Hiking in the Pyrenees at Tourmalet Pic du Midi!

For the holidays, you want fresh air, breathtaking landscapes, mountain lakes, waterfalls and torrents... It's decided, head for the Tourmalet -Pic du Midi ! Drop off your suitcases in Bagnères-de-Bigorre, near Campan-Payolle or La Mongie. We invite you to discover a panel accessible to all of hikes in the Pyrenees during the summer season, to meet the fauna, flora and grandiose panoramas of this generous sector. Do you like the mountains, nature, sporting challenges (accessible with the family or with real challenges?), the region has so many things to offer you that you will have to come back to be satisfied!

Photos from the report: Tourmalet - Pic du Midi Tourist Office

Hikes to do with the family, in the authentic nature of the Pyrenees

Lace up your hiking boots and set off for family walks in the Pyrenees. Children will love walking to encounter attractive flora and fauna (with a bit of luck you might see marmots and chamois in their natural environment!). Each step is a wonder and the key, perhaps a hike to a mountain lake in the Pyrenees? The region of Bagnères-de-Bigorre is known for its hydrotherapy , dozens of thermal springs are present and several are channeled (for well-being, but also to once turn the mills in order to grind grain, spin wool and even crack marble!).

The destination is ideal for family holidays, more or less sporting or relaxing. In the heart of the Hautes-Pyrénées, the Vallée de Campan offers hiking trails in the Pyrenees for all levels (in fr). You can of course go up to the Pic du Midi de Bigorre thanks to the cable car: you don't have to walk much but you take your eyes off it, with an unparalleled panorama at an altitude of 2877m. It is also possible to go up there on foot in the summer season, by the Chemin des Muletiers. At the top, an observatory, a restaurant, a museum space, as well as a terrace with a 360 degree view of the Pyrenees chain and its plain. For the bravest, walk on the sea of clouds, thanks to the "pontoon in the sky" . Guaranteed sensations!

Above Bagnères-de-Bigorre, take a walk to the Virgin of Bédat, with its panoramic view of the surrounding countryside and the spa town. Within a radius of 20km there are many hikes accessible to the greatest number and breathtaking, but easy! Do not hesitate to go to the Tourist Office of Tourmalet-Pic du Midi (which has an office in Bagnères-de-Bigorre and a second in La Mongie).

Of all the mountain lakes, the most popular hike is the one to admire the sumptuous Lac Bleu, the deepest in the Pyrenees. In the Lesponne Valley, 20 minutes from Bagnères-de-Bigorre, it will require 3 hours of easy walking on a very accessible path. And if you wish, you can continue to Lac Vert.

Sporty walks for occasional hikers

Do you like to walk, but you are not used to the mountains? First of all, think about the services and skills of mountain guides and mountain guides. The services of a guide are not limited to long and difficult hikes and remain accessible for all budgets. Enjoy the advice, the security provided by the presence of a mountain professional. He or she will be able to show you the best paths, tell you interesting anecdotes about animals, local customs, decipher the landscapes...

• We love hiking between waterfalls and torrents, from the hamlet of Lesponne. It is 8.3km long, count about 3 hours of walking for barely 350m of elevation gain.
• We also like the Boucle du Courtaou des Esclozes, in the center of a valley witness to ancient pastoralism. It is done in 3 hours of walking, also with 300m of elevation.
• Do you want to see forests, plains and meadows? Set off from the beautiful Lac de Payolle, for a 2h30 hike in the Forêt du Différend.
• Head towards Lac d'Aygue Rouye from the Col de la Courade. It will take you about 1h45 to reach it and admire its two pretty grassy islets.
• One more last lake: From Hourquette d'Ancizan, enjoy the short easy and accessible hike (2h30 round trip) to reach Lac d'Arou, domain of marmots.
  
  

How about spending a night at the Refuge de Campana de Cloutou? Open from May 24 to September 30, it is necessary to book in advance. In the Néouvielle Nature Reserve, it is reached after 3h30 of walking and 900m of elevation gain. You will appreciate the sumptuous views of the various lakes and peaks that accompany your journey.

Hikes for sports enthusiasts, between mountain lakes, ridges, passes and summits

Bring a well-equipped backpack for several hours of hiking and always check the weather forecast before leaving for a long hike of more than 5 hours. In the region, the mountain lakes are in the spotlight. There are those who are easily tamed and those who require more effort before revealing themselves.

• The Lac de Montarrouye looks like a lagoon, can be discovered after at least 5 hours of walking (round trip), a long but easy hike, around 12km.
• The Lac de Peyrelade via Cap de Labasset requires around 4h30 of walking there and back (nearly 8km and 700m of elevation gain), its turquoise blue waters are worth this effort and on the way, you will come across herds on the way to the summer pastures.
• Less frequented than its peers, Lake Ourrec requires about ten kilometers of walking, for 550m of elevation gain. Its green-blue color is charming and its natural environment preserved and authentic.

Are we going on a real long hike? On the way to the Pic du Montaigu at an altitude of 2339m! 1300m of elevation gain for this hike where the last 100 meters before the summit take you over a vertiginous ridge!

The next day, we rest: The " hike of the waterfalls" requires 7h15 of walking, but only 110m of elevation. Departure is from the Tournaboup car park in Barèges. Along the way, lakes and rocky and steep ridges, an arid and mineral landscape. You will pass by the Pic de Madamète and its lake, then you will appreciate a very beautiful view of the Néouvielle lake, before reaching the last Lac Dets Coubous.

The hiking trails in the Pyrenees offer you serenity, plenitude and calm… Walking is a meditative activity! Take the time to appreciate the landscapes , to find yourself, to recharge your batteries. With family or friends, come and spend a holiday in the Tourmalet -Pic du Midi region! We are waiting for you…

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