Refine your search for walks in Massif d'Ardiden
Massif d'Ardiden walks
Lac d'Estom in the Lutour Valley
Visorando Member
6.70 mi
+1,444 ft
-1,444 ft
4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Cauterets (Hautes-Pyrénées)
A beautiful hike in the Lutour Valley, which is a magnificent place.
Lake Cestrede
5.00 mi
+1,759 ft
-1,752 ft
3h 50
Moderate
Departure from Gèdre (Hautes-Pyrénées)
A beautiful walk in the Vallon des Granges de Bué, which can be done with children provided they are fit.
Three villages at the start of Sazos
5.43 mi
+1,434 ft
-1,430 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Sazos (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Follow old paths hidden under beech and hazel trees to discover three villages with a rich traditional architectural heritage.
The Ardiden lakes
6.51 mi
+3,484 ft
-3,484 ft
6h 00
Difficult
Departure from Sazos (Hautes-Pyrénées)
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.
The Pic du Viscos
7.70 mi
+3,297 ft
-3,330 ft
6h 25
Difficult
Departure from Viscos (Hautes-Pyrénées)
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.
Lac d'Estibe Aute from La Fruitière
7.41 mi
+3,241 ft
-3,215 ft
6h 15
Difficult
Departure from Cauterets (Hautes-Pyrénées)
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).
Lac de Labas
11.40 mi
+3,104 ft
-3,081 ft
7h 55
Moderate
Departure from Cauterets (Hautes-Pyrénées)
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.
The Napoleon - Eugénie route in Luz-Saint-Sauveur
3.81 mi
+627 ft
-627 ft
2h 20
Easy
Departure from Luz-Saint-Sauveur (Hautes-Pyrénées)
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.
Sentier du Lisey - Return via the Chalet de la Reine Hortense
6.96 mi
+2,500 ft
-2,484 ft
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from Cauterets (Hautes-Pyrénées)
A pleasant hike in the heart of the Cauterets forests and their history.
Discover the superb Plateau du Lisey overlooking Cauterets. A real treat for the whole family!
Route of the Five Churches from Esquièze-Sère
5.22 mi
+1,365 ft
-1,335 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from Esquièze-Sère (Hautes-Pyrénées)
On this route, there are five 11th- and 12th-century churches to see:- The 12th-century Church of Saint-Julien in Sazos.- The churches of Saint John the Baptist and Saint Nicholas in Esquièze-Sère: listed historic monuments from the 11th century. One is in the basilica style, whilst the other houses ancient chapels. Visits in July/August, 4pm–6pm.- The 12th-century Saint-Michel Church in Vizos.- The Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Saligos, dating from the 12th century.
The Col de Riou from Cauterets
9.64 mi
+3,593 ft
-3,579 ft
7h 35
Difficult
Departure from Cauterets (Hautes-Pyrénées)
A variant ofthe GR®10which takes us from Cauterets to Col-de-Riou. A pleasant trail, mostly through woodland, then across mountain pastures to the pass. In summer, enjoy the magnificent fields of azaleas near the pass. Magnificent view from the pass over the valleys of Cauterets and Luz-Saint-Sauveur and the surrounding peaks.
The Chalet de la Reine Hortense
4.73 mi
+1,365 ft
-1,378 ft
3h 20
Moderate
Departure from Cauterets (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Did Napoleon III's mother really walk the beautiful trail that leads from the Pauze-Vieux thermal baths to the chalet that bears her name? It is certainly a beautiful route overlooking Cauterets and facing the Moun Né or Pic de Monné (2,724 m). Although this walk is not particularly difficult, it should be noted that the descent to Cancéru is rather steep. Not recommended for those with weak knees. The return to Cauterets is via the Mamelon Vert.
From Cauterets to La Fruitière
6.46 mi
+1,890 ft
-1,860 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from Cauterets (Hautes-Pyrénées)
A walk, mainly through woodland, starting from Cauterets, towards the Lutour valley and the Fruitière guesthouse. This hike can be followed by the route leading to Lac d'Estom.
The Balconies of Cauterets
9.96 mi
+3,110 ft
-3,097 ft
7h 15
Difficult
Departure from Cauterets (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Following a series of local footpaths, this circular route takes in the little gems and panoramic views of the spa town of Cauterets.
A scenic route through the local forests, exploring the thermal baths – both current and historic – the waterfalls on the milky-white streams, the views over the town and the mountain inns.
Circular route starting from Pierrefitte-Nestalas
5.60 mi
+1,135 ft
-1,132 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from Pierrefitte-Nestalas (Hautes-Pyrénées)
A circular route from Pierrefitte-Nestalas to visit the Abbey Church of Saint-Savin and its museum (if open). The Abbey Church is renowned for its furnishings; visit it with the description provided on the website to appreciate them fully. After a steep climb of about an hour up the mountain, the route follows the road, which in practice has very little traffic.The starting point can be adjusted to a car park in Pierrefitte-Nestalas.
Pic d'Ardiden from La Fruitière
9.96 mi
+5,226 ft
-5,226 ft
9h 10
Very difficult
Departure from Cauterets (Hautes-Pyrénées)
This is a demanding hike requiring sure-footedness, especially after the Porteau des Agudes, where you have to enjoy scrambling over large boulders, but it offers a unique panorama at the summit of Pic d'Ardiden overlooking the Lutour Valley and a beautiful view of the Gavarnie mountains and the Brèche de Roland. It also overlooks the lakes of the same name and Lac de Badet, adding an extra touch of splendour.
Pan and Hourmigous barns from Cauterets
6.25 mi
+1,788 ft
-1,772 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Cauterets (Hautes-Pyrénées)
A pleasant circular walk, starting from Cauterets, through the forests and ravines of the Saint-Savin Valley. The walk is classified as moderately difficult for hikers with some mountain experience. The route is circular and climbs through a beech forest towards abandoned barns. You’ll be charmed by the harmony of the pastoral setting. After a very steep climb, which you’ll need to tackle at a steady pace, you’ll return at a leisurely pace along a gentler route.
Pic de Labas and Tour des lacs des Oulettes d'Estom Soubiran
11.39 mi
+5,650 ft
-5,663 ft
10 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Gavarnie (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Gazing out over the Pyrenees from the Vignemale is a highly sought-after experience. But taking in the full expanse of the Vignemale massif from the Pic de Labas viewpoint (2,947 m) is a spectacle that no lover of the High Pyrenees mountains can afford to miss!The climb to reach it is reasonable and from up there the 360° view is exceptional.Adding an extra touch of wilderness to this summit by completing the circular route around the lakes at its feet is a challenging feat, but one that brings unrivalled satisfaction!