Lavedan walks

This easy hike leads to the foot of the Cirque d'Estaubé. Although less famous than its neighbour Gavarnie, the Cirque d'Estaubé is a magnificent sight, with many waterfalls. Great picnic opportunities in a superb mountain setting.

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.

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.

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

(!) (September 2024). Following recent bad weather, the footbridge at point (6) has been swept away by the floodwaters. Fording the Gave de Pau is tricky and strongly advised against. (!) Updated 25/06/2025, Gavarnie Valleys Tourist Office. => The footbridge at (6) has been repaired and will reopen to the public from 25/06/2025.However, the footbridge located upstream of the Hôtellerie du Cirque (9) is still not in place, and fording the Gave de Pau is tricky depending on the current water level. The Tourist Office advises: ‘Please note, however, that the footbridge will be dismantled every late autumn and reassembled in late spring as it is situated in an avalanche path.’ A different approach to the Gavarnie Cirque. The plateau offers a panoramic view, allowing you to take it all in at a glance. A little later, you’ll wander through the cirque to fully appreciate its majesty. To quote Victor Hugo, the Colosseum of nature.

The Central Pyrenees boast three superb cirques, the best known of which is Gavarnie. However, the other two, Troumouse and Estaubé, are also well worth a visit. Troumouse, situated furthest to the east, features stunning rock faces that mark the border with Spain.Important note: following discussions with the Gavarnie-Gèvre Tourist Office, here is some information about this hike:Road access to Héas and the Maillet plateau has been restored, and the road is considered to be open again. Works will resume in the spring and may occasionally affect traffic.However, the access road to the chapel at Héas is closed every winter and in early spring due to snow and avalanche risks. The road reopens gradually from March–April and then in late May–early June. To find out when the road is open, please visit the website.

This three-day hike allows you to see at least 20 lakes. It is divided into three parts and includes two nights in a refuge (or in a tent). The first day is quite difficult. The times for each stage are those I have noted. They include photo breaks, meals, discussions, and time spent with your feet in the water. Please note that there are three hikes (normal walking pace).

To the west of Argelès-Gazost, there is a very pretty, not too difficult circuit on well-maintained trails offering two viewpoints over the Gave de Pau valley and a 360° view of the Central Pyrenees!

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.

In the Val d'Azun, away from the shores of Lake Estaing the Barbat huts and Lake Barbat are perfect for a day out.

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

This trail is much less frequented than the main path and offers more views of the cirque along most of its length. ⚠️From 1 November to 30 April, and as soon as the quiet zone is established, using the route between 4 and 5 constitutes an offence under the National Park regulations: a 4th category offence under: R.331-65 3° — "Deliberate disturbance of the peace in the core area of the National Park" (€750 fine)." ⚠️ DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED between 2-3-4 and 5. Please check with the Gavarnie Tourist Office before setting off: +33 (0)5 62 92 49 10.

This is a very accessible walk. After following a valley where irises bloom in late July, it climbs up to the Lac de Barrage dets Coubous. It then winds its way from lake to lake, across the meadows of a high-altitude cirque.

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

Pure beauty! A hike that will take your breath away, surrounded by cows, marmots and chamois!

Hike in the most famous cirque in the Pyrenees. Return via the path leading to the Cirque du Pailla, which allows you to avoid the crowds and gain height to enjoy this magnificent place from a different perspective.

The Batcrabère lakes are nestled in a cirque at the foot of a rampart formed by the Balaïtous, which rises to 3,144 metres, the Pic Palas (2,974 metres) and the Pic d'Artouste (2,816 metres). You are entering a national park: please respect the regulations https://www.pyrenees-parcnational.fr/fr/... https://www.parcsnationaux.fr/fr/des-dec...

This hike will take you to the bottom of the Estaing Valley to discover the Liantran Lakes and pastoral remains. You will discover the Lac d'Estaing, then the Lac de Langle (sometimes dry in summer), the Lac du Plaa de Prat, and finally the Lacs de Liantran. There are no difficulties from May onwards, although in spring there may still be some snow drifts, so caution is advised. Pyrenean ibex and chamois are often spotted here.

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

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

This relatively easy hike offers many attractions: scenery, several lakes along the route for fishing enthusiasts, and the option of completing a circular hike via the Col de Tracens, returning to the starting point.

