Pyrenean safari

Day 2

Hautacam – Lake Bassia

Head for Hautacam for a panoramic hike to Lac de Bassia. You’ll set off on a beautiful ridge overlooking Lac d’Isaby on one side and Lac d’Ourrec on the other. The Tarbais plain stretches endlessly beneath your feet, and the view is magnificent over the high ridges stretching all the way to the summit of the Pic du Midi, where you might even spot the astronomical observatory. On your return from the hike, you’ll head back to the small resort of Hautacam, where a host of activities are on offer in summer, including mountain sledging and scootering. Those who wish to do so are free to do so (activities not included).

Walking time: 3 to 4 hours. Difference in altitude: + 500 m / – 500 m.
Transfer time: 1h15.

Day 3

Argelès-Gazost – Bergons Valley – Couraduque

Wake up to the warmth of the Val d’Azun. After a hearty family breakfast, you’ll head for Argelès-Gazost and its historic market, over 100 years old. The children will have the difficult task of making the day’s picnic using fresh local produce, of course! Then it’s off into the gentle, wooded Bergons valley to the Col de Bazès, where you’ll savour the specialities carefully chosen in the morning. After lunch, we’ll get down to serious business with an orienteering race to the Col du Couraduque. Armed with maps and compasses, your apprentice adventurers will set off in search of treasure. You’ll be back at the hotel in the afternoon!

Walking time: 3 to 4 hours. Difference in altitude: + 350 m / – 300 m.
Transfer time: 45 min.

Day 4

Les Artigaux – Bivouac

Today you’re off on an adventure! A superb path will take you from the hotel door to the bivouac area, Les Artigaux. This bucolic plateau, at 1200 m altitude, is made up of meadows, barns and woods, nestling comfortably at the foot of pretty little peaks. An idyllic spot for an unforgettable night in tents with the whole family. Relaxation for some and exploration of this delightful plateau for others will be on the agenda at the end of the hike. You’ll also learn how to set up a bivouac and light a fire for a magical night under the stars.

Walking time: 2 to 3 hours. Difference in altitude: + 350 m / – 0 m.

Day 5

Col du Soulor

A gentle wake-up call as nature welcomes the first rays of sunshine. Today’s route takes you from your bivouac up to the Col de Soum. After a stop at the lake of the same name, whose shape, seen from above, is strangely reminiscent of a jellyfish, the day continues on a delightful route along the Soulor ridges. The views of the nearby peaks are breathtaking!

A short transfer from the Col du Soulor to the hotel left the night before and a final evening together.

Walking time: 3 to 4 hours. Difference in altitude: + 400 m / – 150 m.
Transfer time: 25 min.