Gerde walks

A pleasant hike in the western part of the Baronnies, in a little-visited area of the Pyrenean foothills of the Hautes-Pyrénées. This easy route is accessible all year round, but is ideal for snowshoeing just after a snowfall at medium altitude, particularly when there is a risk of avalanches in the high mountains. Magnificent views of the mountain range, particularly the Montaigu, the Pic du Midi de Bigorre and the upper Adour valleys.

This is a lovely, challenging route starting from a pass above Bagnères-de-Bigorre, which takes you to the Col du Lhéris. This route is also suitable for snowshoeing. This route is accessible in all seasons, except after heavy rain, as the trails become very muddy.

Enjoy the beautiful scenery from the summit of Monné while passing through the Vallon de Salut, the Allées Dramatiques and the Col du Tucou, and descending not far from the Croix de Manse.A moderate hike with no significant difficulties.

A lovely walk with magnificent views of the mountains on one side and the plain on the other.

A circular starting from the Clock Tower in Bagnères-de-Bigorre to the Château de l'Angle, the village of Pouzac and back through the forest, the hamlet of Gailleste and the fountains. Pass by Saint-Vincent Church, the majestic trees of Parc des Vignaux and the Town Hall, then visit the remains of an old marble workshop by the Adour River and climb up to Château de l'Angle with a view of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre. Descend towards the village of Pouzac via the Virgin of Notre-Dame de la Paix, cross the village to visit the Church of Saint-Saturnin, listed as a Historic Monument. Return via the beautiful forest tracks to descend and cross the hamlet of La Gailleste. Reach Bagnères-de-Bigorre via the Ferruginous Fountain and the Green Fountain.

A short circular on the western mountain of Bagnères-de-Bigorre, passing by the fountains, Mont Olivet, Bédat with its orientation table and statue of the Virgin Mary.Return via the Croix de Manse, the Allée Dramatique and the Allée de Maintenon.Beautiful view from the Bédat orientation table and on the return via the Allée de Maintenon.

Starting from the thermal baths, a circular route, with dry feet on small roads, to go around Bédat and discover the valley behind Bagnères-de-Bigorre with views of the hamlets and villages, the non-mountainous landscape of the Pyrenees.

A circular walk starting from the Fontaines de Crastes car park in Asté. The first part of the walk and the last part of the return journey are through woodland. This is a walk along paths leading to summer pastures that are still in use. Note: this hike is classified as difficult, as it requires a good sense of direction.

A lovely hike over the mountains from Bagnères-de-Bigorre. This hike requires a minimum sense of direction, although there were many signposts on the day of my hike. Warning A VR indicates a difficult path between (12) and (14): forestry work has been carried out, causing considerable damage to the forest path. Take extra care and use the GPX track.

A short walk to warm up, but not recommended in wet weather. Nice view from the top.

A connecting route along the right bank of the Adour, from Campan to Sainte-Marie. Under the canopy of box trees, you’ll make your way from hamlet to hamlet and from bridge to bridge, until you reach the Arrourets viewpoint, above the hamlet of Cayres de By. At Saint-Roch and Galade, you can cross the Adour and the RD935 to reach the ‘Camiéra deras Pistas’ and return to Campan via the other side of the valley.

A connecting route on the northern side of the valley, from Campan to Galade. In the beech forest, along wide forestry tracks, you’ll discover the springs and streams that supply Campan, Saint-Roch and Galade, but which are also capable of causing significant flooding. From these last two hamlets, you can join the D935 and cross the Adour to reach the Camiera deths Ponts and return to Campan via the other side of the valley. Yellow signposting, with estimated times at intervals.

This is an easy hike, best undertaken when there is no snow. Pay close attention to the weather.

A very pretty route with a long ridge walk. This hike allows you to discover some very large summer pastures, some of which are still in use. In the background: the Pic de Midi de Bigorre, the Montaigu and the Mongie valley. Do not attempt this ridge hike in foggy or heavy rain.

Another way to climb the Casque du Lhéris is via a circular loop that is mostly shaded by beech trees. From Banios, heading towards Asque, the start is 9 km away. Follow the signs for the cheese dairy along the D384 for 2.5 km, then continue right, still heading south, along the ridge road (Cami deth Bernet) to the Plate Forme car park at an altitude of 918 m, having passed a road on the left (elevation 751 m). The route takes 4 hours to complete at a walking pace, plus an extra hour for short stops and a recommended picnic lunch at Puits d'Aris on the descent after the summit. This hike should not be attempted in snowy or foggy conditions. The GPX track is necessary between (4) and (8), and mandatory from (5) to (7).

