Etsaut walks

This walk around the valley overlooking the village of Etsaut is delightful for its views, the shade it offers and the short climb. It can be enjoyed in all seasons, though it is best to avoid rainy periods when the path may be slippery. This is a route recommended by the Departmental Council. Please note: the original route (marked path) is currently impassable following a landslide. We present here an alternative route that can be followed in complete safety.

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!

An easy short circular loop above Etsaut, through a landscape of pastures visited by bears some time ago. The local authority has marked out two loops allowing visitors to explore the areas visited by the bears (scratches, etc.); this loop is limited to the upper section to ensure it is accessible to all.

One of the best-known paths in the Pyrenees, carved into the steep rock above the Gorges d'Enfer. The Chemin de la Mâture still echoes with the blows of the pickaxes of the convicts who dug it. An unforgettable page of history!

The Pène d’Udapet is that curious rocky peak ‘perched’ above the village of Borce, guarding the entrance to the Belonce Valley. Isn’t the best way to appreciate it to walk around it, rather than climb it (which is perilous)? That is what we offer with this highly varied route featuring picturesque views.

In the Aspe Valley, many people come to walk and admire the Chemin de la Mâture. Some of them continue on the GR®10, others make a loop by returning via the Col d'Arras. But who ventures further?That's what we offer you with this simple and very pretty route.

A gradual climb before joining the "classic" Narbèze path, passing through the pretty Pédaing valley, at the cost of a difficult moment! Please note: following the GPX track is very useful for this route (as are walking sticks).

A circular loop offering an original viewpoint over the centre of the Aspe Valley and the Bedous Valley, with a variant circular on a marked path. The Pic de Narbissat is a key geological observation point, located where the Iberian tectonic plate slides under the Eurasian plate. It is also a good vantage point for viewing the surrounding mountains.

There is a fairly steep climb from Cette to the summer pastures above the village. The effort is well worth it, as the location and the view of the flocks of sheep on the grassy slopes are magnificent.To avoid the effect of going back the same way, we suggest two alternative routes to make the return journey more enjoyable.

Climb up, crossing the valley, and arrive at the pasture plateaus to fully enjoy the mountains and the landscape. Hike done in early July, wild irises are present and form magnificent blue fields. You may encounter chamois or marmots and, of course, herds of horses, sheep and cows.

This hike will take you to a wild area where you can discover Lac d'Arlet and Refuge d'Arlet, then to the border pass, which offers a splendid 360° view of both sides. On the French side, you can admire a magnificent panorama, including the Pic du Midi d'Ossau. On the Spanish side, there is a view of Aragon with the easily recognisable Castillo de Acher, the Pic de Bisaurin, and the magnificent green valley of Aguas Tuertas.

A pleasant hike through the undergrowth to discover a small valley and then the Montagne de Bannasse. Arrival at the mountain pastures with a few waterfalls on the high plains and a few huts where you can buy cheese. Discover the Lac d'Arlet then climb to the pass to finish at the Pic d'Aillary with a 360° view.

A fairly short circular route to explore the village and the surroundings of Urdos, in the upper Aspe Valley, offering a fine view of the enormous walls built over the centuries using stones extracted during the arduous ploughing of the fields. The route is varied, signposted (yellow markings) and described in several guidebooks. Suitable for all seasons (shaded), but avoid midday in the height of summer!

Set off to discover this heart-shaped lake nestled in the heart of the Pyrenees! From Accous, the route is long but the scenery is varied and magnificent. You’ll pass through forest, plains and rocky terrain between the Aspe and Ossau valleys. The climb to the Col d’Iseye is steep; the rest of the route consists of long crossings between mountain pastures and scree slopes, with no marked trail. Good hiking experience required. Avoid this route in bad weather. Camping equipment recommended.

The main attraction of this hike is the easy ridge walk, when there is no snow, from the Col de Souperet to the Col de la Nabe. The 360° view stretches from Bedous to the Cirque de Lescun, Ossau, Balaïtous and beyond. In summer, there are numerous herds of sheep, and shepherds make the famous sheep's cheese in their huts. Keep your eyes peeled, as chamois are not uncommon. Set off early to enjoy the shade on the way up. See practical information.

A lovely walk offering magnificent views of the Pic d’Anie, the Orgues de Camplong and many other peaks throughout the ascent. Towards the end of the hike, the route isn’t always obvious but is straightforward in clear weather. The lake comes into view at the very last moment. Small but beautiful, it makes you want to take a dip in the summer and stay there for a while to rest.

A very beautiful hike, accessible to all hikers in summer, and a really nice, unmanned refuge, well equipped for spending the night, with several beds, or for eating. Drinking water point outside. An added bonus for fit hikers is the Col d'Ayous with its magnificent views of the lakes and the Pic du Midi d'Ossau.

A magnificent hike from Lescun, yet relatively unknown. There are magnificent views all along the way. Herds of chamois are frequently seen between the Col de Pau and the Col de Burg.Although this hike is challenging due to the elevation gain, it is not overly difficult. You can stop at the Cabane de Bonaris or the Col de Pau if you start to feel tired. If you are very fit, you can extend the hike by climbing the surrounding peaks or even reaching the Refuge d'Arlet.

A short, well-shaded loop to explore the village of Lees and its surroundings. No difficulty except for carefully following the route at the numerous junctions and crossroads. Don't forget to look up, as the view over the Bedous valley is vast and picturesque! The starting point is easily accessible: the bus stop (on the N134) is very close by.

