Vallée d'Aspe walks

One of the best-known paths in the Pyrenees, carved into the steep rock above the Gorges d'Enfer. The Chemin de la Mâture still echoes with the blows of the pickaxes of the convicts who dug it. An unforgettable page of history!

From Lescun, discover the Aiguilles d'Ansabère and the superb landscape of the Aspe Valley!

This hike allows you to discover Lake Lhurs and its huts, nestled in a mineral cirque with the jagged Ansabère area in the background.

This round trip hike is mostly in Spain and is suitable for all walkers. It is a very easy family walk. The green surroundings are home to marmots and chamois, if you know where to look. From the end of June onwards, numerous flocks of sheep, cows and horses graze here. The lake is splendid and is surrounded by white rock mountains on the left with the Aspe peak and the Visaurin and on the right by red rocks with the Gabedaille peak.

The aim here is to make a loop. You will need to climb down a small chimney and follow a path that runs along the cliff and takes you down a ladder. Magnificent view of the peaks and the valley below.

An easy hike that can be done at any time of day with the family

Ascent to Lac de Montagnon via the Cure det Cam hut. ⚠️ 02/07/2025: Parking in the car park is compulsory and subject to a fine:reservations are compulsory and free from 2 April to 30 November. See practical information. ⚠️ 22/05/2025: Departure car park changed following a municipal by-law.

A beautiful little lake that is easily accessible. This hike is truly bucolic and the arrival at the lake is a wonder. You can stay there for a while to admire the scenery...

From La Pierre Saint-Martin, you can see the Pic d'Anie in the distance.You start at the foot of the slopes with your destination in sight, and it takes about 3½ hours to reach the summit. In summer, you won't be alone on this route.

Circular route to discover the villages and hamlets of the Bedous valley, a unique place due to its geological origins and culture. Few climbs, lots of trails. The suggested route is marked in yellow as the "Tour du vallon" and is described in several guidebooks. We suggest it here to encourage you to hike in this charming area.The train (TER) serves Bedous.

A circular walk offering a unique viewpoint over the centre of the Aspe Valley and the Bedous valley, with an alternative loop route along a signposted path. The Pic de Narbissat is a prime spot for geological observation, situated at the point where the Iberian tectonic plate slides beneath the Eurasian plate. It also offers a good vantage point over the surrounding mountains. This circular route is only recommended in winter ( November to April), when the ferns no longer obstruct the path or visibility.

Discover the enormous plateau overlooking Bedous and its region on this circular walk. It is not only a mountain but also an important grazing area for livestock and an exceptional viewpoint over the entire mountain range. The diversity of the natural environments found here is remarkable.

Lake Isabe is one of the most beautiful and mysterious lakes in the Pyrenees and, in any case, a real gem set in a mineral landscape with steep cliffs. Towering above it, above the last snowfields of summer, rises the Pic de Sesques (or L'Escarbu). To reach it, you will have to traverse chaotic landscapes and climb a narrow couloir to reach an aerial ridge, but it is not dangerous. A beautiful mountain hike with a nice 1,700 m elevation gain over a fairly short distance of 14 km.

A very beautiful hike, accessible to all hikers in summer, and a really nice, unmanned refuge, well equipped for spending the night, with several beds, or for eating. Drinking water point outside. An added bonus for fit hikers is the Col d'Ayous with its magnificent views of the lakes and the Pic du Midi d'Ossau.

This is a long hike with a steady climb, taking you to some beautiful huts, with a water source, a lake in France and a lake in Spain. The elevation gain is significant, exceeding 1,200 metres. The hike starts at the Lamareich car park next to La Borde de Trésarricq. This is a difficult hike due to its length and the sense of direction required.

This route in the upper Ossau valley allows you to explore the ridges overlooking the Ayous lakes without having to deal with the crowds that flock there. The Vallon d'Aas de Bielle is a wonderful and peaceful pastoral spot. From the top of the Pics d'Ayous and Larry, there is a magnificent view of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau (2,884 m), which rises up imposingly, as well as all the Ayous lakes, which are well worth seeing from such a height!

A cross-border circular to discover a little-known area (Ibón de Acherito) from a very popular location (Cabanes d'Ansabère from Lescun). Magnificent landscapes, a varied route. Hike published in Pyrénées Magazine in 1995 (without a map and with little detail on the descent). Update: According to several hikers' reviews (see the associated forum), it would be preferable to do this route in reverse.

