Refine your search for walks in Col de l'Iou
Randonnées Col de l'Iou
Tour of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau
Office de tourisme
10.13 mi
+3,015 ft
-2,989 ft
6h
Tres difficile
Départ à Laruns (Pyrénées-Atlantiques)
A classic sporting challenge in the Ossau Valley. The Pic du Midi, affectionately known as Jean-Pierre, can be circumnavigated in an anti-clockwise direction. Although well marked and signposted, the route suffers from a total lack of signposting in the National Park. Reserved for experienced hikers.
⚠️ 23/09/2025: The Magnabaigt trail (section of the Tour du Midi d'Ossau) will be closed from 1 September 2025 until further notice from (8) to (S/E) for forestry work. Hike not possible at this time.
The circuit around Pic de Peyreget near Pic du Midi d'Ossau
Visorandonneur
7.28 mi
+2,539 ft
-2,543 ft
5h 35
Difficile
Départ à Laruns (Pyrénées-Atlantiques)
A circular walk starting from the Anéou basin, to pay a visit to Jean-Pierre, the giant of Béarn, and enjoy the beauty of a few small mountain lakes. A walk we have done several times in late summer or autumn, always with the same pleasure.
Circuit and ascent of Pic Peyreget from L’Araille (Cirque d’Anéou)
7.16 mi
+3,061 ft
-3,071 ft
6h
Difficile
Départ à Laruns (Pyrénées-Atlantiques)
This winter version of the walk takes you through the stunning Cirque d’Anéou and its vast snow-covered expanses.But its main attraction lies in the approach to the giant of the Béarn, the Pic du Midi d’Ossau (2,884 m), via a circuit around and ascent of its little brother, the Pic Peyreget, which lies just a few hundred metres opposite it. At the summit of the Peyreget, you feel as though you could almost touch the ridges of the ‘Jean-Pierre’, as it is nicknamed by the locals.Covered in snow, this secluded route is challenging but truly exceptional!
Walks near Col de l'Iou
Pombie – Astún
6.75 mi
+2,838 ft
-2,490 ft
5h 35
Difficile
Départ à Laruns (Pyrénées-Atlantiques)
Day two: return to Astún from the Pombie Refuge, via the Col and the Peyreget hut, then Lake Castérau and the Col des Moines. Compared to the first day, the elevation gains are a little steeper, with the final ascent covering nearly 520 m. The atmosphere is different: no ridges, but lakes and valleys!
From the Cabane de l’Araille to Lac de Roumassot
8.25 mi
+2,595 ft
-2,162 ft
6h 05
Difficile
Départ à Laruns (Pyrénées-Atlantiques)
The first stage of this beautiful hike. Not particularly demanding, with no specific difficulties apart from the distance. Featuring magnificent scenery, views of the south face of the Pic du Midi d’Ossau and the lakes. The route includes a bivouac at Lac de Roumassot with a breathtaking view of the Ossau! The path is well signposted from start to finish, with quite varied scenery: mountain pastures, rocky outcrops and lakes.
Astún - Pombie
5.96 mi
+1,706 ft
-2,070 ft
4h 15
Moyenne
Départ à Jaca (Huesca)
This is the first day of a cross-border hike that takes you to the Pic du Midi d'Ossau, starting from an unusual point, the Col du Somport, rather than the Col du Pourtalet.Overnight stay at the Refuge de Pombie is essential, so remember to book in advance.
The Chiniprés hut
2.29 mi
+1,161 ft
-177 ft
2h 05
Moyenne
Départ à Canfranc (Huesca)
A relatively short route to one of the best viewpoints in the upper Canfranc Valley, offering views of both Canfranc-Gare international station and the Candanchú ski resort.
On the Way of St James, between Etsaut and Urdos
2.90 mi
+807 ft
-413 ft
2h 00
Facile
Départ à Etsaut (Pyrénées-Atlantiques)
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!
On the Way of St James, between Villanúa and Castiello de Jaca
5.83 mi
+203 ft
-912 ft
2h 50
Facile
Départ à Villanúa (Huesca)
The Camino de Santiago (or "Camino francés") leaves the mountains here and follows the Aragon valley towards the stopover town of Jaca. Between the two villages mentioned, the route is easy but picturesque, with beautiful views of the peaks and forests... and a convenient train to return to the starting point. The route can easily be done in reverse, which may or may not be convenient depending on train timetables. With a few adjustments at the start, the route can be done by mountain bike.