Grust walks

Follow old paths hidden under beech and hazel trees to discover three villages with a rich traditional architectural heritage.

A beautiful, little-known hike offering superb 360° views from Léviste to Pibeste via Luz, Bergons, Gavarnie and Viscos. The climb is steep but not difficult, and your thighs will feel the burn on the descent. There is a loop variant starting lower down (Saligos) and returning via Coueylas.

This is a fairly uncrowded hike leading to magnificent lakes below the Pic d'Ardiden, crossing small mountain pastures and ending in a fairly rocky area.

This is a very beautiful hike, but it requires good physical condition, good weather and sure-footedness. Be extra careful on a very short section of the ridge. The climb to the peak is difficult. Those who are prone to vertigo or have poor footwear should take a lower path towards the pass, starting at (4), and arrive at the bottom of the final climb to Pic de Viscos.

You will be captivated by this short route, which leads to a breathtaking panorama of the Estaubé and Gavarnie cirques, the Pic de Cestrède and the Ardiden and Pic du Midi massifs.

A long time ago, a group of young people spent a memorable week at the Bolou stopover lodge, between Luz-St-Sauveur and Barèges. Although the accommodation no longer exists, the building is still as it was when we found it during a beautiful walk under, in, and almost above the clouds. I invite you to follow us into one of the valleys that leads to the Néouvielle Massif.

The path begins in the undergrowth of the Pyrenees National Park. From waterfall to waterfall, we reach Pont d'Espagne and its hotel. The path passes through the forest, which is very pleasant in summer. We walk along the Gave du Marcadau or Cauterets. This hike is a classic in the region.

Explore the Pyrenees National Park (central section) with a trip to Spain, lakes and mountain passes at an altitude of 2,600 metres. With an average elevation gain of ± 1,230 m and a distance of 17 km per day, this trip is, all in all, quite strenuous. Please take into account the cumulative elevation gain and the distance to be covered. The trip takes place between 1000 m and 2655 m altitude. The start of this route is accessible by public transport (coaches and shuttle bus from Cauterets in summer).

First day of a three-day route in the Central Pyrenees National Park. This circular is best done from mid-June until the first cold spells. Ascent to Lac Noir, Col d'Ilhéou, Ilhéou Refuge and Lac d'Ilhéou.

Discover Lac de Gaube from La Raillère, south of Cauterets, via theGR®10.

The hike becomes very challenging as soon as you leave the wide path that leads to the Estom refuge. The hike is classified as difficult due to its steep gradient, with an average slope of more than 35% from (2).

A beautiful hike in the Lutour Valley, which is a magnificent place.

A beautiful walk that takes us across the Lutour valley along the Gave river of the same name, ending at the refuge and Lac d'Estom in a magnificent setting, ideal for a first break.

A beautiful hike that leads to Lake Isaby via the ruins of Saint-Orens Abbey and the Isaby Valley. A pleasant trail, sometimes steep, mostly in the forest before coming out onto the lake and the surrounding peaks (Soum and Pic de Léviste, Soum Arrouy, Soum de Lascours).

Le Cabaliros is a classic Pyrenean peak above Cauterets. Take the southern route, which is the longest, through woods, lush summer pastures and abundant mountain streams, rather than the Val d'Azun route. The length of the route and the significant elevation gain make this a challenging route reserved for experienced hikers. Enjoy a 360° view from the summit over the main Pyrenean range, the Saint-Pé-de-Bigorre massif and all the surrounding valleys.

This is a must-see hike for fishermen and mountain lake enthusiasts, offering a quiet, unspoilt spot that is rarely visited. Lake Maucapéra is nestled in a basin at the foot of the Maucapéra peak (2,589 m), Cumadiére peak (2,623 m) and Lettious peak (2,589 m).

This is an easy and relaxing summer walk, perfect for filling a few hours if, like us, you are passing through Barèges, or if you want to explore the village for the first time after settling there for a few days. It is also a good warm-up before setting off on one of the more challenging hikes offered by the resort in the Néouvielle Nature Reserve.

A very pleasant short hike between Barèges and Saint-Justin via Courratge. The route is not difficult and mostly through forest. The view from the Oratoire Saint-Justin is magnificent, both towards the Luz Saint-Sauveur valley and towards the Tourmalet. The route is well marked and shared with the GR®10 between Barèges and Saint-Justin.

