Refine your search for walks in Massif de l'Arbizon
Massif de l'Arbizon walks
Lac d'Orédon, Les Laquettes, Lac d'Aubert and Lac d'Aumar
Visorando Member
5.32 mi
+1,345 ft
-1,345 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Lary-Soulan (Hautes-Pyrénées)
A magnificent hike. Superb landscapes await you along this route.
You are entering the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve, which is protected by regulations. Please respect these regulations (see practical information).
Three days in the Néouvielle Reserve and its lakes
23.45 mi
+8,560 ft
-8,566 ft
3 days
Difficult
Departure from Barèges (Hautes-Pyrénées)
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).
The lakes of the Néouvielle Nature Reserve
6.32 mi
+1,512 ft
-1,483 ft
4h 15
Difficult
Departure from Aragnouet (Hautes-Pyrénées)
This route includes no fewer than four mountain lakes, cascading down from the ancient glaciers that shaped the Pyrenees. There is a fifth, lower lake, which we invite you to visit on your return journey.You are entering the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve, which is protected by regulations. Please respect these regulations (see practical information).
Lac dets Coubous, Lac de la Jonquère and Lac de Tracens
7.08 mi
+2,398 ft
-2,398 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from Barèges (Hautes-Pyrénées)
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.
Plo del Naou
3.76 mi
+978 ft
-974 ft
2h 35
Moderate
Departure from Aspin-Aure (Hautes-Pyrénées)
From the Col d'Aspin, this short round-trip hike will take you along the ridges between the Campan and Aure valleys for a superb view of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre, the Arbizon and the Perdiguère peaks.
Pic du Pichaley via the Bastan lakes
6.55 mi
+1,768 ft
-1,749 ft
4h 35
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Lary-Soulan (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Hike passing by the Bastan lakes to reach Pic du Pichaley, which offers a 360° view.
This hike is accessible to all up to the Bastan refuge, but becomes more difficult after that. The short climb up the Pic du Pichaley is very steep.
Granges de Grascouéou from Agos
6.29 mi
+3,114 ft
-3,107 ft
5h 35
Moderate
Departure from Vielle-Aure (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Magnificent view of the barns, extensive panorama of the Rioumajou Valley, Lustou, the Louron peaks, Hourgade and the village of Saint-Lary-Soulan. On the other side, view of the Plat d'Adet and the Aulon Valley.
In the summer pastures around Tuco
4.97 mi
+591 ft
-607 ft
2h 50
Easy
Departure from Campan (Hautes-Pyrénées)
This hike forms a loop around Tuco and in the Gaoube valley. It offers beautiful views of several surrounding valleys. A beautifully restored hamlet has tables and benches for a very pleasant picnic stop. An ideal complement after a few days of hiking in the high mountains!
Courtaou and Cabane des Esclozes
5.34 mi
+869 ft
-869 ft
3h 15
Easy
Departure from Ancizan (Hautes-Pyrénées)
A lovely, easy hike from the Payolle campsite. This hike can be done on snowshoes.
Le Courtaou near Les Esclozes has been restored. The Les Esclozes hut is maintained. A water supply channel is operational.
This place was once an important settlement, as evidenced by the number of collapsed huts and barns.
The route appears to correspond tothe PR® (no. 19), which is clearly marked in the opposite direction to the description.
Above Barèges, the Col de Tracens
9.82 mi
+3,297 ft
-3,301 ft
7h 25
Moderate
Departure from Barèges (Hautes-Pyrénées)
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.
Portet - Bastan - Port Bielh - Portet loop
11.25 mi
+2,343 ft
-2,349 ft
7h 15
Difficult
Departure from Vielle-Aure (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Above Saint-Lary via the Col de Portet.A hike not to be missed for anglers and lovers of mountain lakes and wide open spaces.Ideal for families, all the way to the Refuge de Bastan.Note the very friendly welcome at the Refuge de Bastan in an idyllic setting.Depending on your fitness level, various trails continue beyond the refuge for everyone to enjoy.From 10 to 14 July 2023 - Road closed at Espiaube from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. to climb to the Col de Portet. Access possible by cable car from Espiaube (see practical information)
Payolle - Col d'Aspin loop
6.74 mi
+1,693 ft
-1,696 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from Campan (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Hike offering some beautiful views of Lake Payolle and the Pic du Midi de Bigorre.