Pretty lakes at the bottom of a little-visited cirque (altitude 2,192 m) in the pretty valley of the Ruisseau de Labas.Marmots, chamois and vultures are often seen in the Bouleste valley.Please note: in spring, when the snow melts, it is sometimes impossible to cross the Ruisseau de Labas at the WPT (3).

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.

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).

A pleasant little summit easily accessible from the large car park at Col de Couraduque. Thefirst part to Col de Bazès is on easy forest tracks. However, thesecond part to the summit of Pic de Bazès is more technical. At the summit, there is a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains.

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.

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

A lovely, fairly challenging route offering views of the Pic d'Arrens and the high mountains in the background.A path linking the Tech Dam valley to the Lac d'Estaing valley via the mountain pastures.

This hike is not technically difficult but goes beyond the scope of a "Sunday stroll". Its appeal lies in reaching the pastoral summer pastures above the magnificent Batsurguère valley, at the gateway to Lourdes, and taking a break in a perfectly maintained refuge hut. To the west, you can see the Aguée valley, towards the Col d'Espadres. The place is quiet and superb. With a bit of luck, you will be in the company of horses roaming free on the grassy slopes of the pass.

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.

Round trip hike on a good path on the southern slope with Mediterranean-type vegetation, arriving at the station of the old cable car (1935-1969).

Starting from the Ancienne Maison du Parc south of the village of Arrens Marsous, this is a lovely walk to the Remoulis lakes, passing through the Bedout pine forest, Lac de Suyen and Labassa. On the way, there is a view of the Doumblas waterfall. Throughout the hike, there are superb views of the Arrens valley.

An easy and very pleasant walk, ideal if the weather prevents you from going to the high mountains.

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.

This is an easy route as there are no steep slopes, although its length could classify it as 'moderate'. It takes you around Lac de Soum via the Col de la Serre, the yellow house, the Col de Bazès and the Cantau hut. A picnic break by the lake will make this route even more accessible.

A lovely half-day hike through green summer pastures to Lac d'Ilhéou and its rocky landscape. Enjoy a 360° panorama of the surrounding peaks from the start of the hike.

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.

Pic de Berbeillet is a small, easily accessible peak which, thanks to its location, offers a stunning 360° panoramic view.

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.

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.

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.

A very beautiful hike, but one that requires good physical fitness, good weather, and sure-footedness.On a very short section of the ridge, you’ll need to be extra careful. The climb to the peak is difficult.Those prone to vertigo or wearing unsuitable footwear should take a lower path towards the pass, starting from (4), and reach the foot of the final ascent to Pic de Viscos.

This is a hike that is accessible to everyone. The entire return journey is in the open at the bottom of the valley and, weather permitting, you can admire the flying wings in flight and the peaks of the Soum de la Pène to Grand Gabizos mountain range (north to north-west).

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 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 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.

Short hike in the hills above Lourdes. The route is very quiet but well worth a look. It follows the northern ridge, which is the longest and has the greatest elevation gain. From the main summit at 791m, where a cross has been erected, there is a 360° view of the Lourdes region. From the second summit at 719m, there is a viewpoint with the old Béout cable car installation. A little further on is the entrance to the cave known as the "Gouffre de Lourdes", which is 82m deep.

It was following Napoleon III's visit that this small town in the Pyrenees began to flourish. This route highlights the buildings that the Emperor was directly or indirectly responsible for. Firstly, there is the spa district of Saint-Sauveur, then the bridge that bears his name and spans the Gavarnie river, and finally the small Solférino chapel, a reminder of his victory over the Prussians.

Pic Sanctus is the destination of the hike.Reaching the Col d'Uzious is a great achievement in itself.Descending to the lakes (Lavedan and Uzious) is also a lovely alternative. Please note: this hike should only be undertaken when there is no snow (from late May until the first snowfall) and when the weather is stable.

Starting from Gavarnie, enjoy a change of scenery by escaping to the wild plateaus at the foot of the Grand and Petit Piméné (2,801m and 2,667m). The Refuge des Espuguettes is a beautiful stop along the way. If you push on a little further to the Plateau des Cardous, you can admire the entire border range, the peaks of the Cirque, just for you, from the Tour du Marboré (3009m) to the Mailh Arrouy (2965m), passing by the majestic Vignemale (3,298 m). A change of scenery and tranquillity guaranteed!