Castétarbe neighbourhood loop in Orthez

This route follows paths that are open and maintained by local volunteers. Much of the walk is on dirt tracks with beautiful views of the region and the Pyrenees.

Details

n°80781029

Creation:
31 Jul 2025

Last update:
01 Aug 2025

Last review:
11 Jul 2026

Activity: Walking
Distance: 6.57 mi
Average duration: 3h 40
Difficulty: Moderate
Back to start: Yes
Ascent: + 725 ft
Descent: - 728 ft
Highest point: 554 ft
Lowest point: 190 ft

Country: France
City: Orthez (64300)
Start/End: N 43.494091° / W 0.81047°
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Description of the walk

The starting point is in the car park of the Albert Piquemal community centre in the Castétabe district.

(S/E) At the end of the car park access road, take Chemin de Tache opposite until you reach a fork.

(1) Go down Chemin Peyraube on the left, then take Chemin Justine on the left to join Chemin Pouyanne, which you follow until the junction with the RD415.

(2) Cross the departmental road carefully, take Chemin du Brana opposite for a few metres and turn right to follow the dirt track (not shown on the map) which leads to a small lake. Go around the lake on the right before climbing up alongside a field to Chemin Beller (not shown on the map). Shortly afterwards, turn left onto the path that descends to join Chemin du Brana.

(3) Turn right onto the road and continue for about 100 metres until you reach Chemin de Lalanne on the left.

(4) Follow this path, enter the woods further on, continue and join a path after a climb.

(5) Take the path not shown on the map on the left to join a ridge path that leads to one of the highest points of the circuit, the Barat du Rey.

(6) Enjoy a beautiful view of the region and the Pyrenees. Then continue along the ridge path, which offers more beautiful views.

(7) Turn right and descend the dirt track to reach the old Source Mounicq.

(8) Go up the path through the woods (not shown on the map) to reach the Chemin de Trébucq.

(9) Follow this path straight ahead until you reach the RD415, Route Vieille de Castétarbe.

(10) Follow it to the left until you reach the Chemin de Larte crossroads, shortly after on the right.

(11) Follow this path until you reach Chemin de Touzaa.

(12) Take the small Chemin des Barricots opposite and continue to Chemin Larroque.

(13) Follow it to the left. Continue until you reach the dirt road called Chemin de Touya on the right.

(14) Follow it to reach the parking area (S/E).

Waypoints

S/E : mi 0 - alt. 322 ft - Salle Piquemal car park
1 : mi 0.52 - alt. 377 ft - Chemin Peyraube
2 : mi 1.04 - alt. 233 ft - RD415 crossroads
3 : mi 1.66 - alt. 266 ft - Chemin du Brana
4 : mi 1.75 - alt. 262 ft - Chemin Lalanne
5 : mi 2.58 - alt. 551 ft - Chemin du Barat du Rey
6 : mi 2.92 - alt. 512 ft - Barat viewpoint
7 : mi 3.85 - alt. 397 ft - Descent to Mounicq
8 : mi 4.06 - alt. 262 ft - Mounicq
9 : mi 4.39 - alt. 469 ft - Chemin Trébucq
10 : mi 4.96 - alt. 318 ft - RD415
11 : mi 5.08 - alt. 315 ft - Chemin de Larte
12 : mi 5.51 - alt. 272 ft - Chemin des Barricots
13 : mi 6.01 - alt. 190 ft - Chemin Larroque
14 : mi 6.21 - alt. 230 ft - Chemin Touya
S/E : mi 6.57 - alt. 322 ft - Salle Piquemal car park

Reviews and comments

4.5 / 5

Based on 2 reviews

Reliability of the description
4 / 5

Ease of following the route
5 / 5

Route interest
4.5 / 5

Castetarbe

11 Jul 2026 at 20:03 7200

Hello
Between 5 and 6, you’ll be on private land; there are sometimes horses there, but the landowner has given permission to cross – you just need to make sure you leave the gates closed.
I’m delighted that you enjoyed the paths cleared by the volunteers from Le Bout du Chemin and the Castetarbe rural community centre.
The table was also made by a volunteer.

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robaclis

11 Jul 2026 at 18:45 7200

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 11, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk, mostly in the shade, which we managed without any trouble despite the intense heat.
Be careful, though – you have to climb over a wire fence between points 5 and 6, which means you’re not really sure if you’re allowed to go through… though there’s no ‘private property’ sign.
Otherwise, it’s superb and surprising – you’re in the forest rather than in urban neighbourhoods, as the title might suggest. Finally, the picnic table isn’t between points 7 and 8, but between points 6 and 7.

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Le Taurupt

27 Nov 2025 at 17:50 3600

Overall rating : 4.5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 26, 2025
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A remarkable series of trails which, unfortunately, during wet periods serve as ditches/streams in fields that have been levelled and overhang.
No major points of interest apart from the occasional view of the Pyrenees, especially along the ridge. But it's a pleasant route alternating between wooded areas and fields. It's a rural route, although the title "Castétarbe district in Orthez" suggests a more urban route.
There are no markings, but there are numerous signs indicating the names of the paths. For my part, I used the Visorando trail without any problems. However, it should be noted that between points 2 and 3, after leaving the small lake on the left, you come across a stream that you have to jump across (about a metre wide and 40-50 cm deep). This crossing may put some people off. In this case, it is better to leave the lake on the right.
This is a beautiful route to do in the dry season, with the option of a picnic on a lovely table that awaits you on the ridge between points 8 and 7.

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