Col de Pau and Col de Burcq

In Oloron-Ste-Marie, head towards the Col du Somport until you reach the Pont de Lescun. Cross the bridge and, at the first crossroads, Pont du Roy, leave the road to Lescun and take the D339 towards Lhers. After several bends and hairpin bends, you will arrive on the D340. Turn right, then take the^first road on the left. Follow this small main road, Route du Col de Pau, ignoring the successive turnings, until you reach the small car park at Labrénère. Note: a map may be useful to find this place.

(S/E) Take the track heading south until you reach a small bridge. Cross the bridge to reach the right bank of the Ruisseau Labrénère. Go up the valley and join the track coming from the left bank.

(1) Continue climbing, still heading south, first along the right bank of the stream to reach the Fontaine de Lamatche.

(2) Turn here, making a wide loop to the west, until you reach a footbridge over the Labrénère stream.

(3) Cross to the left bank and follow the path along the stream. You will soon reach the edge of the National Park.

(4) Continue along the left bank and, after a few hairpin bends, you will reach the Pénot and Itchaxe huts.

(5) Continue along the path, heading south-west, then south, until you reach the Cabanes de Bonaris.

(6) Take the path heading south and follow the numerous tight bends until you reach the Col de Pau on the French-Spanish border, marked by border cross 276.

(7) Now walk along the ridge to the left to reach the Col de Burcq.

(8) Follow the same route in reverse to return to the car park at Labrénère (S/E).

(6) Cabanes de Bonaris: this is the perfect place for a break. There is a small terrace and a water supply.

(4) From here, follow the instructions for the Pyrenees National Park.
Between (6) and (8), enjoy the magnificent view of this section.
(8) Col de Burcq: offers more space for a break to admire the landscape.