At the Col d'Aspin, beautiful view of Arreau.
Circular at the Cabane d'Auloueilh
5.27 mi
+2,257 ft
-2,283 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Aulon (Hautes-Pyrénées) (Hautes-Pyrénées)
A very beautiful hike through the summer pastures of Aulon. Best done after the transhumance so you can enjoy the many herds of cows and sheep. You will pass by huts, walk along and cross streams, and walk through meadows full of flowers.
Lac de Montarrouye
9.46 mi
+2,625 ft
-2,651 ft
6h 40
Moderate
Departure from Ancizan (Hautes-Pyrénées)
A short walk through the wilderness, passing close to Courtaou d'Artigussy and Les Esclozes. A few leytès (traditional milk coolers) and building ruins bear witness to the area's former pastoral activity.
Crête de Bidour depuis Lac de Payolle
7.89 mi
+2,234 ft
-2,257 ft
5h 35
Moderate
Departure from Ancizan (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Cette Crête de Bidour permet de descendre au Col d'Aspin depuis le Plo Del Naou et d'admirer la Vallée d'Arreau.
En certaines périodes estivales, la zone de Payolle et les crêtes du Bidour sont assez fréquentées. Il est bon de démarrer la randonnée tôt.
Circular of Lac d'Orédon
6.69 mi
+2,336 ft
-2,310 ft
5h 05
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Lary-Soulan (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Circular starting from Lac d'Orédon, climbing to Col d'Estoudou, then to the summit of Soum du Monpelat, then balcony trail to Lac Aumar, the prettiest lake, Lac d'Aubert and return to Orédon via Les Laquettes.
View of all the lakes, including Lac d'Oule from Soum, and the entire Néouvielle Massif. No major difficulties.
You are entering the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve, which is protected by regulations. Please respect these regulations (see practical information).
The Upper Lakes in the Néouvielle Reserve
10.74 mi
+3,625 ft
-3,629 ft
8h 05
Difficult
Departure from Vielle-Aure (Hautes-Pyrénées)
A superb circular starting from the Aubert and Aumar lakes and passing through the Gourg de Rabas, the Madaméte lakes and tarns, the Coueyla-Gran lake, the Dets Coubous lake, the Jonquère lake, the Lac Blanc, the Lac Nère and the Lac d'Estagnol.
You are entering the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve, which is protected by regulations. Please respect these regulations (see practical information).
Large circular from Les Caneilles to Saint-Lary-Soulan
7.34 mi
+899 ft
-883 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Lary-Soulan (Hautes-Pyrénées)
An easy hike apart from the climb to Sailhan, which is steep but on a good, very passable path.
Yellow markings are faded or non-existent in places, but the Xs indicating the wrong direction are clearly visible.
Lake L'Oule at the start of Artigusse
7.01 mi
+1,463 ft
-1,447 ft
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from Aragnouet (Hautes-Pyrénées)
This route is a must-see. A family walk, you can choose to go from (3) to (4) along the mountainside, but if you are prone to vertigo, it is better to avoid this route and walk near the lake instead.
This is a pastoral area where pets are not allowed.
Circular from the Hourquette d'Ancizan
8.01 mi
+1,946 ft
-1,949 ft
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from Ancizan (Hautes-Pyrénées)
An easy hike that takes you on a circular route around the Hourquette. Dominant position 70% of the time, some beautiful views, passage at Lac d'Arou (where the cows bathe) and crossing of a few streams.
Important: for this hike, it is best to use "Open Street Map Rando", which offers more trails than IGN. However, it is impossible to get lost as all the landmarks are visible while walking and serve as reference points.
Lacs de Bastan via Lac de l'Oule
10.75 mi
+2,346 ft
-2,339 ft
7h 00
Difficult
Departure from Aragnouet (Hautes-Pyrénées)
This hike will take you to the Bastan Lakes via Lac de l'Oule. On a clear day, you will be treated to superb panoramic views.
