The 13 most beautiful hikes to do in the Pyrenees

Need to breathe in the mountains? The best hikes in the Pyrenees are presented here.

The Pyrenees form an imposing mountain range between France and the Spain . They separate from the most beautiful ways the Iberian Peninsula from the rest of the European continent.

This majestic massif represents an ideal alternative to the alpine mountains. You can ski there, discover real treasures of heritage, and of course walk there. Between steep cliffs, picturesque mountain towns and large green valleys, the Pyrenees are the most enchanting to explore.

Our team decided to introduce you to the most beautiful hikes in the Pyrenees. From the most famous itineraries to the most secret, you will necessarily find your happiness. Filled gourdes, closed backpack, top start!

1. The Great Gavarnie cascade

The route of this hike in the Pyrenees takes you to the prestigious Gavarnie circus. You will walk towards Gavarnie's great waterfall. Measuring 423 meters is the largest waterfall in Metropolitan France and one of the highest in Europe.

From the centre of the village, the trail is well marked to your goal and has no major difficulty. Plan what to cover : the waterfall tends to wet its guests of the day! The way back will allow you to admire the circus of Gavarnie all his majesty.

2. The Lake Gaube via bridge of Spain

Welcome to Cauterets to start this hike in the Pyrenees. The route begins at the Pont d’Espagne and its waterfalls and follows a rather easy path to Gaube Lake.

Attention, winter it can be closed because of the snow! In summer you can swim there and enjoy the place. The lake offers a splendid view of the highest massif of the French Pyrenees, the Vignemale.

If you still want to know that the famous GR51 is close. Hot your boots, it's gone!

3. The path of the waterfalls of the Pont d’Espagne

This route is a shorter variant of the previous one. It allows you to discover six beautiful waterfalls: the Pont d’Espagne, Mauhourat, Pouey Bacou, Boussès, Escane-Gat and Ceriset.

Leave the Griffons baths to the Pont d’Espagne. The trail is perfect for children but make sure to equip you with uphill shoes: the trail is rocky. In the summer you will enjoy the freshness of the places and the clutches generated by these spectacular waterfalls. Beautiful pictures in perspective!

Complete this hike in the Pyrenees with a visit to Cauterets, one of the most beautiful villages in the region.

4. The Pic du Midi de Bigorre and Lake Oncet

It is in Super Barèges that your journey begins, more precisely at the uncontournable pass of the Tourmalet . The first part of this hike in the Pyrenees leads you to the beautiful Lake Oncet: this portion is easy and ideal for a family with children.

Beware of the following: rather steep, the trail reserves some curbs on arrival... On the other hand, what view of your arrival on the peak of the Midi de Bigorre!

Two viewers will offer sumptuous views of the massif. Note that this route will be performed preferably between May and October to avoid snow and ice...

5. The path of the Ayous lake tower

Welcome to Laruns in the Pyrenees-Atlantiques for this route starting at Lake Bious-Artigues. You will take a tour of the Ayous lakes that are part of the Ossau valley, in the former Principality of Béarn.

Including a few climbs, this course can take place April to October No worries. You can swim by taking advantage of the beautiful view on the north side of the Pic du Midi d’Ossau.

Pastures pasture the trail and many animals accompany your hiking trip... This hike in the Pyrenees is an unforgettable moment!

6. Lake Ilhéou

If you ask the question, don’t look anymore: Ilhéou Lake is near Cauterets in the Hautes-Pyrénées. Located in 1,976 meters above sea level , it is the largest lake in the valley. The route we offer is ideal during the summer season .

Lake Ilhéou is the perfect place to picnic and swim, although the water is quite fresh. This hike in the Pyrenees will lead you to the lake following a rather easy walking path if it does not rain!

Plan adequate clothing and good shoes and think about checking them Weather before you leave.

7. The Blue pond loop

Here is a hike in the Pyrenees rather sporty. With steep areas, the route will lead you to the Blue pond, a water plan located near Rabat-les-Trois-Seigneurs in the valley of the Courbière.

You will follow a stream and then climb the hill along a picturesque forest path. The path will lead you to the Jasse of the Blue pond where the picnic is required and the swimming can be envisaged.

Greening prairies, wild animals and sublime views of the Ariegean mountains will nicely enjoy this friendly walk.

8. The tower Pic du Midi D’Ossau

A high-mountain-type random, is it tempting you? ♪ 2 884 metres the Pic du Midi d’Ossau overlooking this prestigious route in the heart of Béarn.

You will start with the Bious Gave in the forest and then pass through the Peyreget Lake, reach the Ion Pass and the Suzon Pass. The most sporting will be able to try the ascent of the summit in this place...

Then the Magnabaigt pass will be one of the most beautiful sections of the course. You can admire beautiful mineral trays and watch the herds in pastures. Wow!

9. Lake Oô

This hike in the Pyrenees of Lake Oô is perfectly accessible, regardless of your physical condition. The itinerary is short enough and will lead you to Lake Oô, an artificial water plan.

The panorama at the finish is largely the small denial to face. Especially since the course is in the forest following a well marked path. A waterfall of nearly 300 meters is on arrival but the swimming is prohibited due to the presence of a dam...

Whatever it is, you will take your eyes full by admiring the Haute-Garonne valley when you return.

10. Lake Pombie

This hike starts with a gateway to a path leading to the Soum de Pombie pass. Just in front, the peak of the Midi d’Ossau rises proudly: this is your goal!

Continue to the Pombie refuge that announces the beginning of the adventure: indeed, you will have to put your hands to climb beautiful chimneys. Not yet mountaineering but more quite hiking...

A large iron cross announces the Portillon Signal, the summit is not farther. A sublime panorama awaits you all over the Pyrenees. Splen-dide!

11. The peak of Arraing since Balacet

This hike in the Pyrenees takes a path in the forest and then a ridge path offering spectacular landscapes on the Pyrenees. The climb is rough to the peak of the Arraing, but the panoramic view will make you forget the hardened calves, believe us!

A long ridge course with beautiful views precedes a descent through the Biros forest to your starting point.

12. The peak of Anie from the refuge of Aberouat

The Pic d’Anie made 2 507 meters above sea level and is near the Spanish border. This mountain is remarkable by its pyramidal shape. The gravel path is rather difficult and requires mountain hiking equipment.

From the Lescun circus in the Aspe Valley, a cross in the forest will lead you to the lunar landscapes of the massif. Prefer to go summer season : given the exhibition, the snow is long standing!

13. The peak of Soularac and Saint-Barthélémy

This hike in the Pyrenees will lead you to the Pic de Soularac and Saint-Barthélémy. Their ascension sometimes requires “to put hands” but whatever to admire the Tabe massif from the top?

The route starts at the Lauze parking lot near a talc career (the largest in the world!) and then climbs the southern ridge of the Soularac to its top. You will then join the Saint-Barthélemy peak.

You are decided to explore the hiking trails in the Pyrenees but do not know where to start and you think the presence of a guide is necessary? Discover Explora Project , the travel agency that organizes for you hikes in the Pyrenees using guides who know the region as their pocket. On the programme: breathtaking landscapes, trails that you alone will have the secret and total disconnection!