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Well-equipped hiker at Port Bielh lake France, Vielle Aure, 2023-07-27. Illustration of a hike in the Neouvielle massif. Thanks to the opening of new refuges, this lakeside region of the central Pyrenees can be explored over a few days. A hiker on a path beside the Port Bielh lake with the Aygues Cluses peak and the Hourquette Nere in the background. Photograph by Francois Laurens / Hans Lucas.France, Vielle Aure, 2023-07-27. Illustration of a hike in the Neouvielle massif. Thanks to the opening of new refuges, this lakeside region of the central Pyrenees can be explored over a few days. A hiker on a path beside the Port Bielh lake, with the Pic d'Aygues Cluses and Hourquette Nere in the background. Photograph by Francois Laurens / Hans Lucas.

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Francois Laurens

Good hiking tips

for a successful mountain walk
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  2. The mountains in summer
  3. Hiking in the Hautes-Pyrénées
  4. Hiking tips

Hiking in the mountains is all of these things at the same time: to recharge your batteries, to marvel, to challenge yourself and to share unique moments. In the Hautes-Pyrénées, there are many signposted trails, suitable for all levels and accessible to all. But for these adventures to be unforgettable, it’s essential to know your limits, manage the risks and take care of the environment. Here’s some advice on how to hike with peace of mind.

hiking

A successful mountain hike

In the Pyrenees
Hiking with a guide
Topo guides
Accompanying guides
Walks accessible to people with reduced mobility
Protecting nature when hiking

Advice for hikers

To preserve nature

  • Respect the paths.
  • Think of others and the serenity of nature.
  • Get to know the flora and fauna, especially in sensitive areas.
  • Don’t leave any trace of your passage or rubbish.
  • Don’t make fires in the countryside (especially in forests or scrubland).
  • Do not damage crops or plantations and do not disturb domestic animals or herds. Never forget to close fences and gates behind you.
  • Keep dogs on a lead.
  • Don’t drink waterfrom streams, as its apparent clarity does not necessarily mean that it is drinkable.
  • During the hunting season, check with the local authorities. Some routes can be dangerous.
  • Find out about the rules governing access to nature reserves, national parks and listed sites (dogs, the use of noisemakers and plant picking may be prohibited in certain cases).

Hiking from your base camp

Around Lourdes

Lourdes is the gateway to the Gaves valleys and an excellent base camp for hiking in the foothills of the northern Pyrenees.

Val d'Azun, a holiday spot

With its gentle hills to the north and long valleys leading to the high mountains to the south, the Val d’Azun is the perfect place to hike with the whole family.

Around Saint Lary

With the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve, the Arbizon massif, Lustou and Aragon all within easy reach, the mountains around Saint-Lary provide a magnificent setting for hiking.

In the Louron valley

With a base camp around Loudenvielle and its pretty lake, you can branch out to find bucolic walks or sporting escapades in the high mountains.

Around Argelès-Gazost

Argelès-Gazost is the perfect base for exploring and hiking nearby, as well as the other valleys in the area: Cauterets, Luz and Gavarnie, or the Val d’Azun.

Around Luz-Saint-Sauveur

Staying in the capital of the Pays Toy means you can explore this beautiful region, wedged between the Luz gorges, the Tourmalet pass, the Ardiden massif and the Gavarnie cirque.

Around Cauterets

Cauterets is situated at the gateway to the Pyrenees National Park. You can quickly get close to many varied hikes of all levels.

Around Bagnères

Bagnères is well situated for beautiful walks in the Lesponne and Campan valleys, as well as around the Col d’Aspin, the Col du Tourmalet and the Hourquette d’Ancizans.

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