What are the conservation rules to be followed in the Nature Reserve?

In the Néouvielle nature reserve, conservation rules have been put in place to protect the environment. The main recommendations include Regulated bivouacking is authorised more than one hour’s walk from a road access, between 7pm and 9am. Camping/caravanning is not permitted overnight. Making fires is prohibited. Do not pollute or throw away rubbish (bring rubbish bags). Do not pick, uproot or remove plants, minerals or fossils. Dogs are not permitted, even on a lead. The use of 4 x 4 vehicles and motorbike trials are prohibited. Mountain biking is also prohibited outside authorised trails. Weapons are prohibited and animals are protected.

When is the best time to visit the Néouvielle Nature Reserve?

The best time to visit the Néouvielle Nature Reserve is between spring and autumn , from May to October. It is during this period that conditions are most favourable for exploring the high-altitude lakes, observing the flora and fauna, and enjoying hikes in an unspoilt natural setting. Summer is particularly popular for outdoor activities, while spring and autumn bring magnificent colours and milder temperatures.

Are there any activities for families on the Reserve?

The Néouvielle nature reserve offers a number of activities ideal for families, immersing them in a soothing natural setting. Accessible hiking trails allow younger visitors to explore the area, while enjoying wildlife spotting such as marmots and birds. Families can also discover the lakes and their surroundings on waterside walks .

The Néouvielle Nature Reserve

The Aure Valley

An original landscape of granite massifs and ridges, the Néouvielle Nature Reserve offers an elixir of Pyrenean wonders. This magical place offers a complete range of lakes, peaks and vegetation. Its preserved biodiversity means you can meet marmots and discover century-old hooked pines. Nicknamed the “land of lakes“, Néouvielle never ceases to amaze the many hikers, climbers, cyclists and other sports enthusiasts who venture into its valleys throughout the year.

hikes

Land of hikes

in the heart of the Pyrenees

The Néouvielle Nature Reserve shares its forests with its massifs, its valleys with its mountain pastures, its rivers with its waterfalls and its protected species with its preserved flora. The Reserve’s landscapes are so beautiful that they seem unreal, seducing nature lovers eager to get away from it all. Hiking here is very popular and accessible to all.

Hiking in the Néouvielle

The trails take in all the scenery, allowing you to discover the rich biodiversity of the site, taking a break in the guarded refuges before setting off again. There are routes of varying degrees of difficulty, so there’s something for everyone, with facilities to make crossing the mountains easier.

Some of the superb walks in the Néouvielle reserve include the trails around Lac d’Aubert and Lac d’Aumar, Lac de l’Oule, Lac de Cap de Long and the ascent to the Néouvielle peak.

The Néouvielle lakes

The Reserve is home to more than 70 lakes and ponds sculpted by Quaternary glaciers, including some of the most beautiful in the region. The Lac d’Orédon, the Reserve’s emblematic gateway, the perched lakes of Aubert and Aumar and the Lac de Cap-de-Long are all must-sees in Néouvielle.

Néouvielle in winter

In winter, the snow opens the way to a multitude of activities: skiing, snowshoe trekking, split boarding, in a sparkling white setting.
Every corner of the mountain becomes a space for adventure or simply for enjoying the frosty beauty of the scenery.

biodiversity

Preserving biodiversity

Wild life

©
Fauna of the Pyrenees - Marmots ©HPTE
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HPTE

The fauna and flora here are extremely rich and original. This rare environment has been the focus of special attention since 1936.

Among the first nature reserves in France, you’ll be able to see hooked pines, which break records for longevity and altitude; the toad, which remains a tadpole for almost 10 years; and the desman, which enjoys the clear, cool waters of the torrents here. More than 570 species of algae have been recorded here…

Animal tracks

lakes

The Lakes Route

An exceptional walk

If you want to see the best of the reserve in a single day, we recommend you take the route of the highest mountain lakes in the Pyrenees: from Saint-Lary-Soulan to Lac d’Aubert (2150 m).

You’ll discover 4 splendid lakes nestling between pine forests and granite massifs. The ideal place for a family hike in the fresh air, without any difficulties.

©
The high mountain lake route - ©Shutterstock
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(c) Tsafreer | Dreamstime.com

stays

Our selection of holidays

Your holidays in Néouvielle

Néouvielle, Eden for ski tourers

Ski touring break in the Néouvielle Nature Reserve

from751 €per person

The jewels of the Pyrenees

A hiking break in the heart of our Grands Sites

from614 €per person

All aboard Brigitte!

Ecological road trip in an exceptional car

from676 €per person

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activities

Activities in the Reserve

Roaming in mountain hutsAu Fil des Crêtes

A new loop route has been signposted, the“Grand Tour du Néouvielle“, enabling you to discover the land of lakes. This six-day, 46-kilometre route passes through the mountain scenery of the Néouvielle, from refuge to refuge. A shorter version, the 4-dayPetit Tour du Néouvielle, is also available.

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Hiking at Lac d'Aubert and its turquoise waters, with the Hourquette d'Aubert in the background ©HPTE - François Laurens
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HPTE - François Laurens

Lake fishingTrout hunting

The Reserve’s many mountain lakes await you for a relaxing fishing session. You can even spend the night near the lakes in the bivouac areas set up at Aubert and Orédon. Please note that fishing in the reserve is regulated, so check with the 65 fishing federation.

Mountain climbingPanoramic climbing

The Néouvielle nature reserve offers several climbing sites for all levels. One of the best areas is around Lac d’Aubert, with climbing routes where the approach walk varies between 1h and 2h. As well as the cliffs, climbing the Pic du Néouvielle itself is an exciting challenge for climbing enthusiasts.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What are the conservation rules to be followed in the Nature Reserve?
In the Néouvielle nature reserve, conservation rules have been put in place to protect the environment. The main recommendations include
- Regulated bivouacking is authorised more than one hour’s walk from a road access, between 7pm and 9am.
- Camping/caravanning is not permitted overnight.
- Making fires is prohibited.
- Do not pollute or throw away rubbish (bring rubbish bags).
- Do not pick, uproot or remove plants, minerals or fossils.
- Dogs are not permitted, even on a lead.
- The use of 4 x 4 vehicles and motorbike trials are prohibited.
- Mountain biking is also prohibited outside authorised trails.
- Weapons are prohibited and animals are protected.
When is the best time to visit the Néouvielle Nature Reserve?
The best time to visit the Néouvielle Nature Reserve is between spring and autumn, from May to October.
It is during this period that conditions are most favourable for exploring the high-altitude lakes, observing the flora and fauna, and enjoying hikes in an unspoilt natural setting. Summer is particularly popular for outdoor activities, while spring and autumn bring magnificent colours and milder temperatures.
Are there any activities for families on the Reserve?

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