La Gourgue d'Asque

The Amazon of the Pyrenees

La Gourgue d’Asque is one of those places where nature takes its ease, becomes wild, and shows it to you. Hidden away in the Baronnies, on the banks of the Arros river in the Hautes-Pyrénées, it offers a fascinating natural spectacle. The forest seems bewitching, and every step you take along the paths brings you closer to another, quieter, more authentic world. It’s a bit like theAmazon of the Pyrenees, but without the giant mosquitoes. It’s the kind of place where you feel very small, but soothed, lost in the raw beauty of an unspoilt corner.

forest

An amazing forest

A jungle in the Pyrenees

Here the mountains aren’t really mountains at all. The gentle landscape of the Baronnies is described as hills, wooded valleys and rolling fields. It’s in this intimate, secret land that lies the enchanted world of Gourgue d’Asque, nicknamed the little Amazon of the Pyrenees.

An easy walk will take you into this lush and fascinating natural setting, a forest of boxwood and ferns, with the waters of the Arros adding emerald hues to this jungle-like setting. The moss and lichen that cover the trees and pathway seem to hide elves and fairies. But you’re more likely to spot the spotted salamander, the discreet emblem of a rich, unspoilt fauna.

Practical information

Start: Gourgue d’Asque car park
Difference in altitude: 120 m
Duration: 2h15 round trip
Level: family hike

The trail is easy, signposted in yellow and forms a loop for part of the way.

It is punctuated by several interpretation panels on the fauna, flora and history of the area.

Gourgue

How to get to Gourgue d'Asque

Coming by road

How to get there

Leave the A64 at exit 14 Tournay, then follow signs for Bonnemazon, Bourg-de-Bigorre, Fréchendets then Bulan as far as Couret d’Asque.

At Couret d’Asque, follow signs for “La Gourgue”.

Park at the end of the road, in the pay car park (€4 for 8 hours).

wild

Wild walks

In this world apart

Paths along the water

The route begins as soon as you leave the car park, skirting the remains of an old sawmill. Follow the signs for the “Interpretation trail“.
For the first kilometre or so, the route follows a wide, easy and pleasant riverside track.

A little further on, the path crosses the first footbridge: cross it, then continue to the right. The path then goes deeper into the forest until you reach a crossroads. Turn left, still following the signs for the “Interpretation trail”. The path winds through the trees and crosses the river three times on wooden footbridges.

After crossing the last one, make a short diversions of 50 metres to discover the Oueil de l’Arros, the very source of the river. Then retrace your steps and follow the signs for “Retour”, this time following the right bank until you reach the first footbridge. Finish the loop by returning to the car park along the same track as the outward journey.

Our advice

Don’t forget to bundle up, as the high level of humidity keeps you cool even on the hottest summer days.
You have to follow the path all the way to the end, to the L’Oueil(eye in Occitan)de l’Arros, to really enter this jungle-like setting.

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