Refine your search for walks in Col de l'Iou
Col de l'Iou walks
Tour of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau
Tourist office
10.13 mi
+3,015 ft
-2,989 ft
6 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from 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
Visorando Member
7.28 mi
+2,539 ft
-2,543 ft
5h 35
Difficult
Departure from 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.
Walks near Col de l'Iou
Astún - Pombie
5.96 mi
+1,706 ft
-2,070 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from 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.
On the Way of St James, between Etsaut and Urdos
2.90 mi
+807 ft
-413 ft
2h 00
Easy
Departure from 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
Easy
Departure from 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.