A fairly short loop above Lescun, ideal for warming up, for children or people who are a little tired. A short climb and a gentle descent: what more could you ask for?

An easy hike that can be done at any time of day with the family

This hike allows you to discover Lake Lhurs and its huts, nestled in a mineral cirque with the jagged Ansabère area in the background.

Lake Isabe is one of the most beautiful and mysterious lakes in the Pyrenees and, in any case, a real gem set in a mineral landscape with steep cliffs. Towering above it, above the last snowfields of summer, rises the Pic de Sesques (or L'Escarbu). To reach it, you will have to traverse chaotic landscapes and climb a narrow couloir to reach an aerial ridge, but it is not dangerous. A beautiful mountain hike with a nice 1,700 m elevation gain over a fairly short distance of 14 km.

A lovely climb in the shade of the woods, highly recommended on hot days. On arrival, a beautiful view of the Cirque d’Aspe and a lovely picnic spot. Magnificent houses at the start, others currently being restored.

This is a long hike with a steady climb, taking you to some beautiful huts, with a water source, a lake in France and a lake in Spain. The elevation gain is significant, exceeding 1,200 metres. The hike starts at the Lamareich car park next to La Borde de Trésarricq. This is a difficult hike due to its length and the sense of direction required.

From Lescun, discover the Aiguilles d'Ansabère and the superb landscape of the Aspe Valley!

A cross-border circular to discover a little-known area (Ibón de Acherito) from a very popular location (Cabanes d'Ansabère from Lescun). Magnificent landscapes, a varied route. Hike published in Pyrénées Magazine in 1995 (without a map and with little detail on the descent). Update: According to several hikers' reviews (see the associated forum), it would be preferable to do this route in reverse.

A family walk through the meadows, with cows and sheep depending on the season. You may see paragliders descending from the Bergout, weather and wind conditions permitting. Suitable for walkers of all ages.

This hike follows old paths, with the view changing as you climb: the Lescun cirque (Pic d’Anie), Layens, Ourdinse, Mailh Massibe, and of course, the Bergon. You arrive at a charming hut where you can stop for a picnic.

A short walk through the centre of the Bedous valley, very flat and easy, to explore this area surrounded by mountains and pastures. Suitable for all walkers!

An interesting discovery: the source of the Marmitou, calm and peaceful before it disappears underground. A lovely hike that also takes you to the Anaye border pass.

Circular route to discover the villages and hamlets of the Bedous valley, a unique place due to its geological origins and culture. Few climbs, lots of trails. The suggested route is marked in yellow as the "Tour du vallon" and is described in several guidebooks. We suggest it here to encourage you to hike in this charming area.The train (TER) serves Bedous.

Discover the enormous plateau overlooking Bedous and its region on this circular walk. It is not only a mountain but also an important grazing area for livestock and an exceptional viewpoint over the entire mountain range. The diversity of the natural environments found here is remarkable.

This route in the upper Ossau valley allows you to explore the ridges overlooking the Ayous lakes without having to deal with the crowds that flock there. The Vallon d'Aas de Bielle is a wonderful and peaceful pastoral spot. From the top of the Pics d'Ayous and Larry, there is a magnificent view of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau (2,884 m), which rises up imposingly, as well as all the Ayous lakes, which are well worth seeing from such a height!

This is a short hike that takes you off the beaten track to a lake that is less frequented but just as beautiful as the more famous Ayous Lakes, perhaps because this walk can only really be done as a round trip. We went there in autumn for the peace and quiet, the beauty of the site and, quite simply, for the colours, the colours!

The not-to-be-missed Lacs d'Ayous, deep in the Ossau valley, with a magnificent view of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau.

Why Grand Tour? Because it's a must-see passage through the Ayous Refuge in a setting that is, how can I put it? Sublime... ⚠️ 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 (13) to (S/E) for forestry work. Hike not possible at this time.

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.

Ascent to Lac de Montagnon via the Cure det Cam hut. ⚠️ 02/07/2025: Parking in the car park is compulsory and subject to a fine:reservations are compulsory and free from 2 April to 30 November. See practical information. ⚠️ 22/05/2025: Departure car park changed following a municipal by-law.

There are several routes to Lac d’Arlet and the Arlet Refuge. This is one of the most beautiful: varied scenery with a magnificent viewpoint at an elevation of 1909 metres on the map, followed by the arrival at Col de Lapachouaou. The first half of the hike is steady but fairly strenuous. The rest of the way to the lake follows the contour lines more or less. You’ll have plenty of time to admire the stunning scenery unfolding before you from the slopes of Montagne de Banasse.

This circular route takes you to Lake Estaens from Les Forges d’Abel. It is also possible to do this hike as a return trip from Sansanet; this route is described on the Lac d’Estaens information sheet The route suggested here is a circular route offering a variety of scenery. Please note that this walk is slightly more vertiginous than the other one, in that reaching the lake requires using a small ladder attached to the rock face and a few handrails – though it is completely safe. Alternatively, it can be done as an ascent, which is less vertiginous than a descent. Although the route is not signposted, it is very well maintained and it is impossible to get lost. However, it is advisable to follow the route on the app to ensure you don’t get lost.

A long route, with steep sections and paths that are sometimes poorly marked. From the summit, a magnificent view over the Basque Country, the Cirque de Lescun, the Sesques massif, all the way to the Pic du Midi de Bigorre.

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.