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Park in the panoramic car park: €5 per day. Another car park is available before the village: €8 per day. Prices for 2025.
(S/E) Leave the car park, cross the bridge over the Gave de Pau river and join the main path of the cirque.
(1) Turn left and follow the path along the river.
(2) Cross the Pont Brioule bridge to reach the right bank and continue to the junction just after the Ruisseau d'Alans stream.
(3) Take the path on the left towards the Refuge des Espuguettes. You will reach a fork.
(4) Continue uphill and begin a series of tight hairpin bends on a fairly steep slope, but not too difficult for regular hikers. At the end of the hairpin bends, you will reach a small clearing with a panoramic view of the valley and the village.
(5) Continue along a fairly open slope with trees scattered here and there. You will reach the edge of the woods. Take a short detour to the left (optional) to reach a small plateau offering views of the Refuge des Espuguettes and the Brèche de Roland.
(6) Turn back and rejoin the route on the left. Cross the Pailla stream and reach the chalet of the same name.
(7) Continue along the contour path.
(8) In this area, you can admire the many cornices and waterfalls formed by the various mountain springs. Reach the Hôtellerie du Cirque (closed out of season).
(9) Continue along the path leading to the Grande Cascade.The slope to get there is a little difficult, but the view is worth it. Do not hesitate to descend via the rocky path on the left rather than the initial path, as these scree slopes tend to be slippery and there is better footing on the left. Reach the foot of the waterfall.
(10) Return to the Hôtellerie du Cirque.
(9) Begin the descent on the left towards the village on the right bank of the Gave de Pau.
(11) Leave the path leading to the Plateau de Bellevue on your left and stay on the wide path you have been following.
(12) Cross the Pont de Nadau bridge to reach the left bank of the river.
(2) Continue straight ahead towards the village.
(1) Turn right to return to the car park (S/E).
). Otherwise, the view is magnificent, the hike is easy and pleasant with views of the valley and the surrounding mountains, and you avoid 99% of the other hikers!
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