Viey walks

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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

Discover Lac de Gaube from La Raillère, south of Cauterets, via theGR®10.

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.

The Néouvielle massif is the highest massif in the Pyrenees entirely within France. The Pic du Néouvielle (3,091 m) is its emblem, if not its highest peak, in the heart of a regional nature reserve where every lake is a marvel. This hike offers the ascent via the usual route, through the ancient Néouvielle glaciers, and a less easy but more fun descent via boulders. Starting from Lac d'Aubert, the route is fairly easy, especially in spring and early summer when the snow in the north-east couloir is still present, allowing you to avoid the scree, and is fairly well marked. In the last section, you cross the area of the former Néouvielle glaciers, partially replaced by snowfields, scree and large boulders. Finally, a short, easy climb up a chimney takes you to the summit, where you can enjoy exceptional views of the surrounding area and the entire Pyrenees mountain range!

This tour includes no fewer than four mountain lakes, cascading down from ancient glaciers that shaped the Pyrenees. There is a fifth, lower lake, which we nevertheless invite you to visit on your way back. You are entering the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve, which is protected by regulations. Please respect these regulations (see practical information).

This pretty mid-mountain lake (1,731 m) on the GR®10 is easy to access and overlooked by peaks over 2,500 m high. It makes for a pleasant hike of a few hours. It is also accessible in winter, under the snow, on foot or with snowshoes. The long walk through the magnificent forest along the Gave de Gaube, on the side of the Gaube coast, makes the discovery of the mountains even more beautiful when you arrive at the first Huats lake with the north face of the Vignemale as a backdrop.

This hike, starting from Pont d'Espagne, will take you to the heart of the Pyrenees National Park. You will follow the Marcadau valley to reach the lakes of Embarrat, Pourtet and Nère at an altitude of over 2,400 metres.

Departing from Le Pont d'Espagne, this moderately demanding hike will take you into the Pyrenees National Park to discover Lac de Gaube and the Oulettes de Gaube refuge, from where you can admire the Vignemale, the highest peak in the Pyrenees at 3298m. If you're lucky, you might even spot some marmots.

A magnificent hike. Superb landscapes await you along this route. You are entering the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve, which is protected by regulations. Please respect these regulations (see practical information).

Third stage of the Three Days in the Néouvielle Reserve and its lakes From the Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon to the Tournaboup car park. The hike is coming to an end, but the beauty of the 20 lakes remains. You are entering the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve, which is protected by regulations. Please respect these regulations (see practical information).

This easy hike leads to the foot of the Cirque d'Estaubé. Although less famous than its neighbour Gavarnie, the Cirque d'Estaubé is a magnificent sight, with many waterfalls. Great picnic opportunities in a superb mountain setting.

At just under 3,000 metres, the Soum des Salettes nevertheless offers a superb panorama of the great Pyrenean peaks with a sublime view of the Mont Perdu massif and the Cirque de Troumouse.

The Gavarnie Cirque is an outstanding area of conservation. It is classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This easy hike will give you your first look at it!

This trail is much less frequented than the main path and offers more views of the cirque along most of its length. Credit: our guide Laurent from Pyrénées Autrement described this trail to us. Moderator's note s a dangerous, unsecured section; see reviews Route impassable the Gavarnie Tourist Office reports:Following the floods of 7 September 2024, the route described here is currently impassable.Although the trails have not been significantly affected, crossing the Gave de Gavarnie is impossible in many places (footbridges have been washed away or weakened, banks are dangerous).Please stay on the marked paths and check with the Gavarnie Tourist Office before setting off: 05 62 92 49 10.

Pure beauty! A hike that will take your breath away, surrounded by cows, marmots and chamois!

To the west of Argelès-Gazost, there is a very pretty, not too difficult circuit on well-maintained trails offering two viewpoints over the Gave de Pau valley and a 360° view of the Central Pyrenees!

A very pretty route with a long ridge walk. This hike allows you to discover some very large summer pastures, some of which are still in use. In the background: the Pic de Midi de Bigorre, the Montaigu and the Mongie valley. Do not attempt this ridge hike in foggy or heavy rain.

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