Hiking and Wildlife in the Hautes-Pyrénées

The Hautes-Pyrénées offer almost endless  walking possibilities, from scenic footpaths suitable for families, to day hikes on waymarked trails and trekking on the long distance Grand Randonnées (GRs) and  Haute Randonnée Pyrénéenne (HRP). 

Outlined below are some of the highlights, with  driving times  to sites in bold given at the foot of the page.

Pyrenean Villages

In the foothills walkers will find tiny perched hamlets, stone shepherd's huts and animals grazing steep pastures.  There are enchanting networks of paths to explore in the nearby Castelloubon valley, above the spa towns of Bagneres-de-Bigorre and Cauterets,  and in the forests around the Lac de Lourdes. 

Lakes and Rivers

The Pyrenees are  characterised by waterfalls, gaves (rivers) and lakes.   Popular day trips include touring the Lac de Payolle, the steep climb to Lac Bleu  above the Lesponne valley, the beautiful descent to Lac d'Isaby from Hautacam, and Lac de Gaube via the Pont d'Espagne waterfall.

Trekking Peaks

Pic du Montaigu (2,339 m) dominates the view south from the house, and is the ideal first peak for the Pyrenean hiker.  Nearby is the famous Pic du Midi du Bigorre (2,877 m) - with its prominent summit observatory - which can be accessed relatively easily on the Porters' Trail from the Col du Tourmalet.

Those in search of more challenging climbs can choose from many peaks over 3,000 m, such as  La Grande Fache (3,005 m) and the mighty Balaïtous (3,114 m). 

Pyrenees National Park

The high altitude Parc National des Pyrénées (PNP)  adjoins the Spanish border and features some of Europe's finest scenery.  Highlights include the great cirques of Gavarnie (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and Troumouse,  the Brèche de Roland, overlooking the Ordesa canyon, and the Vignemale.   At  3,298 metres, the Vignemale is the tallest peak in the French Pyrenees and should only be attempted by experienced and well-equipped hikers.

Nature Reserves

The nearby Massif du Pibeste enjoys a Mediterranean micro-climate on its chalk cliffs, and vultures use these thermals to rise above the Lourdes valley.  The Mouflon de Corse (see panel) also thrives in the warmer conditions.

On the plains to the north-east  lies the Lac de Puydarrieux, selected as a Natura 2000 site for the observation of migratory birds such as Common Cranes and Great White Egrets.  Winter visitors can witness  the spectacle of 600-800 Cranes returning to the lake at dusk.

Back in the mountains, the large Réserve Naturelle de Néouvielle (RNR) was France's first protected area, dating from 1935.  The landscape is notable for its lakes and pine forest, and for trekkers a comfortable overnight stay is possible in the refuge near Lac d'Orédon.

PYRENEAN WILDLIFE 

LAMMERGEIER

Known as "the bone-breaker", the Lammergeier drops bones from height to get to the  bone marrow.  There  are good chances to see this rare and spectacular bird in the National Park.

GRIFFON VULTURE

This large vulture (below) is a common sight at the local cliffs, where it soars on the thermals in loose flocks.

RED / BLACK KITE

Red Kites are year round visitors to Cami de Bidale, and entertain guests with close approaches.

In summer, Black Kites are also in the valley, and from time to time literally hundreds stream overhead towards the peaks.

MOUFLON

This emblematic mammal resembles a very large ram.  It thrives on the Massif de Pibeste where several hundred have been recorded.

MARMOT

The marmot can be seen, and more frequently heard, at high altitude (around 2,000 m).  Their inquisitive appearance endears them to visitors.

BUTTERFLIES

There is an abundance of butterflies in the Pyrenees, including the orange-tipped (a garden visitor), and the graceful Swallowtail.