Visit Ossau Valley: full guide

Are the Pyrenees your next holiday destination? What if you came to visit the Ossau Valley, this site of greenery with rich heritage?

Crossing in Pyrenees French? Stop for a moment to visit Ossau Valley! It is an exceptional territory. Its rich architectural heritage as well as its natural sites make every year the happiness of hikers·ses and veterans.

Each village in the Valley allows you to learn more about the region and its history, between pastoralism, architecture and traditions. It is with pride that this land of culture reveals its most beautiful landscapes. Are you looking forward to discovering everything you need to know before a stay in the region? So this guide to visit the Ossau Valley in a sporty or original way falls to peak!

Ossau Valley in a few words

The Ossau valley is nestled in the French Pyrenees. Its 18 villages share the territory, between the plain of Pau and the Franco- Spanish . Mythical names punctuate these Pyrenean landscapes. Indeed, it is here that we find the peak of the Midi d’Ossau, which peaks at 2884m, but also the pass of the Pourtalet and the pass of Aubisque, regularly crossed by the cyclists of the Tour de France .

If you are on your way to the early summer, you may have the opportunity to celebrate transhumance. This tradition aims to move cattle herds between winter and summer pastures. In addition, the winter landscape is quite different. In this season, all kinds of skiing are practiced: alpine skiing, snowshoes, sledging and snowboarding. Whatever the period of the year, visiting the Ossau Valley is enjoying unique landscapes and unforgettable memories.

1. Hiking

The Ossau valley is a high place of hiking on emblematic routes such as GR10, the path of Saint Jacques de la chemin d’Ossau or more mountainous, the Pyrenean High Route. Visiting the Ossau Valley on foot allows you to discover little by little landscapes sometimes inaccessible otherwise.

More than 30 marked hikes are offered, not to mention the Pyrenees National Park. Among these walks there are 6 heritage circuits, spread throughout the valley. The trails are classified by levels, so there is for all tastes!

The paths of Santiago de Compostela

The Ossau Valley is crossed by several segments of the famous path of Santiago de Compostela . Many pilgrims then cross the path of the foothill or on the way to Ossau. Walking through these beautiful trails full of stories is an original way to visit the Ossau Valley and discover the culture of its small villages.

Terms and rates

Maps and descriptive pads of most hiking tours are for sale in tourist offices of the valley for 12€ . Also, it is possible to get them free in digital version on the websites of the tourist offices.

2. Bike tours

Faster than walking, the bike is also a good alternative to visit the Ossau Valley. Especially since some 20 circuits have been designed for veterinarians. Especially if they cover all the territory of the valley! In a few strokes of pedals, you will discover the region and its sublime landscapes.

Thanks to some of the famous routes, the Ossau Valley is also an ideal terrain for the practice of the road bike. The circuits range from the mythical pass of the Tour de France to the small walks through the foothills, which satisfy each of your desires!

Terms and rates

The various circuits are in free access . However, if you want to rent equipment half-day, you will have to count between 10 and 25€ for a classic mountain bike, and about 30€ for a road bike or an electric assistance bike.

3. Rafting and canyoning

What if you come to taste the fun charms of the Ossau Valley through a rafting or canyoning session? It’s gone for slippers, jumps and bathing in wonderful natural vasques! This entertaining activity makes you play with cascades.

Nothing better than a slide descent to discover and visit the Ossau Valley. Here you are in the ideal playground for the raft. Whether it's for an initiation or perfection, splashes like laughter breaks are guaranteed!

Terms and rates

In the Ossau Valley, many providers offer rafting and canyoning sessions. The fare goes from 35 to 40€ per person for half a day and 55 to 60€ for a full day.

4. Canoe-kayak and boats

The canoe-kayak makes you discover the different routes and descents of the region. You alternate between walking and fast. Visiting the Ossau Valley is also a paddle on the most beautiful routes of the site.

Live water sports practice a lot in the region, where water plans are multiple. If the rapids are not at your taste, you will find your happiness the calm waters of the lake of the valley. On lakes or in the middle of the river, enjoy the joys of canoeing.

Terms and rates

A canoe session in the river returns to 25€ per person On average. In addition, renting a boat on a lake will cost you 15€ for half a day.

5. Hydrospeed

Hydrospeed is common in the Ossau Valley. Embarked on a sled of water, you learn to play with the current. This minimalist activity allows you to feel a maximum of sensations. Strain the river in search of adrenaline. The current takes you and your float through rapids.

Terms and rates

For half a day of hydrospeed, 30€ per person are necessary. This rate includes renting a board, a helmet, palms and a lifejacket.

6. Thermalism

Are you caught with a sudden desire to regenerate yourself? Don’t waste a minute: visit the Ossau Valley and its thermal resorts! These magical places are here to take care of you. Between green and green, the setting is ideal for a relaxing and well-being break.

