Lac de Héchempy walks

The first stage starts at the Hospice du Rioumajou. You are at the start of the summer pastures, one of the arrival points of the Ténarèze. This ancient path, first traced in prehistoric times and then developed by the Romans, linked the Adour and Garonne basins, avoiding fords and tolls. A major transhumance route, it allowed herds to move between the plains and the mountains, while serving as a commercial and cultural link between Gascony and Spain, notably via passes such as the Ourdissétou.

Third stage of the Three Days in the Néouvielle Reserve and its lakesFrom the Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon to the Tournaboup car park.The multi-day hike is coming to an end, but the beauty of the 20 lakes remains.You are entering the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve, which is protected by regulations. Please respect these regulations (see practical information).

The second stage of the Ténarèze, at the bottom of the Aure valley, runs alongside the Neste river through fields. In places, the path widens, suggesting the trace of the old drovers' road, particularly near the Nourde footbridge. A peaceful route that passes through several small rural villages set on a plain ideal for resting herds before the climb to the summer pastures.

Second stage of the Three Days in the Néouvielle Reserve and its lakes. From the Bastan refuge to the Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon. The tour and contemplation of the 20 lakes continues. You are entering the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve, which is protected by regulations. Please respect these regulations (see practical information).

This second stage, after spending the night at the Refuge de Campana de Cloutou, returns to Artigues, off the beaten track, with the discovery of the little-known Montarrouye valley.This day is classified as difficult because you need to know how to find your way.

Day three of the four-day Tour du Massif de Néouvielle, the shortest route of the four days, but no less magnificent.This hike is classified as difficult due to the ascent of Pic d'Aygues-Cluses (T5 ridge). See the variants if you wish to avoid the peak or climb it in the other direction (less complicated).

Second day of the trek between the Mont Perdu massif and the ledges overlooking the Ordesa Canyon: Faja Luenga, Faja de las Flores, Faja Tardiador and Faja Escuzana, with a passage via Pico Mondarruego. This hike leaves the mineral landscape of the high mountains for a succession of vertiginous ledges and grassy sections between the peaks. A long route offering thrilling experiences on the ledges and spectacular views of the mountains around Ordesa. Not recommended for those who suffer from vertigo.

Second day of this superb two-day trip with a bivouac at the Refugio de San Vicenda. It is possible to go as far as Fuenblanca for the bivouac. In the Añisclo Canyon, bivouacking is permitted from 1,650 metres. If you plan to sleep in your van the night before the hike, it is best to park 5-8 km before the canyon car park. The road to the car park is one-way, and crossing the canyon during the day must be magnificent (night crossing for the hike).

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.