Grotte de la Bouhadère walks

Just a stone’s throw from the village of Saint-Pé-de-Bigorre, this walk takes us along the trail of the massif’s caves, particularly those on a large hilltop, the Mountagnou de la Pale. The caves are dotted along this route as if laid out especially for the walker. We approach the gaping hole of the Gouffre du Hayau, whose unusual size and the draught of air coming in would surely draw you into its dark abyss, were you not careful... This route was significantly altered in May 2024 by the creation of a new ‘karst trail’.

An exceptional, challenging and demanding route through the Très-Croutz forest, first on the Gave de Pau side, with a brief detour to the Val d'Azun side at the Col d'Andorre, then on the plateau at 1,400 m, between the Col d'Espadres and the Saint-Pé ridge (Maletaule or Soums).Summer pastures with centuries of pastoral activity, at the crossroads of important local historical sites, including the famous Très Croutz (the Three Crosses of the Bigourdan bishoprics).

In the footsteps of water and early humans, close to the underground world Beneath the forest of Très-Crouts lies a secret world: over 1,850 caves have already been recorded in this limestone massif, known as “karst”, a Slavic term describing these fissured and rugged landscapes, carved out by water over millennia. Caves, chasms, underground passages… and no doubt more treasures yet to be discovered. This circular walk invites you on a journey of discovery into the bowels of the Earth, first explored by Abbé Abadie in the early 20th century. In the shade of the tall trees of a remarkable forest, you’ll walk in the footsteps of the very first humans, those from the distant times of the last ice ages, and in those of the cave bears and hyenas, some of whose remains await you as you wind your way along the path. The route, made easier by steps and handrails, remains accessible to all. A thrill awaits you at the Gouffre du Hayaü, where the footbridge overlooks the abyss.