Terms and rates

Access to balneotherapy space costs around 30€ . If you want to offer a relaxing massage, you will need to add about 40€ .

7. The Artouste train

The Artouste tourist train allows you to visit the Ossau Valley in a unique and original way. It allows access to the wonders of the mountain, to discover the lake of Artouste of an Azur blue, or to meet pastoralism.

Along the cliffs and climbing up to 2,000 meters above sea level, it offers its passengers an extraordinary view, and becomes the highest train in Europe! And this ride is one of the most beautiful in the region. Sitting comfortably, you discover the region of another eye.

Terms and rates

In order to meet your expectations, there are several train tickets. Depending on the season and the chosen formula, the duration of the journey and its price varies. On average, you will have to count 25€ for an adult and 15€ for a child .

8. Horse and donkey ride

In a beautiful setting, horses await you. At the edge of a lake or at the foot of the Pic du Midi d’Ossau, the horse rides are unforgettable. Lovers and enthusiasts of nature, come and walk at the rhythm of the donkeys and share with them a privileged moment of encounters and exchanges.

The feet in the calipers, you will discover the valley while creating a connection with the animal. Go to the discovery of pastoral life, where the herds are marmots and vultures.

Terms and rates

Count one 50 euros for half a day of horse riding like donkey back. For the youngest, it is possible to go up to pony.

9. Escalade

Are you dreaming of a suspended forest? Come and visit Ossau Valley from above. From here, the views are just as spectacular. From an introduction to smaller blocks to more technical outputs to ascent of summits, all levels are confused.

Don’t have vertigo and start in the region’s giant zip lines. Acrobranche and via ferrata, ideal for families, are widespread in the region. Suspended on a cable between two mountains, the view of the valley is amazing. You don't make any effort, but the sensations are still guaranteed!

Terms and rates

To climb natural walls for half a day, count about 30€ per person . In addition, the rates are around 20€ per person .

10. Géocatching

Welcome to the incredible New Aquitaine treasure hunt! Geocatching is an unusual way to visit the Ossau Valley. To do this, you just need to find small boxes, called "cashes", which are discreetly hidden in nature. Discover their location and the small treasures they contain!

With the free Terra Aventura app as well as your legs, go on adventure and surprise yourself with unexpected discoveries. This giant treasure hunt is for everyone, even the biggest ones will quickly get to the game!

Terms and rates

The routes are accessible throughout the year, just download free Terra Aventura application.

11. Spéléologie

Speleology is a sporting and scientific activity. This is the opportunity to share moments of conviviality in a world apart. So go for an unusual adventure and visit the subterranean of the Ossau Valley. Refuse yourself at the expense to explore caves and discover the riches of a world shaped by time.

Terms and rates

For half a day of speleology, plan between 30 and 40€ per person , and 60€ for a full day.

12. Alpine skiing and cross-country skiing

Facing the Pic du Midi d’Ossau and close to the Pyrenees National Park, the environment is perfect for a ski session! Indeed, the stations in the region are numerous and all as beautiful as each other.

The Artouste ski area offers one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Ossau valley and peaks at 2,000 meters above sea level. You can also choose the prestigious circus of Gourette, dominated by the peak of the Ger and facing the mythical pass of Aubisque, which unfolds its tracks over 1,100 meters of elevation.

Finally, some trays such as Bezou offer Nordic skiing. Around the frozen lakes, the splendid landscape stretches to a loss of sight.

Terms and rates

To practice Nordic skiing, you will have to count 30€ for the rental of equipment and around 20€ for the package. In addition, for alpine skiing, plan 35€ for equipment and approximately 40€ for the package.

13. Ski and snowshoe hike

Put your backpack on and it’s gone to visit Ossau Valley! Here is a sporting holiday that will rejuvenate you, as you will have to wind between frozen lakes and snowy peaks. As in a dream let your own trace on fills of virgin snow, and lose yourself for a few moments in these wild landscapes.

It is also possible to bind effort and comfort with a gourmet snowshoe outing. Take a break in your hike and warm yourself in a wooden chalet to enjoy local specialities. Here's the perfect combo: rackets and raclette!

Terms and rates

To rent snowshoes, you will need about 25€ per person . And if you want to make a gourmet stay including a night in a mountain chalet, plan between 125 and 150€ .

14. Stay in transhumance

Every year before the summer, the shepherds transfer their cattle. This moment is both unique and traditional. And luckily, some shepherds offer you to lead with them their flocks of sheep from the farm to the meadows of the valley.

This unique opportunity allows you to immerse yourself in the skin of a shepherd transhumant for a moment. This is a convivial moment to share and an unusual stay not to be missed!

Terms and rates

If you want to offer this 3-day and 2-night experience, count 250€ per person .