7 March 2025.
Planning a trip to the French Pyrenees? Love an adventurous road trip? This detailed French Pyrenees itinerary is perfect for first-time, hiking-obsessed visitors.
Over thousands of years, the storied Pyrenees Mountains have been many things.
Named for a princess of Greek mythology who met a gruesome end, a spa town darling of the Roman empire, the intimidating barrier of the Iberian Peninsular, an essential trade route, a hotbed of wartime resistance and a lifeline for escaping pilots downed during WW ll.
These days, this formidable range is less escape route and more adventure-magnet, beloved by hikers, cyclists, bikers and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds looking to hit the trails or the road and enjoy the spectacular landscapes on display in one of Europe’s premier mountain destinations.
The broad furrowed belt of the Pyrenees covers an enormous geographic area, sprawling between France and Spain, the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, and at first glance it can be completely overwhelming deciding exactly where to go – which peaks to climb, valleys to explore or villages to use as a base.
After several weeks spent in the region, this French Pyrenees itinerary focuses on the delights of the magnificent Pyrenees National Park which extends into the Pyrénées-Atlantiques and Hautes-Pyrénées and combines the area’s most captivating natural spectacles, hiking trails and epic drives into one fantastically adventurous week spent amongst the mountains.
Although there’s plenty more to experience in the region and you’d be hard pressed to do anywhere this size justice in just five days, this trip provides a wonderful introduction for a first-time visitor who is eager to get up close with nature – taking in the dazzling peaks, expansive cirques, plunging waterfalls, and shimmering teal lakes on offer – and is sure to whet your appetite for a future return visit.
There are numerous different access points for the Pyrenees National Park and several transport hubs strung along the south of France which will get you directly into the mountains in a matter of hours.
For convenience, this French Pyrenees itinerary follows a circular route that begins and ends in Toulouse which holds a well-connected airport, bus and train station, and competitive options for car rental.
However you could very well begin from another nearby regional hub such as Pau, Lordes/Tarbes or Biarritz if these offer better transport connections for you.
Unfortunately, my visit was plagued by a deluge of rainfall, minor flooding and road closures which forced me to scrap some destinations and rearrange my plans, so this carefully curated route outlines a modified version of my own trip to cover all the absolute highlights and incorporate a few adjustments I’d have made in hindsight.
So, settle in with a hot cuppa because this post is a long one.
This is my detailed 5-day French Pyrenees itinerary perfect for first-time, hiking-obsessed visitors.
To get the most out of your trip and be able to easily access the best trails and most beautiful roads, travelling with your own wheels is essential and this French Pyrenees itinerary is really designed to be done by car.
Public transport does exist but is extremely limited in the region with just a handful of services each day to key attractions which, in general, operate only during July and August. See timetables here.
For those not able to travel by car, rather than attempting a road trip I’d suggest aiming for a modified hut-to-hut hike instead, though this does mean you’ll miss the spectacular ‘col’ roads that carry you through the mountains and are a highlight of any Pyrenees visit.
The best hikes in this itinerary – Lac de Gaube, Cirque de Gavarnie and Pic du Midi d’Ossau – can all be reached by a combination of buses during the peak summer season and would make a feasible starting point.
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FIND YOUR RENTAL CAR // Toulouse, Pau and Tarbes/Lourdes all have several options for car rental from their respective airports or train stations.
For this trip I used and would recommend Discover Cars who offer by far the most competitive rates for the region. Find the best deals here.
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This itinerary travels in a clockwise direction from Toulouse, but can be modified to begin from any of the nearby regional airports which are served by low cost carriers from a jumble of destinations across Europe and may be more convenient depending on where you’re arriving from.
Pau or Tarbes/Lourdes are closest, though Biarritz is also feasible with extra drive time factored in.
Pau and Tarbes/Lourdes are also well connected by train and bus for those keen to reach the area by land. See transport options here.