Pic de Madamète via the Aubert and Aumar lakes and the Gourg de Rabas
3.78 mi
+1,604 ft
-1,604 ft
3h 10
Moderate
Departure from Vielle-Aure (Hautes-Pyrénées)
A stunningly beautiful route taking you past three lovely lakes, then on to a viewpoint offering a breathtaking panoramic view of numerous lakes and high peaks, including those of the Néouvielle Nature Reserve.You are entering the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve, which is protected by regulations. Please respect these rules (see practical information).
Winter circular loop via the Col d'Aspin and Plo del Naou
7.58 mi
+2,073 ft
-2,077 ft
5 hrs
Difficult
Departure from Campan (Hautes-Pyrénées)
A snowshoe route offering views over the entire Payolle area. This hike can, of course, be undertaken in summer.However, do not head towards Plo del Naou in foggy conditions or when snow is falling, as there are no landmarks (it is a very large summer pasture area). A good sense of direction is essential (especially after the summit).
The lakes of Néouvielle
9.59 mi
+3,376 ft
-3,360 ft
7h 20
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Lary-Soulan (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Loop among the large lakes of the Néouvielle Nature Reserve: Lac d'Orédon - Les Laquettes - Lac d'Aubert - Lac D'aumar - Lac Supérieur - Lac de l'Île - Lacs d'Anglade - Lac du Pé d'Estibère and Lac de l'Oule.You are entering the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve, which is protected by regulations. Please respect these regulations (see practical information).
A sense of direction, map reading and GPX tracking are essential from (3) to (11).
Lac de l'Oule - Col d'Estoudou - Lac d'Oredon circular
Association / Club / Walk leader
6.16 mi
+2,238 ft
-2,238 ft
4h 45
Difficult
Departure from Aragnouet (Hautes-Pyrénées)
A hike for experienced walkers, but a feast for the eyes: Lake L'Oule, the Col d'Estoudou and its superb panorama of the Néouvielle and the lakes of Oredon and Cap de Long. This is one of the most magical places in the Pyrenees.
You are entering the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve, which is protected by regulations. Please respect them. (see practical information).
Banios and Ordincède huts from the Moulette bridge
5.01 mi
+1,995 ft
-1,978 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from Campan (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Hike above Sainte-Marie-de-Campan in the pastoral areas (summer pastures) of the Ordincède massif.
Option to climb up to Haboura 1628 m (Caoutérou) and back from the Cabane de Banios (9).
This hike should only be undertaken in clear weather.
A good sense of direction and the GPX track are necessary to complete this hike correctly.
From Artigues to the Campana de Cloutou refuge
7.24 mi
+4,439 ft
-1,119 ft
7h 10
Difficult
Departure from Campan (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Ascent to the Hourquette de Caderolles, the Col de Bastanet and overnight stay at the Campana de Cloutou refuge.
This first stage is classified as difficult because there is a lot of elevation gain.
Lac de l'Oule and Lac Inférieur du Bastan
8.70 mi
+2,185 ft
-2,175 ft
5h 55
Difficult
Departure from Aragnouet (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Discover the Néouvielle Reserve. This hike offers superb views of the lakes and the opportunity to climb up to the Bastan refuge (allow an extra 1½ hours for the round trip).
Chalet Hôtel d'Orédon - Tournaboup
9.05 mi
+2,096 ft
-3,494 ft
6h 00
Moderate
Departure from Aragnouet (Hautes-Pyrénées)
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 Vallon d'Aygues Cluses
7.90 mi
+2,306 ft
-2,306 ft
5h 40
Difficult
Departure from Barèges (Hautes-Pyrénées)
This very pleasant and accessible walk takes you through the beautiful Aygues Cluses Valley.
You will walk along the torrent between groves and lawns to the lake of Coueyla Gran.
Located at the gateway to the Néouvielle Nature Reserve, come and meet its emblematic host: the mountain pine. See During the hike or nearby.
Observe the "coueylas", which are old shelters for shepherds and their flocks.
