Mauvezin (Hautes-Pyrénées) walks

A walk steeped in local history. Starting at a 12th-century Cistercian abbey, a pleasant path leads to the 14th-century Château de Mauvezin de Gaston Phébus. Take a break on this rocky outcrop, which offers remarkable 360° views. The return to the abbey follows a downhill path through the woods.

A lovely circular walk with long stretches through the woods (very pleasant in summer) and a beautiful view of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre at the start. Pass near the Tumulus de l'Estaque and enjoy a superb view of the Château de Malvezin. I recommend doing the walk in this direction, otherwise you won't necessarily see the château!

A lovely route through the hills above Tournay, passing the Castéra-Lanusse signposts, with a return via the bastide town of Tournay.

This short walk above Tournay (65) will allow you to gain a bit of height and admire the Pyrenees.

Orignac has a rich history, as evidenced by the Castériou site, believed to be an ancient Roman fortified camp. The 12th-century church, built on a hillock and surrounded by a circular cemetery, indicates the existence of a defensive enclosure in the Middle Ages. A lignite mine, south of the village, was in operation until 1947. Animal fossils have been found there. These include mammals, the oldest from the Tertiary period, including the gracile hipparion, ancestor of the horse.

A short, picturesque walk exploring the small villages of the Baronnies, starting from Laborde.

This is a lovely, challenging route starting from a pass above Bagnères-de-Bigorre, which takes you to the Col du Lhéris. This route is also suitable for snowshoeing. This route is accessible in all seasons, except after heavy rain, as the trails become very muddy.

Another way to climb the Casque du Lhéris is via a circular loop that is mostly shaded by beech trees. From Banios, heading towards Asque, the start is 9 km away. Follow the signs for the cheese dairy along the D384 for 2.5 km, then continue right, still heading south, along the ridge road (Cami deth Bernet) to the Plate Forme car park at an altitude of 918 m, having passed a road on the left (elevation 751 m). The route takes 4 hours to complete at a walking pace, plus an extra hour for short stops and a recommended picnic lunch at Puits d'Aris on the descent after the summit. This hike should not be attempted in snowy or foggy conditions. The GPX track is necessary between (4) and (8), and mandatory from (5) to (7).

A little-visited and little-known spot, ideal in sub-zero temperatures, where the ascent takes place in the woods, well sheltered from the wind. This hike can also be done without snow, and it is possible to set off from Esparros, starting from the chasm.

Starting from the village of Lortet, you will first cross the Neste river and, after a steep climb through the forest, you will be rewarded with beautiful landscapes.

A circular walk starting from the Fontaines de Crastes car park in Asté. The first part of the walk and the last part of the return journey are through woodland. This is a walk along paths leading to summer pastures that are still in use. Note: this hike is classified as difficult, as it requires a good sense of direction.

A circular walk starting from Asté, heading towards the mountains via Bernadaus with a view of the Baronnies de Bigorre, then a climb to Cap de Picadés, a traverse of the Izard plateau before descending alongside the Ruisseau du Lhéris. Before reaching Asté, take a short break at the picnic table by the Fontaine de Crastes. The walk takes place largely through woodland.

A pleasant hike in the western part of the Baronnies, in a little-visited area of the Pyrenean foothills of the Hautes-Pyrénées. This easy route is accessible all year round, but is ideal for snowshoeing just after a snowfall at medium altitude, particularly when there is a risk of avalanches in the high mountains. Magnificent views of the mountain range, particularly the Montaigu, the Pic du Midi de Bigorre and the upper Adour valleys.

A short walk to warm up, but not recommended in wet weather. Nice view from the top.

A connecting route along the right bank of the Adour, from Campan to Sainte-Marie. Under the canopy of box trees, you’ll make your way from hamlet to hamlet and from bridge to bridge, until you reach the Arrourets viewpoint, above the hamlet of Cayres de By. At Saint-Roch and Galade, you can cross the Adour and the RD935 to reach the ‘Camiéra deras Pistas’ and return to Campan via the other side of the valley.

This is an easy hike, best undertaken when there is no snow. Pay close attention to the weather.

A connecting route on the northern side of the valley, from Campan to Galade. In the beech forest, along wide forestry tracks, you’ll discover the springs and streams that supply Campan, Saint-Roch and Galade, but which are also capable of causing significant flooding. From these last two hamlets, you can join the D935 and cross the Adour to reach the Camiera deths Ponts and return to Campan via the other side of the valley. Yellow signposting, with estimated times at intervals.