The Pyrenees National Park is peppered with lovely mountain villages where you’ll find a range of accommodation on offer from homely gîtes and boutique hotels to luxe ski resorts and well-equipped private apartments. Here, I’ve included a selection of top-rated options throughout to suite a variety of budgets.
Beyond the three villages in this itinerary, there are several others that would also be suitable to use as a base during your visit, however these were my preference based on their proximity to the hiking trails, ease of parking (very important!) and availability of other essential amenities like restaurants, supermarkets and bakeries (a pastry a day while in France is, of course, non-negotiable).
During peak season, some hotels and guesthouses also only accept 2-night minimum stays and in this case, Luz-Saint-Sauveur or Cauterets can be swapped out in favour of a 3-night stay in the other since they’re located just 30 minutes apart.
Places do fill up quickly across summer so be sure to make your reservations well in advance.
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DAY 1 – Luz-Saint-Sauveur | Hôtel Terminus // Les Remparts // La Parenthèse du Tourmalet
DAY 2 + 3 – Cauterets | Hôtel du Lion d’Or // Hotel les Edelweiss // Les Ruisseaux
DAY 4 + 5 – Ossau Valley | Gîte d’étape Le Couvent d’Ossau // Auberge La Caverne // Iskö Chalets-Hötel
For those travelling on a budget, a slight quirk of the Pyrenees is that many of the more affordable accommodation options expect guests to provide their own bedding and towels or charge a supplement for bedding (often disposable) and/or cleaning.
These fees can be quite steep and occasionally wind up being more expensive than just choosing a higher value room with everything included in the first place.
Be sure to read the booking conditions carefully and consider bringing a sleeping sheet and microfibre towel if you’re aiming to minimise costs.
For hiking, the best time of year to visit the French Pyrenees is from June to September.
Like much of Europe, July and August are the peak months when restaurants are buzzing, accommodation is booked up (and at its priciest), and the most popular destinations swell with visitors, though once you’re on the high mountain trails the crowds quickly begin to dissipate.
Summer also brings the longest days when you’ll have around 14 to 15 glorious hours of daylight to play with.
In June and September, things are significantly quieter and slightly more affordable, though expect to have fewer options for both dining out and accommodation. Late May and early October are also feasible, though some high altitude passes and hiking routes may be affected by snow.
Weather-wise, the French Pyrenees trap much of the moisture drifting from the north and therefore receive high levels of rainfall year round, but this also ensures the mountains remain wonderfully green across the hiking season.
Summer is ordinarily mild to warm with cool evenings and a moderate chance of rainfall. During spring and autumn, temperatures are much colder and can drop to single digits overnight. Rainfall is highest from April to June and drops off in September.
Personally, I visited in early September which, all factors considered, is the ideal month when the weather is still mild, rainfall is moderate and the summer crowds have dispersed. That said, few restaurants remain open outside of the weekend so I’d recommend always being prepared with groceries and snacks to self-cater.
Driving Distance // Time | 250 km // 4.5 hours
Hiking Distance // Time | 6.4 km // 2 hours
Highlights | Lac and Cascade d’Oô, Col d’Aspin, Col du Tourmalet
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READ MORE | Hiking Lac d’Oô
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Starting off with a jam-packed first day filled with scenic drives and a beautiful walk, pick up your vehicle in Toulouse and make a beeline for Bagnères-de-Luchon and the hamlet of Oô which should take around 2 hours via the A-64 highway and verdant Garonne Valley.
Depending on what time you leave, either stop for a quick lunch at one of the cafes in Bagnères-de-Luchon, or pop into a nearby supermarket to collect supplies for a picnic lunch at Lac d’Oô (definitely my preferred option).
In peak summer, particularly on weekends, parking in Bagnères-de-Luchon can be a slightly nightmarish experience.
In fact, after getting caught in a crammed Tetris-stacked carpark and string of congested one-way streets, I ended up abandoning my lunch plans here altogether, but if you’re visiting at a quieter time of year, it’s a lovely village to stop at along the way with a number of decent restaurants dotted along Rue du Dr Germes and Avenue Carnot.
