Viella (Hautes-Pyrénées) walks

It was following Napoleon III's visit that this small town in the Pyrenees began to flourish. This route highlights the buildings that the Emperor was directly or indirectly responsible for. Firstly, there is the spa district of Saint-Sauveur, then the bridge that bears his name and spans the Gavarnie river, and finally the small Solférino chapel, a reminder of his victory over the Prussians.

An unmissable hike, visiting five villages that look like something out of a mountain ecology textbook. The men and women have tamed the slopes, working tenaciously to make a year-round living from livestock farming, which now boasts an appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) designation. It is thanks to this activity that we have these charming landscapes of high-altitude gardens, flower-filled meadows meticulously bordered by ash hedges, balcony paths and terraces on retaining walls.

There are five churches from the 11th and 12th centuries to see on this route: - Saint-Julien Church in Sazos, dating from the 12th century. - The churches of Saint-Jean Baptiste and Saint-Nicolas in Esquièze-Sère: listed historical monuments from the 11th century. One is basilica-style and the other houses ancient chapels. Visits in July/August, 4pm-6pm. - Saint-Michel Church in Vizos, dating from the 12th century. - The 12th-century Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Saligos.

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.

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 beautiful, little-known hike offering superb 360° views from Léviste to Pibeste via Luz, Bergons, Gavarnie and Viscos. The climb is steep but not difficult, and your thighs will feel the burn on the descent. There is a loop variant starting lower down (Saligos) and returning via Coueylas.

Follow old paths hidden under beech and hazel trees to discover three villages with a rich traditional architectural heritage.

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).

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.

This is an easy and relaxing summer walk, perfect for filling a few hours if, like us, you are passing through Barèges, or if you want to explore the village for the first time after settling there for a few days. It is also a good warm-up before setting off on one of the more challenging hikes offered by the resort in the Néouvielle Nature Reserve.

A very pleasant short hike between Barèges and Saint-Justin via Courratge. The route is not difficult and mostly through forest. The view from the Oratoire Saint-Justin is magnificent, both towards the Luz Saint-Sauveur valley and towards the Tourmalet. The route is well marked and shared with the GR®10 between Barèges and Saint-Justin.

This is a fairly uncrowded hike leading to magnificent lakes below the Pic d'Ardiden, crossing small mountain pastures and ending in a fairly rocky area.

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.

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.

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

This is a very beautiful hike, but it requires good physical condition, good weather and sure-footedness. Be extra careful on a very short section of the ridge. The climb to the peak is difficult. Those who are prone to vertigo or have poor footwear should take a lower path towards the pass, starting at (4), and arrive at the bottom of the final climb to Pic de Viscos.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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).

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 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.

A beautiful walk in the Vallon des Granges de Bué, which can be done with children provided they are fit.

A beautiful hike that leads to Lake Isaby via the ruins of Saint-Orens Abbey and the Isaby Valley. A pleasant trail, sometimes steep, mostly in the forest before coming out onto the lake and the surrounding peaks (Soum and Pic de Léviste, Soum Arrouy, Soum de Lascours).

The hike becomes very challenging as soon as you leave the wide path that leads to the Estom refuge. The hike is classified as difficult due to its steep gradient, with an average slope of more than 35% from (2).

A beautiful hike in the Lutour Valley, which is a magnificent place.

A beautiful walk that takes us across the Lutour valley along the Gave river of the same name, ending at the refuge and Lac d'Estom in a magnificent setting, ideal for a first break.

This is a demanding hike requiring sure-footedness, especially after the Porteau des Agudes, where you have to enjoy scrambling over large boulders, but it offers a unique panorama at the summit of Pic d'Ardiden overlooking the Lutour Valley and a beautiful view of the Gavarnie mountains and the Brèche de Roland. It also overlooks the lakes of the same name and Lac de Badet, adding an extra touch of splendour.

From the start, there is a superb panorama of the surrounding mountains. The view of the widening lake is splendid.

Montaigu is a beautiful peak in the Hautes-Pyrénées, facing the Pic du Midi de Bigorre and set back far enough from the main border range to offer a beautiful 360° view. This slope via the Hautacam ridges is the longest, but it is also the most beautiful and wildest. It offers a few aerial sections that add a certain interest! Only to be attempted if the weather is perfectly clear!

Lac dets Plagnous is a tiny lake above Lac d'Isaby. A little more difficult to access than the latter, it is neglected by hikers. However, it is very pleasant and makes you want to stay on its banks for a while.

This is an easy, short hike, ideal for young children. The lake, nestled in lush greenery and surrounded by mountains, is truly magnificent. Calm and peaceful, it makes you want to stay there for a long time.

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.

Superb views of the surrounding mountains all along the route and from the Hourquette d'Ouscouaou.

Hike along the ridges with the ascent of Hautacam. The view is exceptional throughout the route. This hike can be done when the snow conditions are stable. This unmarked hike requires a good sense of direction and a GPX track.

A small mountain lake with a beautiful blue-green colour. Less frequented than the Lac Bleu, it is a real pleasure to soak up the calm and splendour of the site. The route offers views of the magnificent Pitch d'Ouscouaou waterfall.

A beautiful loop to reach the Col de Bareilles and access Lac Bleu, passing by Lac d'Ourrec, with a beautiful variety of landscapes. There is a magnificent waterfall on the way back that is worth seeing! The hike is very well marked, so it is easy to follow!

A pretty little lake, little known, nestled at the foot of Montaigu.The GPX track is necessary after the Cabane de Bénaquès, or else good map reading skills and a sense of direction.

A very pretty hike with three lakes to see, including the magnificent Lac Bleu. The Pic de Bizoutére offers views of the Lesponne valley on the right and Hautacam on the left, not to mention the famous Pic du Midi. On the way back, you will come across some splendid waterfalls.

A typical Pyrenean lake in the mid-mountains. 47 hectares, 120 metres deep. Beautiful blue colour.

The summit of Pic Saint-Vincent (1,944 m, unnamed on the IGN map) offers a magnificent panorama of the Pyrenees mountain range, from Pic du Midi de Bigorre to Balaïtous. It is located south of Pic du Montaigu.

In the footsteps of Georges Buisan, born in 1924 in Montréjeau (Haute-Garonne) and resident in Tarbes, he spent his childhood in Bigorre. His interest in the mountains led him to spend several years researching shepherds' huts. Georges Buisan has since passed away, but he leaves behind him, with this Courtaou de la Lit, which he restored over a period of thirty years, an original legacy and a powerful message.

Circular path on the heights of Artalens-Souin, with beautiful views of the valley. The duration is based on walking with two children aged 6 and 10, so it is for guidance only.

This is a circular hike, which takes you up to a small peak before heading to Lake Peyrelade. These are old paths, once used to take herds up to summer pastures, where grass and water are abundant in spring and summer.