Lake Superior and Lake de l'Île from Lake Aubert
4.19 mi
+1,125 ft
-1,096 ft
2h 55
Moderate
Departure from Vielle-Aure (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Although less well known than their prestigious neighbours, the Néouvielle lakes are also magnificent. We can add Lac de l'Ours, which is accessible by footpaths.
This short hike with little elevation gain is an invitation to stroll from lake to lake, especially if you add Lac de l'Ours to the route, going from the small lake before Lac de l'Île and back. In this case, add an extra hour.
You are entering the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve, which is protected by regulations. Please respect these regulations (see practical information).
Family route at the Col d'Aspin
2.09 mi
+509 ft
-509 ft
1h 25
Easy
Departure from Aspin-Aure (Hautes-Pyrénées)
On holiday in the Pyrenees, the weather is fine and dry, so why not take a walk to the Col d'Aspin with our two children (aged two and a half and five and a half).
The lower lakes in the Néouvielle reserve
11.06 mi
+2,923 ft
-2,841 ft
7h 40
Difficult
Departure from Aragnouet (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Circular passing by Lac de l'Oule, Laquet de Coste Oueillère, Laquets de Port-Bielh, Lacs de Bastanet and Lacs de Bastan.
You are entering the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve, which is protected by regulations. Please respect these regulations (see practical information).
Tournaboup - Bastan Refuge
8.80 mi
+4,337 ft
-1,742 ft
7h 50
Difficult
Departure from Barèges (Hautes-Pyrénées)
First stage of the Three Days in the Néouvielle Reserve and its lakes.
From the Tournaboup car park to the Bastan refuge.
This is a fairly challenging hike due to its elevation gain and short distance.
At (6), you can listen to the stage and remove some of the elevation gain. See Practical Information.
At (7), you can shorten the route and remove some of the elevation gain by starting on a south-facing balcony trail.
Refuge de Bastan from Col de Portet
6.67 mi
+801 ft
-804 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Lary-Soulan (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Hike from Col du Portet to Refuge de Bastan. A pleasant, easily accessible route, completed with a child of (almost) 5 years old. In summer, it can be very hot as there is little shade along the path.
Cabane d'Arizes
4.22 mi
+1,470 ft
-1,470 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Campan (Hautes-Pyrénées)
This beautiful round-trip hike, with a challenging start near the stunning Arizes waterfall, will take you to the foot of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre via a magnificent valley along the Ruisseau d'Arizes.
Waterfall and Val d'Arizes from Artigues
3.00 mi
+1,286 ft
-1,289 ft
2h 30
Moderate
Departure from Campan (Hautes-Pyrénées)
An easy hike in the hills above the village of Artigues, at the foot of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre.
Bastan refuge - Chalet Hôtel d'Orédon
5.60 mi
+2,126 ft
-3,330 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Vielle-Aure (Hautes-Pyrénées)
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).
Pic de Portarras via the Campana du Cloutou refuge
11.48 mi
+4,403 ft
-4,400 ft
9h 05
Difficult
Departure from Campan (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Between the mountain pastures of the upper Campan valley, where cows and sheep graze, and the towering peaks of Bastan and Portarras, this hike runs alongside a dozen or so bodies of water of all sizes and colours, ranging from forest green to deep blue.
This hike (difficult+) requires a minimum of preparation: steep slopes, significant elevation gain, rocky terrain, scree, high mountains.
La Hourquette de Mounicot
10.64 mi
+3,622 ft
-3,599 ft
8h 05
Difficult
Departure from Barèges (Hautes-Pyrénées)
For mineral enthusiasts. This walk offers many attractions, including beautiful scenery, several lakes along the route and the option of completing a loop via the Refuge de la Glére, returning to the starting point (for experienced walkers).
L'Arbizon
6.15 mi
+4,724 ft
-4,724 ft
7 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Aulon (Hautes-Pyrénées) (Hautes-Pyrénées)
A beautiful summit at over 2,800 metres, accessible to hikers, offering a stunning 360° view.
Payolle - Plo del Naou loop
8.33 mi
+2,831 ft
-2,844 ft
6h 20
Moderate
Departure from Campan (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Hike along trails starting from Payolle, through the forest to the Col d'Aspin, then following the ridges of the Plo del Naou. At the summit, you can enjoy an exceptional panorama of the Campan and Arreau valleys, part of the Pyrenees mountain range, as well as the Pic du Midi de Bigorre and the Arbizon.
