Fréchet-Aure walks

On holiday in the Pyrenees, the weather is fine and dry, so why not take a walk to the Col d'Aspin with our two children (aged two and a half and five and a half).

From the Col d'Aspin, this short round-trip hike will take you along the ridges between the Campan and Aure valleys for a superb view of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre, the Arbizon and the Perdiguère peaks.

Climb up to this beautiful hut, which is in perfect condition. It is closed and private. However, there is a small hut in good condition available below this spot. Please note: part of the hike is unmarked, so a good sense of direction is necessary.This hike can be done in average snow conditions. However, this requires even better orientation skills.

A lovely hike done clockwise for a gradual and gentler climb. With two options available, this hike can be adapted to suit different levels. The aim is to meet up at the Collantigue hut to share a meal and a rest.

This is a beautiful hike, the first part of which takes you through lovely pine forests. You can then admire a superb panorama of the Aure valley on the south side, not to mention the highlight of the show, an incomparable view of the Arbizon.

Snowshoe route offering views over the entire Payolle area. This hike can obviously also be done in summer. However, do not head towards Plo del Naou in foggy or snowy conditions as there are no landmarks (it is a very large summer grazing area). A good sense of direction is essential (especially after the summit).

Hike offering some beautiful views of Lake Payolle and the Pic du Midi de Bigorre. At the Col d'Aspin, beautiful view of Arreau.

The Crête de Bassia from the Col de Beyrède offers a magnificent panoramic view of the Baronnies de Bigorre to the north and the Pyrenees mountain range from Arbizon to the Pic du Midi de Bigorre to the south.

Cette Crête de Bidour permet de descendre au Col d'Aspin depuis le Plo Del Naou et d'admirer la Vallée d'Arreau. En certaines périodes estivales, la zone de Payolle et les crêtes du Bidour sont assez fréquentées. Il est bon de démarrer la randonnée tôt.

An easy hike that takes you on a circular route around the Hourquette. Dominant position 70% of the time, some beautiful views, passage at Lac d'Arou (where the cows bathe) and crossing of a few streams. Important: for this hike, it is best to use "Open Street Map Rando", which offers more trails than IGN. However, it is impossible to get lost as all the landmarks are visible while walking and serve as reference points.

A hike without too much elevation gain that leads to Pic de Mont Aspet (1,849 m), where you will have a magnificent 360° view.

A beautiful ridge hike offering superb views of the Aure Valley, to be done on foot or with snowshoes. No fewer than four peaks along the route, a real rollercoaster ride in the Pyrenees.

A lovely snowshoe hike from the Payolle marble quarry. This is an unmarked trail, so a basic sense of direction is required.N.B. In some places, the IGN map is not up to date. The GPX track can be very useful.

Third stage of the Ténarèze. From Ancizan, follow the GR® 105 north-east, crossing summer pastures and beech woods with views of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre. After Cadéac, the trail leads to Arreau, the former capital of the Aure Valley. Then take the old railway line (now disused), a flat path lined with ferns, to Fréchet-Aure. This balcony village, listed as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France", offers a panorama of the Pyrenees and a preserved pastoral heritage.

Hike along trails starting from Payolle, through the forest to the Col d'Aspin, then following the ridges of the Plo del Naou. At the summit, you can enjoy an exceptional panorama of the Campan and Arreau valleys, part of the Pyrenees mountain range, as well as the Pic du Midi de Bigorre and the Arbizon.

A lovely, easy hike from the Payolle campsite. This hike can be done on snowshoes. Le Courtaou near Les Esclozes has been restored. The Les Esclozes hut is maintained. A water supply channel is operational. This place was once an important settlement, as evidenced by the number of collapsed huts and barns. The route appears to correspond tothe PR® (no. 19), which is clearly marked in the opposite direction to the description.

the route is no longer marked or maintained!between points 4 and 5, there may be sections of around 20 metres of tall grass between June and September, but it remains passable all year round. The path may be muddy 100 metres before point 5. The circular is accessible on foot or by bike. You will discover Rebouc, Hèches and Héchettes, villages that have remained almost unchanged since 1820-1860, as evidenced by the inscriptions carved in marble on the doors. This route will also allow you to discover the winding and sometimes steep paths that connected each of these villages. Between villages, forests and meadows, the walk will be bucolic!

The route is no longer marked or maintained!!!Between May and October: tall, dense ferns between points 4 and 6 make the route very difficult. A summary of what the valley entrance has to offer: breathtaking 360° views, highlighting the incredible alignment of the valley. Discover steep paths, fords, shaded areas, mossy areas, ridges, meadows, forests and scrubby moorland, ending with a passage along a turbulent stream with multiple waterfalls.

A short walk through the wilderness, passing close to Courtaou d'Artigussy and Les Esclozes. A few leytès (traditional milk coolers) and building ruins bear witness to the area's former pastoral activity.

This hike can be done with or without snow... On the evening of 13 July 1944, seven British and Canadian airmen from the Royal Air Force took off to resupply the Nistos maquis. The Halifax aircraft crashed into the Pic du Douly. The airmen did not survive and were buried on site. Debris from the aircraft is still visible today. All this calls for silence and contemplation...

Snowshoe hike, always in open terrain. The magnificent landscape is present throughout. This hike can be done when there is no snow. However, the route will be slightly different. You will simply need to take different animal trails to reach the pass and the summit.

Magnificent view of the barns, extensive panorama of the Rioumajou Valley, Lustou, the Louron peaks, Hourgade and the village of Saint-Lary-Soulan. On the other side, view of the Plat d'Adet and the Aulon Valley.

A very beautiful hike through the summer pastures of Aulon. Best done after the transhumance so you can enjoy the many herds of cows and sheep. You will pass by huts, walk along and cross streams, and walk through meadows full of flowers.

A beautiful summit at over 2,800 metres, accessible to hikers, offering a stunning 360° view.