Massif de l'Arbizon walks

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).

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).

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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 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)

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

Hike offering some beautiful views of Lake Payolle and the Pic du Midi de Bigorre. At the Col d'Aspin, beautiful view of Arreau.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

Snowshoe route offering views over the entire Payolle area. This hike can obviously also be done in summer. However, do not head towards Plo del Naou in foggy or snowy conditions as there are no landmarks (it is a very large summer grazing area). A good sense of direction is essential (especially after the summit).

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).

A stunningly beautiful route that takes you along three pretty lakes, then up to a viewpoint offering breathtaking panoramic views 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 regulations (see practical information).

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.

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.

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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.

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.

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.

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).

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).

An easy hike in the hills above the village of Artigues, at the foot of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre.

A beautiful summit at over 2,800 metres, accessible to hikers, offering a stunning 360° view.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

This tour of the lakes will take you into the heart of the Néouvielle Nature Reserve. Two elements are omnipresent: water, from the large Lac de l'Oule and Lac d'Orédon to the small lakes, the Miroirs d'Aubert and Miroirs d'Aumart, and the tiny lakes that are gradually filling up, and pine trees, either solitary or in groves. All the riches of this protected environment are fragile. So please be careful to leave no trace of your visit.

On the edge of the Néouvielle Nature Reserve, this hike alternates between wide open spaces, stretches of water such as the large Lac de l'Oule, pine forests bathed in sunshine, groves and small lakes. Enjoy views of the high peaks, not to mention the Bastan Refuge and its idyllic surroundings. The ascent to Pichaley, with a final climb over rocky, steep terrain, will be the highlight of your journey, with panoramic views as your reward.

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).