The main attraction of this hike is the easy ridge walk, when there is no snow, from the Col de Souperet to the Col de la Nabe. The 360° view stretches from Bedous to the Cirque de Lescun, Ossau, Balaïtous and beyond. In summer, there are numerous herds of sheep, and shepherds make the famous sheep's cheese in their huts. Keep your eyes peeled, as chamois are not uncommon. Set off early to enjoy the shade on the way up. See practical information.

A beautiful walk with a surprising highlight: a splendid view of the valley from the highest point!

A fairly short loop above Lescun, ideal for warming up, for children or people who are a little tired. A short climb and a gentle descent: what more could you ask for?

This hike will take you to a wild area where you can discover Lac d'Arlet and Refuge d'Arlet, then to the border pass, which offers a splendid 360° view of both sides. On the French side, you can admire a magnificent panorama, including the Pic du Midi d'Ossau. On the Spanish side, there is a view of Aragon with the easily recognisable Castillo de Acher, the Pic de Bisaurin, and the magnificent green valley of Aguas Tuertas.

An interesting discovery: the source of the Marmitou, calm and peaceful before it disappears underground. A lovely hike that also takes you to the Anaye border pass.

This walk around the valley overlooking the village of Etsaut is delightful for its views, the shade it offers and the short climb. It can be enjoyed in all seasons, though it is best to avoid rainy periods when the path may be slippery. This is a route recommended by the Departmental Council. Please note: the original route (marked path) is currently impassable following a landslide. We present here an alternative route that can be followed in complete safety.

A lovely walk offering magnificent views of the Pic d’Anie, the Orgues de Camplong and many other peaks throughout the ascent. Towards the end of the hike, the route isn’t always obvious but is straightforward in clear weather. The lake comes into view at the very last moment. Small but beautiful, it makes you want to take a dip in the summer and stay there for a while to rest.

A short walk through the centre of the Bedous valley – completely flat and very easy – to explore this area surrounded by mountains and pastures. Suitable for all walkers!

The Way of St James (Voie d’Arles – GR® 653) offers a lovely, easy and shaded route through the Aspe Valley, winding between gorges and sun-drenched valleys. We do not suggest it as a circular route here, as the train (TER line 55) allows you to return easily to your starting point.The route is suitable for all seasons; however, avoid wet periods! Warning (2025): following the severe flooding in the Aspe Valley in September 2024, some sections of the path may be damaged. Check before setting off.

This circular route takes you to Lake Estaens from Les Forges d’Abel. It is also possible to do this hike as a return trip from Sansanet; this route is described on the Lac d’Estaens information sheet The route suggested here is a circular route offering a variety of scenery. Please note that this walk is slightly more vertiginous than the other one, in that reaching the lake requires using a small ladder attached to the rock face and a few handrails – though it is completely safe. Alternatively, it can be done as an ascent, which is less vertiginous than a descent. Although the route is not signposted, it is very well maintained and it is impossible to get lost. However, it is advisable to follow the route on the app to ensure you don’t get lost.

There are several routes to Lac d’Arlet and the Arlet Refuge. This is one of the most beautiful: varied scenery with a magnificent viewpoint at an elevation of 1909 metres on the map, followed by the arrival at Col de Lapachouaou. The first half of the hike is steady but fairly strenuous. The rest of the way to the lake follows the contour lines more or less. You’ll have plenty of time to admire the stunning scenery unfolding before you from the slopes of Montagne de Banasse.

There is a fairly steep climb from Cette to the summer pastures above the village. The effort is well worth it, as the location and the view of the flocks of sheep on the grassy slopes are magnificent.To avoid the effect of going back the same way, we suggest two alternative routes to make the return journey more enjoyable.

The Pène d’Udapet is that curious rocky peak ‘perched’ above the village of Borce, guarding the entrance to the Belonce Valley. Isn’t the best way to appreciate it to walk around it, rather than climb it (which is perilous)? That is what we offer with this highly varied route featuring picturesque views.

Set off to discover this heart-shaped lake nestled in the heart of the Pyrenees! From Accous, the route is long but the scenery is varied and magnificent. You’ll pass through forest, plains and rocky terrain between the Aspe and Ossau valleys. The climb to the Col d’Iseye is steep; the rest of the route consists of long crossings between mountain pastures and scree slopes, with no marked trail. Good hiking experience required. Avoid this route in bad weather. Camping equipment recommended.

A hike that isn’t too long but involves a fairly steep climb, very close to Oloron-Saint-Marie, with a magnificent panorama at the summit as a reward. Suitable for all seasons (the ascent is north-facing and mainly through woodland, so it can even be considered in summer). In snowy conditions, take care (see below).