For those leaning towards a picnic, there are two Intermarchés and a Lidl located just off the main road on the way into town. These are the biggest shops you’ll see for the rest of the week so I’d recommend stocking up on essentials while you can.
Onwards from Bagnères-de-Luchon, meander through forested hills along a narrow country road, turn off towards pocket-sized Oô and continue to the end where you’ll arrive at a large, busy parking area at Les Granges d’Astau (the Astau Barns) where the hike to Lac d’Oô begins.
This easy out and back trail climbs gradually up the valley, mostly sticking to the forest, and brings you to the lake and refuge in around an hour.
Framed in vertical emerald cliffs that gush with cascades, the deep, midnight blue pool of Lac d’Oô is like something out of a fairytale, enriched only by the powerful, single-drop waterfall of Cascade d’Oô that tumbles from its southern precipice.
Despite being an artificial lake, the combination makes for a wildly captivating scene that is extremely popular so don’t expect to have the place to yourself.
The northern shore of the lake is wrapped in a swathe of grass which makes an ideal spot for a picnic lunch while admiring the view, otherwise there are a handful of tables beside the Refuge du Lac d’Oô where you can also enjoy an afternoon pick-me-up.
For fast and keen walkers that have arrived early enough, it’s possible to push on over the pass to Lac d’Espingo before returning back the same way to create a 12.4 km / 4.5 hour route.
With many hours of glorious summer daylight still ahead, spend the late afternoon devouring mountain miles behind the wheel along some of the most spectacular drives the Pyrenees have to offer via Col d’Aspin and Col du Tourmalet.
There is certainly a faster, more direct route to reach the Luz Valley which might be preferable if you’re met with poor weather, but this meandering, wonderfully scenic drive is far better and takes around 2.5 hours.
Continue west from Oô into the Louron Valley with the option to detour past the beautiful Lac de Génos Loudenvielle, before entering the Aure Valley and turning onto the D918 to begin the steady, twisting climb to Col d’Aspin at 1,489 m.
Ascending the valley wall, the views are marvelous, unveiling a chain of jagged peaks along the horizon and a verdant tract of forest extending far below.
Pushing over the pass into the Val d’Adour, stick on the D918 and follow the signs for Col du Tourmalet which climbs to 2,115 m.
As one of the most famous Pyrenean roads, it should come as no surprise that this is a favourite of the Tour d’France having appeared over 80 times on the circuit, more than any other climb.
There’s also a cable car here which shuttles visitors to the observatory and sky deck complex perched on the peaks alongside the Pic du Midi de Bigorre.
Wrapping up the day, continue onto Luz-Saint-Sauveur nestled within a striking junction of the valley and head out for an evening stroll around town.
Stay |
Luz-Saint-Sauveur is the most convenient base for visiting Cirque de Gavarnie (on tomorrow’s agenda), after Gavarnie itself, however many hotels and guesthouses have a 2-night minimum stay during peak season which can make a 1-night visit tricky.
If you’re struggling, it’s also possible with this itinerary to spend 2 nights in Luz and 1 night in Cauterets, or all 3 nights in either village since they’re located just 30 minutes apart.
Hôtel Terminus | A good-value 2-star hotel in the heart of town with free parking and an onsite restaurant. Check rates and availability here.
Les Remparts | Charming, cosy and centrally-located hotel with a lovely host, homely rooms and beautiful mountain views from the outdoor terrace. Two-night minimum stay. Check rates and availability here.
La Parenthèse du Tourmalet | You’ll find a range of modern, tasteful and well-equipped apartments here with a full kitchen and balcony access. Two-night minimum stay. Check rates and availability here.
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Park |
Sprawling along the river banks of the Le Bastan, Luz is thankfully more spread out than other villages in the Pyrenees making parking reasonably straightforward. Many guesthouses also offer free parking.
In the heart of town, there’s a small parking area (located here) wedged between the very helpful Visitor Centre and the Intersport which essentially forms the town’s main hive of activity. Outside of the immediate centre, you’ll also find ample free roadside parking strung along Avenue de Saint-Sauveur.