Circular Lac d'Orédon - Lac d'Aubert - Lac de Cap de Long via the Pas du Gat
6.88 mi
+2,339 ft
-2,320 ft
5h 10
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Lary-Soulan (Hautes-Pyrénées)
A lovely circular route from Lac d'Orédon to Lac d'Aubert via Les Laquettes, which is always pleasant, then up to Pas du Gat (saut du chat), a pass with views of Lacs d'Aubert, d'Aumar and Cap de Long.
Then descend via a slightly exposed path to the Cap de Long dam and finally return to Orédon via a wide path that runs alongside it.
This hike is classified as difficult due to the access to Pas du Gat and the descent to Cap de Long.
You are entering the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve, which is protected by regulations. Please respect these regulations (see practical information).
The Col de Barèges
8.74 mi
+3,140 ft
-3,136 ft
6h 45
Moderate
Departure from Barèges (Hautes-Pyrénées)
A lovely family hike starting from the Pont de la Gaubie on the road to the Col du Tourmalet, past Barèges.
La Béque (1,721 m)
5.49 mi
+2,103 ft
-2,106 ft
4 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Campan (Hautes-Pyrénées)
A small peak that can be climbed on snowshoes from the Sarrat de Gaye road and offers a magnificent 360° view.
A fairly challenging hike that requires a good sense of direction when the tracks have not been made.
Towards Lac de l'Île
4.88 mi
+1,066 ft
-1,056 ft
3h 10
Moderate
Departure from Vielle-Aure (Hautes-Pyrénées)
A short, picturesque walk to a small lake with an island in the heart of the mountains.
You are entering the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve, which is protected by regulations. Please respect these (see practical information).
Pic de Montfaucon from the Hourquette d'Ancizan
8.42 mi
+3,983 ft
-3,980 ft
7h 20
Difficult
Departure from Ancizan (Hautes-Pyrénées)
On a mountain often overlooked in favour of its neighbour, the Arbizon, or the 3,000-metre peaks of the Néouvielle, this hike offers stunning views. The route through the mountain pastures to Lac d’Arou and then over scree to the summit requires good experience of walking on ground that gives way easily underfoot. Please take full note of the comments regarding the mountainous terrain.
This hike should only be undertaken when there is no snow!
Circular loop of Soulan from Saint-Lary-Soulan
7.15 mi
+1,955 ft
-1,959 ft
5h 00
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Lary-Soulan (Hautes-Pyrénées)
A large circular route passing through Soulan from Saint-Lary-Soulan, taking tracks, paths and the road through Soulan, marked in yellow. Signs indicate this large circular route and also a shortcut for the small one. The access path to the circular route is steep but the rest is easy.
Pic de Madaméte circular winter loop
9.99 mi
+3,940 ft
-3,940 ft
8 hrs
Difficult
Departure from Barèges (Hautes-Pyrénées)
On the outskirts of the Néouvielle Massif, I’ll lead you along my route for a magnificent, challenging winter hike. We’ll ascend via the Aygues Cluses Valley and the Madaméte Lakes, climb Pic de Madaméte, and return via the Coubous Lakes.
The scenery is spectacular, combining a very undulating landscape, forests of mountain pine, a string of snow-covered lakes and the magnificent viewpoint at Pic de Madaméte (which can be avoided if necessary).
I hope I’ve made you want to join me!
The Hourquette d'Aubert via Lac d'Aubert and Lac d'Aumar
3.71 mi
+1,358 ft
-1,358 ft
2h 55
Moderate
Departure from Vielle-Aure (Hautes-Pyrénées)
The Hourquette d’Aubert is a mule track pass linking the Aure Valley to the Barèges Valley.
Ideally situated, this pass offers a magnificent view of the most beautiful lakes of Néouvielle and the peaks surrounding them.
As you climb the Dets Coubous ridge to the cairns at 2,569 m, the mountain horizon widens to offer a more complete and truly beautiful panorama.