A magnificent walk that takes you up to an altitude of 700 m to discover superb views of the valleys and the surrounding Escot pass. You’ll alternate between grassy paths and forest trails, passing several water sources that are ideal for a refreshing drink!

At the entrance to the Aspe Valley, 10 km south of Oloron-Sainte-Marie, lie the first foothills of the Western Pyrenees. The Mail Arrouy, or Rocher Rouge, towers over the Oloron plain from a height of 1,250 m. Although the route is well-known, it is rarely used, physically demanding and the landscape is rather wild... That is the price you pay to admire this beautiful region! Recommended for experienced hikers only.

An easy loop allowing you to discover the diversity of landscapes and natural areas on the northern flank of the Col du Somport. The climbs are gentle and the route is fairly easy to follow, provided you have a map on your phone with GPS. In addition, the Espace Somport is a pleasant place to relax. Everything you need for a "cool hike"! Visorando app recommended

A fairly short circular route to explore the village and the surroundings of Urdos, in the upper Aspe Valley, offering a fine view of the enormous walls built over the centuries using stones extracted during the arduous ploughing of the fields. The route is varied, signposted (yellow markings) and described in several guidebooks. Suitable for all seasons (shaded), but avoid midday in the height of summer!

A fairly short circular walk offering easy access to a breathtaking viewpoint over the Col du Somport and the surrounding area.

This short walk is ideal for stretching your legs before exploring the pretty village of Sarrance!

The Refuge d’Arlet is accessible from several locations. This hike, which is a little long and involves a significant elevation gain, is one of the most beautiful, alongside the Aubise route. The lake, dominated by the Pic d’Aillary and the Pic d’Arlet, is absolutely stunning. The herds grazing all around add a bucolic touch to the landscape. In 20 minutes, you can climb up to the Col d’Arlet.

Starting from the charming village of Issor, this walk, which runs partly through woodland, is ideal on hot days. After leaving the village, the path enters a wood, then crosses streams. In summer, the play of shadows and the coolness of the surroundings are particularly pleasant. In days gone by, the villagers used this path to transport boxwood from the neighbouring Bisarce mountain on the backs of mules. This hardwood was used to make a wide range of everyday objects.

A circular walk to explore the old Lescun to Lhers path. These ancient paths are part of the valley’s history. By walking them, you are helping to preserve our heritage. A route mainly through woodland on the northern slope of the valley: ideal in hot weather.

A modest but extremely well-situated summit, on the France-Spain border, on the watershed (Gave d’Aspe and Río Aragón Subordán), in an exceptional geological area and with unobstructed views of the Western Pyrenees. A hike suitable for anyone accustomed to walking in the mountains and navigating with a map (off-trail descent).

In the Aspe Valley, many people come to walk and admire the Chemin de la Mâture. Some of them continue on the GR®10, others make a loop by returning via the Col d'Arras. But who ventures further?That's what we offer you with this simple and very pretty route.

Hike to revisit A little-used border hike offering views of the three valleys of Aspe, Canfranc and Ossau from above. Stunning views in all directions. Route for hikers: you will need to find your bearings at the start as there are no signposts. The end of the route can be avoided by hikers who suffer from vertigo.

Mailh Massibé is a magnificent vantage point offering views stretching from the Pic du Midi de Bigorre to the Atlantic, taking in all the peaks of Béarn and the Basque Country. Although the approach to this summit is a little long, it is easy to reach and presents no particular difficulties in the absence of snow or fog.

A walk through a wild valley, once inhabited for two centuries. An untouched forest, hyacinths, mosses, ruined houses, and a black rock from which a river with crystal-clear waters flows.

A gradual climb before joining the "classic" Narbèze path, passing through the pretty Pédaing valley, at the cost of a difficult moment! Please note: following the GPX track is very useful for this route (as are walking sticks).

This hike follows old paths, with the view changing as you climb: the Lescun cirque (Pic d’Anie), Layens, Ourdinse, Mailh Massibe, and of course, the Bergon. You arrive at a charming hut where you can stop for a picnic.

This short walk takes us easily to a shepherd’s hut. Left unoccupied during the off-season, it’s a lovely spot for a picnic break. The setting is idyllic. Take care during the summer months and follow the advice given to respect the herds and the Patou dogs.

A magnificent hike from Lescun, yet relatively unknown. There are magnificent views all along the way. Herds of chamois are frequently seen between the Col de Pau and the Col de Burg.Although this hike is challenging due to the elevation gain, it is not overly difficult. You can stop at the Cabane de Bonaris or the Col de Pau if you start to feel tired. If you are very fit, you can extend the hike by climbing the surrounding peaks or even reaching the Refuge d'Arlet.