Vallée d'Ossau‎ walks

The not-to-be-missed Lacs d'Ayous, deep in the Ossau valley, with a magnificent view of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau.

Why Grand Tour? Because it's a must-see passage through the Ayous Refuge in a setting that is, how can I put it? Sublime... ⚠️ 23/09/2025: The Magnabaigt trail (section of the Tour du Midi d'Ossau) will be closed from 1 September 2025 until further notice from (13) to (S/E) for forestry work. Hike not possible at this time.

This is a short hike with little elevation gain and no difficulty in clear weather. The view from the ridges of all the surrounding peaks and villages is magnificent all along the way. From the Gros huts, the return trip along the trail is very easy.

A classic sporting challenge in the Ossau Valley. The Pic du Midi, affectionately known as Jean-Pierre, can be circumnavigated in an anti-clockwise direction. Although well marked and signposted, the route suffers from a total lack of signposting in the National Park. Reserved for experienced hikers. ⚠️ 23/09/2025: The Magnabaigt trail (section of the Tour du Midi d'Ossau) will be closed from 1 September 2025 until further notice from (8) to (S/E) for forestry work. Hike not possible at this time.

A relatively short walk accessible to all, allowing you to discover the Séris waterfall and the typical narrow streets of Laruns.

Through a splendid forest, an energetic trail leads us to Lac d'Er, nestled in a wild setting.

A lovely loop from Gourette that takes you past numerous lakes. Best undertaken in good weather. Part of the route is unmarked. The GPX track may prove very useful.Follow the directions in this description. You must ascend via the water channel.Classified as difficult due to a tricky (but safe) section on the old penstockReported on 08/09/2024: very recently, a handrail (chain) has been installed along the entire length of the penstock

The Lac d'Anglas hike is one of the must-do routes starting from Gourette. It offers a varied mountain landscape where waterfalls, cliffs and lakes enhance the magnificent scenery of the high-altitude summer pastures you will be crossing.

From the village of Eaux-Chaudes, with its old-fashioned charm and romantic 19th-century thermal baths, to the remarkable entrances to the two caves of the same name (although the water is cold), this hike is accessible to all and offers many surprising and visually stunning discoveries. At the end of the trail, venture underground along the riverbank by lamplight to admire some of the wonders of the underground world, adding an extra thrill and unforgettable excitement to the experience.

This is a short hike that takes you off the beaten track to a lake that is less frequented but just as beautiful as the more famous Ayous Lakes, perhaps because this walk can only really be done as a round trip. We went there in autumn for the peace and quiet, the beauty of the site and, quite simply, for the colours, the colours!

This hike takes you through all kinds of mountain landscapes, from forest to pastureland, scree slopes, canyons and sun-drenched cliffs. The grandiose and wild atmosphere of this route will delight all experienced hikers.

Lac de Houer is very quiet, as hikers prefer to head towards Lac de la Pombie from Cabane d'Araille. In summer, this walk allows you to admire the equally beautiful landscapes far from the crowds, surrounded by pastures and herds of cattle.

Located 40 minutes from Pau, the Benou plateau is a well-known destination for families looking to get some fresh air in a beautiful pastoral setting. You can easily reach the famous stone circles (cromlechs), burial sites of our Iron Age ancestors (3,000 years ago) overlooking the Ossau Valley. And if you're feeling brave, head to the Pic d'Escurets to admire the panorama stretching from Tarbes to Bayonne. Superb!

With only 8 km and 470 m of elevation gain, this hike is accessible to almost everyone. The paths are wide and easy to follow. The views are magnificent. A change of scenery without too much difficulty. From the refuge, the more adventurous can climb to the Col de Peyreget or the Col de Suzon. To do so, you will need to be very well equipped.

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.

This is a fairly challenging hike in terms of elevation gain, but offers varied landscapes. This little-visited lake is a haven of peace and ideal for a picnic with family or friends.

This circular route, without any particular difficulty, offers you a connection between Eaux-Bonnes and Laruns, passing through the villages of Assouste and Aas, typical of the Ossau Valley. The walk offers both beautiful panoramic views and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the 19th-century spa era.

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!

This loop in the Ossau Valley offers a wide variety of peaks, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, aerial passages and remarkable 360° views. It is a challenging hike due to its significant elevation gain and passages where you will need to use your hands, but it is sure to leave a lasting impression.You will be following in the footsteps of Henry Russel, who made the ascent in July 1874 and gave a faithful account of it in the Bulletin de la Société Ramond, under the title "Explorations pyrénéennes" in October 1874.Writing a description of it yourself requires a certain amount of humility, as his style, always generous, often lyrical and sometimes emphatic, commands respect! All this with the limited technical means of the time!

A round trip along the Gave de Brousset, offering superb views of the surrounding mountains. The route is often shaded. If you are not sensitive to the cold, you can swim in the river.

This loop in the Ossau Valley offers a wide variety of peaks, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, aerial passages and remarkable 360° views. It is a challenging hike due to its significant elevation gain and passages where you need to use your hands, but it is not one you will forget. It adds difficulty and also enjoyment to the traditional loop by passing through the famous Passage d'Orteig, the Pic d'Arrious and the cliffs of the Barre d'Arrious!You will be following in the footsteps of Henry Russel, who climbed the Arriel via the normal route in July 1874 and gave a faithful account of his ascent in the Bulletin de la Société Ramond, under the title "Explorations pyrénéennes" in October 1874.Writing a description yourself forces a certain amount of humility, as his style, always generous, often lyrical and sometimes emphatic, commands respect! All this with the limited technical means of the time!