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Essentials |
Though I didn’t eat here myself, there are plenty of restaurants located in Luz, mostly concentrated in the triangle between Avenue de Saint-Sauveur, Rue de la Poste and the town square.
You’ll also find two Carrefour supermarkets (a small Montagne and larger Market) and a couple of bakeries to stock up on supplies, as well as a petrol station.
Driving Distance // Time | 61 km // 1.5 hours
Hiking Distance // Time | 7.9 to 9.4 km // 2.5 to 4 hours
Highlights | Cirque de Gavarnie, Col de Tentes
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In the lead up to my trip, successive days of heavy rainfall sent torrents of water flooding through the Gavarnie Valley causing severe road damage and forcing Police to close the area to the public.
Sadly, along with virtually every other visitor in Luz that week, this meant I was forced to shelve my plans for Cirque de Gavarnie (I’ll be returning this spring for a second attempt!), but it remains an essential stop on any French Pyrenees itinerary.
Hit the road early for the small village of Gavarnie located just 30 minutes from Luz-Saint-Sauveur.
The UNESCO-listed Cirque de Gavarnie is one of the most remarkable natural features in the entire Pyrenees range, home to the tiered Grande Cascade de Gavarnie, the highest waterfall in France, and a dazzling amphitheatre of cliffs that soar to a height of 1,500 m, carved by thousands of years of glacial erosion.
This magnificent escarpment forms the natural border ridge with Spain and tumbles into the enchanting Ordesa Valley on the opposite side.
This is one of the big hitters in the region and is extremely popular in summer so arriving early to beat the crowds and, more importantly, secure a parking spot is a good idea.
Village access is controlled during peak periods with parking located here at a cost of €8 per day.
There are three main hiking trails that best showcase the Cirque de Gavarnie, either feeding along the valley floor or ascending the dramatic walls for a higher vantage point. See further details here.
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Via the Main Path (chemin principal) | 7.9 km | 2.5 hours | Easy
The classic out and back trail for visiting the Cirque de Gavarnie, this wide well-trodden path ascends gradually along the valley floor from Gavarnie to the Hôtellerie du Cirque. At the far end, it’s also possible to tack on a more challenging detour which brings you to the base of the majestic Grande Cascade.
Via the Bellevue Plateau | 8.1 km | 3 hours | Moderate
This circular route climbs gradually up western flank of the valley to the meadows of the Bellevue Plateau presenting enviable views of the cirque and its waterfall before returning to the valley floor to complete the loop.
Via the Espugues Cornice | 9.4 km | 4 hours | Moderate
The most challenging of the three hikes, this circular trail ascends sharply from the valley floor to the Espugues Cornice which wraps high along the eastern wall of the valley and guides you towards the cirque before descending gradually to join the main path for the return journey.
It’s possible to eat lunch at the Hôtellerie du Cirque at the far end of the valley accompanied by the impressive views, though meals and drinks here are rather pricy. I’d suggest bringing supplies for a packed lunch instead.
After your hike, drive up to Col de Tentes for an epic panorama and one last look at the Gavarnie Valley before pushing on to Cauterets which lies around an hour away along a narrow, winding road flanked by forested hills.
After checking into your hotel, head out to get a feel for the pretty streets and be sure to pass by the park and esplanade which are often buzzing over summer.
Stay |
Hôtel du Lion d’Or | A historic, family-run hotel in the heart of Cauterets filled with cosiness and character. A fantastic traditional French breakfast is also available. Check rates and availability here.
Hotel les Edelweiss | A simple but comfortable, well-priced hotel with helpful hosts located a short walk from the centre. Check rates and availability here.
Les Ruisseaux | Located along the road leading into Cauterets, this charming century-old house has been thoughtfully renovated and transformed into a top-rated bed and breakfast. Check rates and availability here.
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Park |
Some hotels in Cauterets do provide private parking, otherwise you’ll find two large free parking areas at the end of Avenue de la Gare beside the old station (located here).
