Villelongue walks

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).

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.

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.

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 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.

Set off to discover this pretty little village between Argelès-Gazost and Lourdes. Don't forget to look up at the sky, where you're sure to spot bearded vultures, black kites and vultures. The flora is also very rich. A perfect walk for families with children.

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

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

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.

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 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 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.

In the Val d'Azun, away from the shores of Lake Estaing the Barbat huts and Lake Barbat are perfect for a day out.

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 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).

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.

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).

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.