The Néouvielle Massif is impressive for the diversity of its landscapes, peaks, lakes, "eternal ice" and abundant wildlife. The Turon de Néouvielle is named after this prestigious massif and is located in one of the easternmost areas of the "Core Zone of the Pyrenees National Park". This area of the PNP extends over territories with altitudes never falling below 1,067 m and peaking at 3,298 m at the Pique Longue du Vignemale. It is home to extremely varied landscapes. On the Turon de Néouvielle trail, there are numerous glacial mountain lakes, granite rocks, sharp ridges and a few grassy areas with diverse wildlife. An exceptional sight! This route takes you to two of the 3000-metre peaks in the area. It can be done in one or two days, with a break at the Refuge de la Glère, in a heavenly location.

A beautiful lake with an island, difficult to access from Lake Ilhéou. This hike is classified as difficult because the path is steep from Lac d'Ilhéou and a good sense of direction is necessary at the end of the route. This summer hike can be undertaken from the end of June until the first snowfall (for the Ilhéou - Hourat section). Beware of Patou, the sheepdog. Do not cross through a flock, but go around it.

Short 2-hour hike to the Ilhéou refuge (not forgetting the return trip).

I suggest you discover the beautiful and uncrowded Lac du Chabarrou, at an altitude of 2,300 m. An interesting alternative to the very popular hike to the Oulettes de Gaube refuge. Access is challenging. Don't forget to admire the Pont d'Espagne (a very popular tourist site) before or after your hike.

From the start, there is a superb panorama of the surrounding mountains. The view of the widening lake is splendid.

This is an easy, short hike, ideal for young children. The lake, nestled in lush greenery and surrounded by mountains, is truly magnificent. Calm and peaceful, it makes you want to stay there for a long time.

Lac dets Plagnous is a tiny lake above Lac d'Isaby. A little more difficult to access than the latter, it is neglected by hikers. However, it is very pleasant and makes you want to stay on its banks for a while.

This hike, which generally follows the valley floor, will take you on a gentle slope to the Wallon-Marcadau refuge. You will alternate between mountain pine forests, peat bogs and meadows until you reach the refuge, where the landscape becomes more rocky. A beautiful variety of landscapes and fairly easy access make this a very enjoyable hike starting from Pont d'Espagne.

Superb views of the surrounding mountains all along the route and from the Hourquette d'Ouscouaou.

This pretty mid-mountain lake (1,731 m) on the GR®10 is easy to access and overlooked by peaks over 2,500 m high. It makes for a pleasant hike of a few hours. It is also accessible in winter, under the snow, on foot or with snowshoes. The long walk through the magnificent forest along the Gave de Gaube, on the side of the Gaube coast, makes the discovery of the mountains even more beautiful when you arrive at the first Huats lake with the north face of the Vignemale as a backdrop.

This hike, starting from Pont d'Espagne, will take you to the heart of the Pyrenees National Park. You will follow the Marcadau valley to reach the lakes of Embarrat, Pourtet and Nère at an altitude of over 2,400 metres.

A 24 km loop to discover between lakes, mountain streams, peaks, mountain pines and wildlife.

Departing from Le Pont d'Espagne, this moderately demanding hike will take you into the Pyrenees National Park to discover Lac de Gaube and the Oulettes de Gaube refuge, from where you can admire the Vignemale, the highest peak in the Pyrenees at 3298m. If you're lucky, you might even spot some marmots.

A very pretty, fairly long and enjoyable hike. If you set off early and it has snowed, you can look forward to a very pleasant climb to the refuge.

Hike along the ridges with the ascent of Hautacam. The view is exceptional throughout the route. This hike can be done when the snow conditions are stable. This unmarked hike requires a good sense of direction and a GPX track.

Approach walk starting from Pont d'Espagne, passing by the magnificent Lac de Gaube, the Oulettes de Gaube and the refuge of the same name. The stage continues with a steeper climb to the Lacs d'Arraillé, then the Hourquette d'Ossoue pass before descending to the Refuge de Bayssellance.

This is a hike not to be missed for lovers of mountain lakes and wide open spaces. Moderator's addition on 23/08/2021: The start of the circuit has changed. It is now at the Chez Louisette restaurant and the hike is therefore longer. See the comments at the bottom of this page

A beautiful walk in the Vallon des Granges de Bué, which can be done with children provided they are fit.

Second stage of the four-day adventure from Cauterets to Luz-Saint-Sauveur via Petit Vignemale and Gavarnie. It can be done in one day, but I think it would be more enjoyable to split it into two days to take the time to appreciate the magnificent scenery!

One of the most beautiful panoramas in the Cauterets region. Accessible without any particular difficulty. 360° view of the highest peaks in the central Pyrenees.