These are an excellent alternative and save you having to navigate the narrow streets and compete for the very limited spots available in the village centre.
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Essentials |
You’ll find plenty of restaurants and a few bakeries in town. There are also two small Carrefour Montagne stores in the centre to stock up on groceries for your hike. Another is located 2 km from town which is conveniently open for a few hours on Sunday.
For local specialty products, try Les Halles de Cauterets where you’ll find cheeses and meats from the region, though these are on the pricier side.
The Carrefour petrol station just outside of Cauterets has substantially higher rates than elsewhere in the region. Aim to fill up before arriving in the valley if you need to, otherwise hold out until you pass through Argelès-Gazost or Laruns which have more reasonable rates.
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Top Tip |
Though I didn’t get the chance to enjoy this myself, Cauterets is a spa town and well known for its thermal baths. After a few days in the mountains, a steaming hot soak would be the perfect antidote for tired muscles during your stay.
The two main bath houses in town are Les Thermes de Cauterets and Les Bains du Rocher. Both offer modern indoor pool facilities fed by the naturally mineral-rich thermal water, with access to steam rooms, saunas and various wellness treatments.
Driving Distance // Time | 16 km // 40 minutes
Hiking Distance // Time | 16 km // 6 hours
Highlights | Pont d’Espagne, Lac de Gaube, the Vignemale
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READ MORE | Hiking Lac de Gaube: From Pont d’Espagne to the Majestic Vignemale
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Another early start is best to make the most of your day in Vallée de Gaube.
After breakfast, hit the road for Pont d’Espagne which sits just 20 minutes from Cauterets along a lovely forest road that hugs the Marcadau River and its procession of cascades.
At the end, you’ll find a large controlled parking area which costs €8 per day, otherwise there are also a handful of small overflow bays located along the road which you can nab for free if you’re early enough.
Setting off from Pont d’Espagne, it’s an hour of easy walking to reach Lac de Gaube, climbing gradually along a wide, well-trodden path through tall lichen-draped conifers with rugged peaks soaring above the treetops.
Among the most mesmerising of the Pyrenean lakes, the azure expanse of Lac de Gaube captures a mirror image of the towering peaks that surrounds it, dominated by the sharp spire of the distant Vignemale, that is, when it’s not concealed in cloud.
Enjoy your time soaking up the enchanting views beside the lake before continuing deeper into the mountains.
Push on around the right bank along a rough rubble trail, continuing over bridges, vast meadows and boulder fields, past aqua pools, curious marmots and a pair of gleaming cascades to the Refuge Oulettes de Gaube.
Perched at the base of the majestic Vignemale massif encrusted with the cracked and crinkled ice of its twin glaciers, it’s hard to imagine a more beguiling place to settle in for a well-deserved lunch.
Soaring to 3,298 m, Grand Vignemale is the highest peak in the French Pyrenees and stands proudly accompanied by a string of impenetrable peaks caught in a restless game of peekaboo with the clouds.
Back at Pont d’Espagne, pay a visit to the area’s namesake, the beautifully constructed stone archway of the historic Spanish Bridge which was built in 1886 and spans across the confluence of the Gaube and Marcadau Rivers.
Don’t miss the nearby viewpoints which gaze directly onto the impressive Cascade du Pont d’Espagne or up at the bridge where torrents of water hurtle through the narrow void below.
From here, cross over the lower bridge which also provides a lovely vantage point and follow the path back to the parking area to return to Cauterets.
Driving Distance // Time | 64 km // 1.75 hours
Hiking Distance // Time | 7.5 km // 3 to 4 hours
Highlights | Col de Soulor, Col d’Aubisque, Vallée du Valentin, Lac d’Anglas
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READ MORE | Hiking to Lac d’Anglas from Gourette
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Today is another drive and hike kind of day so enjoy a bit of a lie in and a late breakfast before heading through the mountains to the Ossau Valley and crossing into the Pyrénées-Atlantiques.
