Coeur du Parc national des Pyrénées 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.

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.

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.

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.

(!) (September 2024). Following recent bad weather, the footbridge at point (6) has been swept away by the floodwaters. Fording the Gave de Pau is tricky and strongly advised against. (!) Updated 25/06/2025, Gavarnie Valleys Tourist Office. => The footbridge at (6) has been repaired and will reopen to the public from 25/06/2025.However, the footbridge located upstream of the Hôtellerie du Cirque (9) is still not in place, and fording the Gave de Pau is tricky depending on the current water level. The Tourist Office advises: ‘Please note, however, that the footbridge will be dismantled every late autumn and reassembled in late spring as it is situated in an avalanche path.’ A different approach to the Gavarnie Cirque. The plateau offers a panoramic view, allowing you to take it all in at a glance. A little later, you’ll wander through the cirque to fully appreciate its majesty. To quote Victor Hugo, the Colosseum of nature.

Landscapes “rich in nature” on this hike in the area of Gavarnie, accompany your steps towards the peak of Taillon, through the legendary Roland breach. Taillon, a summit that at the top of its 3144 m, offers a stunning panorama and striking views as far as the eye can see.

The Central Pyrenees boast three superb cirques, the best known of which is Gavarnie. However, the other two, Troumouse and Estaubé, are also well worth a visit. Troumouse, situated furthest to the east, features stunning rock faces that mark the border with Spain.Important note: following discussions with the Gavarnie-Gèvre Tourist Office, here is some information about this hike:Road access to Héas and the Maillet plateau has been restored, and the road is considered to be open again. Works will resume in the spring and may occasionally affect traffic.However, the access road to the chapel at Héas is closed every winter and in early spring due to snow and avalanche risks. The road reopens gradually from March–April and then in late May–early June. To find out when the road is open, please visit the website.

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.

Hike above the Cirque de Gavarnie to visit a mountain pass made famous by its name.

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.

This trail is much less frequented than the main path and offers more views of the cirque along most of its length. ⚠️From 1 November to 30 April, and as soon as the quiet zone is established, using the route between 4 and 5 constitutes an offence under the National Park regulations: a 4th category offence under: R.331-65 3° — "Deliberate disturbance of the peace in the core area of the National Park" (€750 fine)." ⚠️ DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED between 2-3-4 and 5. Please check with the Gavarnie Tourist Office before setting off: +33 (0)5 62 92 49 10.

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

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

Hike in the most famous cirque in the Pyrenees. Return via the path leading to the Cirque du Pailla, which allows you to avoid the crowds and gain height to enjoy this magnificent place from a different perspective.

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 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.

This hike will take you to the bottom of the Estaing Valley to discover the Liantran Lakes and pastoral remains. You will discover the Lac d'Estaing, then the Lac de Langle (sometimes dry in summer), the Lac du Plaa de Prat, and finally the Lacs de Liantran. There are no difficulties from May onwards, although in spring there may still be some snow drifts, so caution is advised. Pyrenean ibex and chamois are often spotted here.

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.

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.

A 24 km loop to discover between lakes, mountain streams, peaks, mountain pines and wildlife.

A short, easy walk for the whole family. Bucolic landscapes and a beautiful little lake where you can relax and daydream.

The path begins in the undergrowth of the Pyrenees National Park. From waterfall to waterfall, we reach Pont d'Espagne and its hotel. The path passes through the forest, which is very pleasant in summer. We walk along the Gave du Marcadau or Cauterets. This hike is a classic in the region.

This hike, which generally follows the valley floor, will take you on a gentle slope to the Wallon-Marcadau refuge. You will alternate between mountain pine forests, peat bogs and meadows until you reach the refuge, where the landscape becomes more rocky. A beautiful variety of landscapes and fairly easy access make this a very enjoyable hike starting from Pont d'Espagne.

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!

