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- You can top up your water supplies at the start in the car park, then at the Aygues-Cluses mountain hut, the Oule mountain hut and the Campana de Cloutou mountain hut.
- Picnics are available at the Aygues-Cluses Mountain Hut and the Campana de Cloutou Mountain Hut.
- You can camp at the Artigues Municipal Campsite or at the Auberge des Cascades lodge.
Three days in the Néouvielle Nature Reserve
This three-day circular hike takes you through the most beautiful landscapes of the Néouvielle massif and the Pic du Midi area. As you progress through the stages, you’ll pass by numerous high-altitude lakes, cross several mountain passes and enjoy magnificent panoramic views. A varied hike with a few rockier sections at the start, but one that offers three wonderful days in the heart of the mountains.
Details
Creation:
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Activity: Walking -
Distance: 30.95 mi -
Average duration: 3 days -
Difficulty: Difficult -
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Back to start: Yes -
Ascent: + 10,230 ft -
Descent: - 10,240 ft -
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Highest point: 8,225 ft -
Lowest point: 3,937 ft
Stages of the route
This route needs several days, find the details below:
Notes
This route passes through a protected area, which may be subject to special regulations:
Worth a visit
The trail passes by numerous lakes.
Other walks in the area
From Tournaboup to Lac de l’Oule
Visorando Member11.29 mi
+3,957 ft
-2,785 ft
8h 40
Difficult
Departure from Barèges (Hautes-Pyrénées)
First day of a three-day circular route, from the Tournaboup car park to Lac de l’Oule. The first section up to the Col de Madamète is quite stony and requires good footwear, but after that it’s a real pleasure to walk past the magnificent Néouvielle lakes, including, amongst others, Lac d’Aumar, Lac d’Aubert and Lac de l’Oule.
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 Nature Reserve and its lakes.From the Tournaboup car park to the Bastan refuge.A fairly challenging hike due to its elevation gain and short distance.At point (6), it is possible to shorten the route and reduce the elevation gain. See Practical Information.At (7), it is possible to shorten the route and reduce the elevation gain slightly by taking a south-facing, balcony-style path.
Please note: the refuge has been closed by the authorities since May 2025
Three days in the Néouvielle Reserve and its lakes
23.46 mi
+8,560 ft
-8,566 ft
3 days
Difficult
Departure from Barèges (Hautes-Pyrénées)
This three-day hike takes in at least 20 lakes.It is divided into three sections and includes two nights in a mountain refuge (or in a tent).The first day is still quite challenging, though.The durations of each stage are those I noted down. They include breaks for photos, meals, chats and dipping your feet in the water, and I’d like to remind you that these are three hikes (at a normal walking pace).
Please note: booking issues have been reported at various mountain huts on 10 August 2026. Furthermore, the Bastan mountain hut will be closed by the authorities from May 2025 until safety standards are met.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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