Continue north towards Argelès-Gazost and enter Val d’Azun, weaving through the mountains toward Col de Soulor and the breathtaking Col d’Aubisque, another treasured cycling route, which can be reached in around 1.5 hours.
Stretch your legs here with a short walk to the observation deck located 500 m south of the parking area along a clear gravel road – just head to the tower on top of the hill.
It’s a beautiful spot to break up the drive, taking in the chiselled, crown-shaped Pic de Ger massif, the cluster of Gourette’s iron-grey rooftops cradled in the forested basin below, and the delicate waterfall tumbling from the plateau.
Pushing on to the free Cardet Carpark in Gourette, it’s time to boot up for today’s walk to Lac d’Anglas.
At just under 4 km each way, this one is short and straightforward, but it does climb steadily the entire route.
The trail brings you through the vivid green Vallée du Valentin adorned with lush beech forests, spongey moss, gurgling cascades, bunches of lilac heath, bushes flush with wild blueberries and the wildly impressive serrated ridge of Crête du Pène Sarrière which commands the western flank of the valley.
The sharp final ascent skirts alongside Cascade d’Anglas and over the precipice to the inky blue pool of Lac d’Anglas framed in greenery and an arena of jagged peaks.
This lesser visited spot is bathed in tranquility and provides a serene setting to settle in on the grass and enjoy a bite to eat.
These mountains also play host to the Mines d’Anglas which were established in the late 1800s.
The remnants of this historic mining operation still remain strewn about the area as crumbling buildings, discarded parts of machinery and a gaping tunnel in the opposite bank.
From here, you can either continue on over the ridge to Lac d’Uzious located higher up the valley which will add an extra 1.5 hours to the hike, or simply return directly to Gourette for the final drive into the Ossau Valley and your base for the night.
Stay |
Unlike many of the other valleys in the Pyrenees, Ossau doesn’t necessarily have a main hub that makes an obvious base in the area.
Instead, plenty of small villages pepper the valley floor, some of which are moderately sized while others have little more than a couple of houses and a bakery.
Laruns is the largest village and ideally located though non-camping accommodation here is somewhat limited. Gourette is a little further afield but has more luxurious options catering to the winter crowd, while I ended up staying further up the valley in lovely Louvie-Juzon.
Gîte d’étape Le Couvent d’Ossau | This cosy and characterful gîte run by a friendly and knowledgable French couple is a wonderful budget choice. Located in a historic convent house in Louvie-Juzon, shared and private rooms are available, along with wholesome and delicious family-style meals. The nearby Pizzeria l’Ossau Glouton is also fantastic. Check rates and availability here.
Auberge La Caverne | Another decent budget-friendly option located south of Laruns, this guesthouse offers dormitory and private rooms with an onsite restaurant that highlights regional produce from the Ossau Valley. Check rates and availability here.
Iskö Chalets-Hötel | Located near Gourette with magnificent views of Pic de Ger, Iskö is a more upmarket option that offers newly renovated and beautifully appointed chalets equipped with a kitchenette and fireplace, and access to the onsite restaurant, bar and swimming pool. Check rates and availability here.
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Park |
The vast Ossau Valley seems to be far more spacious than elsewhere in the Pyrenees which thankfully eliminates much of the parking woes.
Parking is often provided at accommodation and many villages appear to be more spread with a reasonable amount of parking available around key services. Still, expect things to be busy during the peak summer season.
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Essentials |
There are a few restaurants located throughout the valley, though opening hours are heavily dictated by the tourist season. Outside of peak months, expect most places to be closed or operating on a limited dining schedule. As such, most accommodation in the area also offer options for dining.
There is a small though decent Intermarché in Laruns and a large one in Louvie-Juzon to stock up on hiking supplies, including piping hot, oven fresh baguettes. Several bakeries are strung through the valley though most are open across limited days or have split hours.
Fuel rates are far more competitive here with several service stations clustered around Laruns, Louvie-Juzon and Arudy.
