The Pic du Jer

A classic family walk. A stunning view from the summit, from where, in good weather, you can see the Vignemale, the Pic du Midi de Bigorre, the Ardiden, etc. There are also lovely views towards Lourdes, Tarbes and Pau all along the ascent. The first section is through a well-shaded forest, whilst the second is more exposed. Bring a cap and water in summer. It is a shame, however, that the summit has been left to fall into disrepair, as the promontory is no longer accessible, nor is its orientation table.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 8.51 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 00 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 548 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 548 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 946 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 406 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Start near the funicular station. Head for the Ophite Nursery School where you will find a car park. The path is clearly signposted with yellow signs. Be careful, however, as the path crosses mountain bike downhill routes in several places: ‘Mountain Bike Crossing’ signs will indicate this. 

(S/E) Take the path to the left of the small house. After 50 m, turn left onto the Chemin du Pic du Jer.

(1) Before the end of the cul-de-sac, turn right onto an uphill path and continue straight on until you reach a junction. 

(2) Turn right to continue up the stony path.

(3) Leave the path and head up a wider forest track. The gradient becomes gentler and remains steady all the way to the summit. You’ll reach the Col des Trois Croix, a curiously named pass as there are no crosses there. If you’re using the OSM map, it’s incorrect and shows the pass further up. 

(4) Continue along the forest track to the right. You can’t go wrong from here until you reach the funicular’s upper station. Go past it and head to the magnificent viewpoint over the Pyrenees: the orientation table is no longer there. 

(5) Resume the climb via a small tarmac path, ignoring the small steps you come across. Reach the summit of the Pic du Jer (950 m). Beautiful views towards Lourdes, Pau, Tarbes and the Pic du Midi de Bigorre. Unfortunately, the viewing platform and its orientation table are no longer accessible.

(6) To avoid disappointment, I suggest making a very slight detour on the descent by not turning right at the bottom of the steps (the path taken on the way up) but continuing straight on. Pass a small gate on your left, which leads to a view of the Tour des Angles (of little interest), and arrive 30 m further on at the next viewpoint.

(7) A lovely view of the peaks, the same as at (5) but, set amongst the copses, it is even more beautiful. The path then turns and, after 50 m, you will rejoin the tarmac path leading to the peak. The return journey follows the same route as the outward journey to reach the car park at the start (S/E). 

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 408 m - Car park
  2. 1 : km 0.29 - alt. 447 m - Junction
  3. 2 : km 0.55 - alt. 483 m - Junction
  4. 3 : km 1.06 - alt. 596 m - Junction with the forest road
  5. 4 : km 1.66 - alt. 664 m - Col des Trois Croix
  6. 5 : km 3.79 - alt. 890 m - Upper station of the funicular and viewpoint
  7. 6 : km 4.3 - alt. 946 m - Pc du Jer
  8. 7 : km 4.43 - alt. 931 m - Viewpoint
  9. S/E : km 8.51 - alt. 408 m - Car park

Worth a visit

Reviews and comments

4.4 / 5
Based on 6 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
3.8 / 5
raylann
raylann

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 14, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Easy climb to follow. The climb is steady on a very good track. At the top, there is a beautiful view, mainly of Lourdes and its surroundings.

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g70
g70

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 18, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very popular route, operated as a round trip, starting from Lourdes.
When parked near the nursery school, there is no need to cross the main road to reach the starting point indicated on the route; you can access the route by climbing the grassy embankment at the end of the car park.

Much of the hike is in the sun, so bring a hat and water.

Just before reaching the summit, the route description says not to take the stairs, and I don't understand why... Take the stairs! And when you arrive, you'll see a dozen vultures circling just above the summit

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lacombe bernadette
lacombe bernadette

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 17, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Peu de randonneurs ce dimanche matin d'octobre de bonne heure, mais vers les 10h cela s'active avec notamment la présence des vététistes .Chacun respecte son territoire,
Une belle vue au sommet.

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nénévisorando
nénévisorando

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 16, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

During the summer and especially during heat waves, start this hike as early as possible.
Be careful at intersections with mountain bike trails.
Avoid the bar, prices are excessive. Exceptional views of the Pyrenees mountain range.

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User 26825768

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 04, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : Yes

A beautiful climb at the start, through the forest. Very open after that. However, the crowds at the cable car station spoil the experience.

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Jorge Pablo
Jorge Pablo

Overall rating : 3 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 28, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★☆☆☆☆ Very disappointing
Very busy route : Yes

Of course, it’s a beautiful place, but unfortunately it’s not suited to those seeking a close connection with nature. The mountain is overrun with mountain bikers hurtling down at breakneck speed, and there are signs everywhere that make it feel more like a route than a mountain. It is also full of tourists behaving in a ‘Parisian’ manner who ignore the basic rules of the mountains, such as saying hello when you pass another person on the path. Finally, there is a funicular at the summit, which makes the place even more overrun with tourists. A place to avoid for lovers of nature and the tranquillity of the mountains.

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