with this highly varied route featuring picturesque views.

In the Aspe Valley, many people come to walk and admire the Chemin de la Mâture. Some of them continue on the GR®10, others make a loop by returning via the Col d'Arras. But who ventures further?That's what we offer you with this simple and very pretty route.

A gradual climb before joining the "classic" Narbèze path, passing through the pretty Pédaing valley, at the cost of a difficult moment! Please note: following the GPX track is very useful for this route (as are walking sticks).

A circular walk offering a unique viewpoint over the centre of the Aspe Valley and the Bedous valley, with an alternative loop route along a signposted path. The Pic de Narbissat is a prime spot for geological observation, situated at the point where the Iberian tectonic plate slides beneath the Eurasian plate. It also offers a good vantage point over the surrounding mountains. This circular route is only recommended in winter ( November to April), when the ferns no longer obstruct the path or visibility.

There is a fairly steep climb from Cette to the summer pastures above the village. The effort is well worth it, as the location and the view of the flocks of sheep on the grassy slopes are magnificent.To avoid the effect of going back the same way, we suggest two alternative routes to make the return journey more enjoyable.

This hike will take you to a wild area where you can discover Lac d'Arlet and Refuge d'Arlet, then to the border pass, which offers a splendid 360° view of both sides. On the French side, you can admire a magnificent panorama, including the Pic du Midi d'Ossau. On the Spanish side, there is a view of Aragon with the easily recognisable Castillo de Acher, the Pic de Bisaurin, and the magnificent green valley of Aguas Tuertas.

A pleasant hike through the undergrowth to discover a small valley and then the Montagne de Bannasse. Arrival at the mountain pastures with a few waterfalls on the high plains and a few huts where you can buy cheese. Discover the Lac d'Arlet then climb to the pass to finish at the Pic d'Aillary with a 360° view.

Climb up, crossing the valley, and arrive at the pasture plateaus to fully enjoy the mountains and the landscape. Hike done in early July, wild irises are present and form magnificent blue fields. You may encounter chamois or marmots and, of course, herds of horses, sheep and cows.

A fairly short circular route to explore the village and the surroundings of Urdos, in the upper Aspe Valley, offering a fine view of the enormous walls built over the centuries using stones extracted during the arduous ploughing of the fields. The route is varied, signposted (yellow markings) and described in several guidebooks. Suitable for all seasons (shaded), but avoid midday in the height of summer!

A very beautiful hike, accessible to all hikers in summer, and a really nice, unmanned refuge, well equipped for spending the night, with several beds, or for eating. Drinking water point outside. An added bonus for fit hikers is the Col d'Ayous with its magnificent views of the lakes and the Pic du Midi d'Ossau.

A lovely climb in the shade of the woods, highly recommended on hot days. On arrival, a beautiful view of the Cirque d’Aspe and a lovely picnic spot. Magnificent houses at the start, others currently being restored.

There are several routes to Lac d’Arlet and the Arlet Refuge. This is one of the most beautiful: varied scenery with a magnificent viewpoint at an elevation of 1909 metres on the map, followed by the arrival at Col de Lapachouaou. The first half of the hike is steady but fairly strenuous. The rest of the way to the lake follows the contour lines more or less. You’ll have plenty of time to admire the stunning scenery unfolding before you from the slopes of Montagne de Banasse.

A modest but extremely well-situated summit, on the France-Spain border, on the watershed (Gave d’Aspe and Río Aragón Subordán), in an exceptional geological area and with unobstructed views of the Western Pyrenees. A hike suitable for anyone accustomed to walking in the mountains and navigating with a map (off-trail descent).

This circular route takes you to Lake Estaens from Les Forges d’Abel. It is also possible to do this hike as a return trip from Sansanet; this route is described on the Lac d’Estaens information sheet The route suggested here is a circular route offering a variety of scenery. Please note that this walk is slightly more vertiginous than the other one, in that reaching the lake requires using a small ladder attached to the rock face and a few handrails – though it is completely safe. Alternatively, it can be done as an ascent, which is less vertiginous than a descent. Although the route is not signposted, it is very well maintained and it is impossible to get lost. However, it is advisable to follow the route on the app to ensure you don’t get lost.