I suggest you discover the beautiful and uncrowded Lac du Chabarrou, at an altitude of 2,300 m. An interesting alternative to the very popular hike to the Oulettes de Gaube refuge. Access is challenging. Don't forget to admire the Pont d'Espagne (a very popular tourist site) before or after your hike.

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.

A beautiful lake with an island, difficult to access from Lake Ilhéou. This hike is classified as difficult because the path is steep from Lac d'Ilhéou and a good sense of direction is necessary at the end of the route. This summer hike can be undertaken from the end of June until the first snowfall (for the Ilhéou - Hourat section). Beware of Patou, the sheepdog. Do not cross through a flock, but go around it.

Hanging above the Arrens-Marsous Valley are several lakes, the magnificent dam and the Migouélou refuge, surrounded by peaks ranging from 2,500 to 2,700 metres.But this classic route is not enough to tempt you! GPX track essential.After passing by old mining installations, the railway line, a metal footbridge and Lac de Lassiédouat, the route offers a return via the Vallon de Massey, home to two other adorable little lakes, the Touest.

A very pretty, fairly long and enjoyable hike. If you set off early and it has snowed, you can look forward to a very pleasant climb to the refuge.

The Cirque de Gavarnie needs no introduction, it's a monument! The passage through the Plateau de Bellevue offers a wonderful viewpoint. Without snow, the path running along the side of the Bosquet Long heights adds an extra element of excitement, allowing you to appreciate it in all its splendour and tranquillity, which is not possible on the more well-known variants. The more classic return route allows you to cross the very pleasant La Prade plateau, as well as meeting other people. ⚠️ Hiking is prohibited from 1 November to 30 April. Once the quiet zone is in place, using this route between (4) and (5) constitutes a violation of National Park regulations. This is a category 4 offence under: R.331-65 3° — "Deliberate disturbance of the peace in the core area of the National Park" (€750 fine). ⚠️ DOGS PROHIBITED See other prohibitions in the practical information section. Please check with the Gavarnie Tourist Office before setting off: +33 (0)5 62 92 49 10.

Starting from Gavarnie, enjoy a change of scenery by escaping to the wild plateaus at the foot of the Grand and Petit Piméné (2,801m and 2,667m). The Refuge des Espuguettes is a beautiful stop along the way. If you push on a little further to the Plateau des Cardous, you can admire the entire border range, the peaks of the Cirque, just for you, from the Tour du Marboré (3009m) to the Mailh Arrouy (2965m), passing by the majestic Vignemale (3,298 m). A change of scenery and tranquillity guaranteed!

This magnificent hike takes you off the beaten track for more than half of the route, passing through splendid, varied and uncrowded landscapes. Forests, small waterfalls, passages under cornices and breathtaking panoramas, before arriving at the highlight of the show, the foot of the Grande Cascade de Gavarnie.

A magnificent circular hike that allows you to climb to a high altitude without too much difficulty and arrive at a refuge guarded by very friendly people. The return journey takes you along a path carved into the rock, offering splendid views.

An accessible hike where you will walk around Cauterets on the heights with, for those who wish, a detour to the Waterfall Trail to the Ceriset Waterfall.

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.

Want to climb one of the legendary "3000" peaks of the Cirque de Gavarnie with breathtaking views? The Casque du Marboré could be your next goal! The entire route offers magnificent views of the surrounding mountains: Vignemale, Néouvielle, Mont Perdu, Canyon d'Ordesa. However, it is important to bear in mind that part of this hike takes place in a high mountain environment, with sometimes unstable scree and passages where you will need to use your hands.

Explore the Pyrenees National Park (central section) with a trip to Spain, lakes and mountain passes at an altitude of 2,600 metres. With an average elevation gain of ± 1,230 m and a distance of 17 km per day, this trip is, all in all, quite strenuous. Please take into account the cumulative elevation gain and the distance to be covered. The trip takes place between 1000 m and 2655 m altitude. The start of this route is accessible by public transport (coaches and shuttle bus from Cauterets in summer).