Orignac has a rich history, as evidenced by the Castériou site, believed to be an ancient Roman fortified camp. The 12th-century church, built on a hillock and surrounded by a circular cemetery, indicates the existence of a defensive enclosure in the Middle Ages. A lignite mine, south of the village, was in operation until 1947. Animal fossils have been found there. These include mammals, the oldest from the Tertiary period, including the gracile hipparion, ancestor of the horse.

A beautiful circular route above Campan on the Peyras road.

A very pretty circular for snowshoeing (or ski touring) that offers constant views of the central Pyrenees mountain range.

Short circular at Lac d'Aygue Rouye with a magnificent view of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre. A shepherd's shelter, skilfully renovated with flat stones, welcomes you at the edge of the lake. The grassy banks surrounding the lake are perfect for a short nap. You may be lucky enough to see some chamois or deer.

The summit is easily accessible from Ste-Marie-de-Campan, except when there is snow. View of the Tarbes valley at La Mongie and all the peaks in this area. E goodsense of direction is necessary in these summer pastures and grassy ridges.

A walk steeped in local history. Starting at a 12th-century Cistercian abbey, a pleasant path leads to the 14th-century Château de Mauvezin de Gaston Phébus. Take a break on this rocky outcrop, which offers remarkable 360° views. The return to the abbey follows a downhill path through the woods.

This is a beautiful family circular on the heights of the village of Montgaillard. It will allow you to discover beautiful views of the Tarbes plain and the Haut-Adour valley, with the Pic du Midi de Bigorre and Montaigu as a backdrop! As you climb up to an ancient Roman oppidum, follow historic paths or stroll through the village streets, you will also get a glimpse of the region's past.

A fabulous viewpoint well ahead of the chain, with a classic climb but an off-trail descent facing south towards the Pic du Midi de Bigorre!The GPX track can be very useful after the peak. The section after (4) is reserved for experienced hikers.

Hike above Sainte-Marie-de-Campan in the pastoral areas (summer pastures) of the Ordincède massif. Option to climb up to Haboura 1628 m (Caoutérou) and back from the Cabane de Banios (9). This hike should only be undertaken in clear weather. A good sense of direction and the GPX track are necessary to complete this hike correctly.

A hike that takes you up to the ridge and offers a lovely view of the central Pyrenees.The hike is classified as difficult, as it requires a good sense of direction, caution and a calm demeanour.The GPX track is essential, especially in fog, rain or snow. Turn back if there is snow from Pen Lise onwards.

A circular walk that takes you up to a small peak before heading to Lac de Peyrelade.These are old paths, once used to drive herds up to the summer pastures, where grass and water are plentiful in spring and summer. Author’s note, 13 July 20206. Following several comments, please note: See ‘Practical Information’ for details on how to reach the start of the walk.

In the footsteps of Georges Buisan, born in 1924 in Montréjeau (Haute-Garonne) and resident in Tarbes, he spent his childhood in Bigorre. His interest in the mountains led him to spend several years researching shepherds' huts. Georges Buisan has since passed away, but he leaves behind him, with this Courtaou de la Lit, which he restored over a period of thirty years, an original legacy and a powerful message.

The summit of Pic Saint-Vincent (1,944 m, unnamed on the IGN map) offers a magnificent panorama of the Pyrenees mountain range, from Pic du Midi de Bigorre to Balaïtous. It is located south of Pic du Montaigu.

A typical Pyrenean lake in the mid-mountains. 47 hectares, 120 metres deep. Beautiful blue colour.

A very pretty hike with three lakes to see, including the magnificent Lac Bleu. The Pic de Bizoutére offers views of the Lesponne valley on the right and Hautacam on the left, not to mention the famous Pic du Midi. On the way back, you will come across some splendid waterfalls.

A pretty little lake, little known, nestled at the foot of Montaigu.The GPX track is necessary after the Cabane de Bénaquès, or else good map reading skills and a sense of direction.

A beautiful loop to reach the Col de Bareilles and access Lac Bleu, passing by Lac d'Ourrec, with a beautiful variety of landscapes. There is a magnificent waterfall on the way back that is worth seeing! The hike is very well marked, so it is easy to follow!

A small mountain lake with a beautiful blue-green colour. Less frequented than the Lac Bleu, it is a real pleasure to soak up the calm and splendour of the site. The route offers views of the magnificent Pitch d'Ouscouaou waterfall.