Driving Distance // Time | 36 km // 1 hour
Hiking Distance // Time | 14 to 25 km // 5 to 10 hours
Highlights | Bious Valley, Lacs d’Ayous, Pic du Midi d’Ossau
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READ MORE | Hiking the Spectacular Pic du Midi d’Ossau and Lacs d’Ayous
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Saving the best for last, the gnarled multi-pronged spire of the Pic du Midi d’Ossau is among the most iconic and distinctive peaks in the French Pyrenees.
The craggy summit is easily recognisable from across the region and plunges sharply into a vast puckered plateau of lush meadows, boulder fields and turquoise lakes making it a veritable playground for mountain lovers.
This was hands down my favourite day in the French Pyrenees and definitely among my top three Pyrenees hikes alongside the enchanting Ordesa Valley and Pineta Valley on the Spanish side. After days of intermittent rain, the clear blue sky may have also had something to do with it.
It’s the perfect book end to a fabulous week in the mountains and squeezes out every minute of adventure allowed by the long summer days.
With another early morning on the cards, make a beeline to Bious Artigues for an incredible day on trail.
There are two controlled parking zones here – the lower area is larger and costs €4, while the upper area costs €7 and is an additional 1 km further along situated directly at the trailhead. Both parking areas are only open between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. so be careful not to arrive back late to your car.
Now, there are three possible variations of this trail you can choose from depending on how far you want to walk and what level of difficulty you’re prepared to tackle.
For keen, fit hikers, the Grand Tour de Pic du Midi d’Ossau is an epic, all day adventure and the key reason why I loved this day so dang much, but at 10 hours and more than 1,600 m of elevation gain with some challenging terrain along the way, it’s certainly no walk in the park.
Alternatively, the trail can be broken into two standalone hikes which are both spectacular but offer quite different experiences in terms of terrain, vistas and level of difficulty.
Tour des Lacs d’Ayous | 14 km | 5 hours | 772 m + | Moderate
The shorter and easier of the two circuits, the Tour des Lacs d’Ayous guides you past six beautiful alpine lakes (collectively referred to as the Lacs d’Ayous) which lie cradled beneath the Pic d’Ayous on the plateau opposite the Pic du Midi d’Ossau.
Perched on the edge of the escarpment, the shimmering expanse of Lac Gentau is where you’ll find the famous view of the Pic du Midi d’Ossau, with its contorted silhouette rising above a calm pool.
Onwards, several more mirror-like lakes lie in wait before the final descent to the dewy meadows that carpet the Bious Valley, accompanied by a magnificent backdrop of spiky Pyrenean peaks and the imposing spire of the Pic du Midi d’Ossau dominating the scene.
Tour de l’Ossau | 15 km | 7 hours | 1,059 m + | Difficult
The Tour de l’Ossau is the more challenging option which follows a circular route around the base of the Pic du Midi massif and covers sections of technical trail.
Ascending steeply from the vivid green pastures of the valley floor, the trail swings around the rugged southwest face of the Pic du Midi, past Lac de Peyreget and up a daunting boulder field to Col de Peyreget, the highest point of the trail, which rewards with exceptional views towards the Brousset Valley.
To complete the circuit, the route pitches down sharply and sweeps past the turquoise Lac de Pombie and Refuge de Pombie before bending around the eastern face of the peak and over the Col de Suzon saddle into the picturesque Magnabaigt Valley for the final descent.
Grand Tour de Pic du Midi d’Ossau | 25 km | 10 hours | 1,660 m + | Difficult
The spectacular grand tour is a long and challenging hike that combines the circuits above and involves two significant ascents and descents. The route is most often completed over two days, but it’s certainly possible for fit and experienced hikers to complete the entire circuit in one epic day hike.
Back at Bious Artigues, take a peak at the artificial lake before returning to your guesthouse for a well-deserved dinner to round out the final night of your French Pyrenees itinerary.
To return your rental car the following day, plan for a 3-hour drive back to Toulouse or if you’re continuing your trip within the region, it’s just 45 minutes to Pau which can also be used as a drop-off point.
The train station in both cities is well connected for onward travel. See transport options here.
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