This route in the upper Ossau Valley allows you to explore the ridges overlooking the Ayous lakes, without having to contend with the crowds that flock there.The Vallon d’Aas de Bielle is a wonderful, peaceful, pastoral spot.From the summits of the Pics d’Ayous and Larry, the view is magnificent towards the Pic du Midi d’Ossau (2,884 m), which rises imposingly, as well as over all the Ayous lakes – a sight you won’t regret 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.

A beautiful site in summer, with its majestic waterfall. Please note that it is very busy in summer.In winter, you will appreciate the magnificent, peaceful landscape with the ice waterfalls at the bottom of the cirque.This circuit can be done very easily at any time of year:- in 3 hours in summer, including breaks and lunch.- but in 3 to 4 hours in winter.

What better season than spring to discover (or rediscover) the mountains? Snow still adorns the landscape, streams flow merrily down the slopes, and a profusion of flowers carpets the already thick grass of the mountain pastures. The Cirque d'Anéou, in the upper Ossau valley, offers us the added bonus of its magnificent setting and geological curiosities.

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.

The climb to the Cirque de Barroude is after a passage through the forest along the Neste de la Géla in magnificent summer pastures. The arrival at the lakes via a bucolic path offers a splendid view of the cliffs that tower 500 metres above. The return via the Port de Barroude and then the ridges allows us to see the Spanish side and its Aragonese sierras.

This round trip hike requires a fairly good level of fitness. Long distance and steep gradient. Returning via Lake Artouste greatly reduces the difficulty. This hike is magnificent. Throughout the climb, you will have the high peaks in your sights. The trails are varied: you will cross forests, summer pastures with herds of cattle, streams and, early in the morning, you may even see some izards (a type of wild goat).

A circular walk starting from the Anéou basin, to pay a visit to Jean-Pierre, the giant of Béarn, and enjoy the beauty of a few small mountain lakes. A walk we have done several times in late summer or autumn, always with the same pleasure.

Circular trail starting from the Chapelle de Héas to explore the magnificent Cirque de Troumouse. The trail offers panoramic views of the entire cirque, passing by the Lac des Aires, before continuing towards La Vierge and the Cabane de la Vierge.A varied hike with superb scenery, which returns gently to the Chapelle de Héas to complete a circular route. ⚠️ Following a discussion with the Gavarnie-Gèvre Tourist Office, here is some information about this hike:Road access to Héas and the Maillet plateau has been restored, and the road is considered to be open again. Works will resume in the spring and may occasionally affect traffic.However, the access road to the Chapelle de Héas is closed every winter and early spring due to snow and avalanche risks. The road reopens gradually from March–April and then in late May–early June.To find out when the road is open , pleasevisit the website.

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.

Walk to the Cirque de Gavarnie, staying above the Plateau de Bellevue, aptly named. ⚠️ Hiking is prohibited from 1 November to 30 April. Once the quiet zone is in place, using this route between (4) and (7) constitutes a violation of National Park regulations. This is a category 4 offence under: R.331-65 3° — "Deliberate disturbance of the peace in the core area of the National Park" (€750 fine). ⚠️ DOGS PROHIBITED See other prohibitions in the practical information section. Please check with the Gavarnie Tourist Office before setting off: +33 (0)5 62 92 49 10.

This circular is best done from mid-June until the first cold spells. This isthe third and fairly longday of a three-day route in the Central Pyrenees National Park. In case of bad weather or unforeseen circumstances, it is possible to shorten the route by descending directly from the (1) to the (8).

Hike starting from the Piau Engaly resort. The only difficult section is the climb up to the pass, a 30-minute scramble over scree. Superb views of the Cirque de Troumouse and the peaks of the Cirque de Gavarnie. During this hike you’ll come across marmots and, with a bit of luck, chamois or vultures.