Massif du Néouvielle 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.

This is a hike not to be missed for lovers of mountain lakes and wide open spaces. Moderator's addition on 23/08/2021: The start of the circuit has changed. It is now at the Chez Louisette restaurant and the hike is therefore longer. See the comments at the bottom of this page

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.

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).

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.

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).

A short, easy walk for the whole family. Bucolic landscapes and a beautiful little lake where you can relax and daydream.

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.

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).

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).

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).

A circular hike, much of which follows old shepherds' paths. A good sense of direction is necessary on the climb up the left bank of the stream. The GPX track can be very useful from (S/E) to (4). This circular can also be done in the opposite direction. Please close electric fences and cabin doors. Thank you.

From the Ayré Forest, the hike begins by climbing up the Glère Valley. A trough-shaped profile, winter avalanche slides, a torrent at the bottom of the valley and groves of pines and rhododendrons; a classic approach to the high mountains. Nothing suggests that at the top of the main ridge, the Refuge de la Glère opens the door to the crystalline empire of Néouvielle, a universe where a constellation of lakes, large and small, sparkle, each more charming than the last.

A long time ago, a group of young people spent a memorable week at the Bolou stopover lodge, between Luz-St-Sauveur and Barèges. Although the accommodation no longer exists, the building is still as it was when we found it during a beautiful walk under, in, and almost above the clouds. I invite you to follow us into one of the valleys that leads to the Néouvielle Massif.

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).

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.

A beautiful, long hike through large areas of summer pastures, starting from a small village.A sense of direction is necessary. The return journey described here is for when there is no snow, bad weather or fog.Old yellow markings are still visible in places.Part of the climb via the Campbieil barns is in the Pyrenees National Park. Special regulations apply.To get to the start of the hike, see the directions in the practical information section. Please note: the Gavarnie Valleys Tourist Office reports that on 8 May 2025 > that access restrictions for hiking in the Campbieilh valley may be lifted.> Thank you very much.

A short but exotic hike in the wild Barrada valley, accessible in summer and winter (with snowshoes), leading to the small Cirque d'Érès Lits through woods and mountain pastures.

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).

At just under 3,000 metres, the Soum des Salettes nevertheless offers a superb panorama of the great Pyrenean peaks with a sublime view of the Mont Perdu massif and the Cirque de Troumouse.

The Néouvielle massif is the highest massif in the Pyrenees entirely within France. The Pic du Néouvielle (3,091 m) is its emblem, if not its highest peak, in the heart of a regional nature reserve where every lake is a marvel. This hike offers the ascent via the usual route, through the ancient Néouvielle glaciers, and a less easy but more fun descent via boulders. Starting from Lac d'Aubert, the route is fairly easy, especially in spring and early summer when the snow in the north-east couloir is still present, allowing you to avoid the scree, and is fairly well marked. In the last section, you cross the area of the former Néouvielle glaciers, partially replaced by snowfields, scree and large boulders. Finally, a short, easy climb up a chimney takes you to the summit, where you can enjoy exceptional views of the surrounding area and the entire Pyrenees mountain range!

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.

The Néouvielle Massif is impressive for the diversity of its landscapes, peaks, lakes, "eternal ice" and abundant wildlife. The Turon de Néouvielle is named after this prestigious massif and is located in one of the easternmost areas of the "Core Zone of the Pyrenees National Park". This area of the PNP extends over territories with altitudes never falling below 1,067 m and peaking at 3,298 m at the Pique Longue du Vignemale. It is home to extremely varied landscapes. On the Turon de Néouvielle trail, there are numerous glacial mountain lakes, granite rocks, sharp ridges and a few grassy areas with diverse wildlife. An exceptional sight! This route takes you to two of the 3000-metre peaks in the area. It can be done in one or two days, with a break at the Refuge de la Glère, in a heavenly location.

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).