4 days of family hiking with a donkey in the Ossau Valley
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelBeginner
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DestinationLaruns / Pyrenees
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AgeFrom 6 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions30.19 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
For four days, leave the car behind and take the time to discover the mountains in a different way. From village to village, along small paths and valley trails, your donkey accompanies you and quickly becomes a true travel companion.
An ideal experience for families who want to get together, disconnect from everyday life, discover the Pyrenean landscapes and share a different kind of adventure.
The children participate in the donkey's life, learning to guide and care for it, and discovering the pleasure of walking at its pace. Meanwhile, the parents enjoy the scenery, the villages, and simple moments to share as a family.
The highlights
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The experience combines hiking, discovery, mutual support, learning, and moments
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Bed and breakfast, heated indoor pool, sauna and homemade breakfasts
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Four days without a car, at the pace of walking and nature, far from everyday life
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
For those who want to walk for up to 3 hours, with minimal elevation gain (max 300m), on paths, tracks, trails or hilly terrain. Accessible to all.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 4h
Management
Program
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The 3 Villages Hike
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Your adventure begins in the heart of the Ossau Valley with a beautiful hike to discover mountain villages.
The route takes you through Eaux-Bonnes, Aas, Assouste and Béost, four villages that each reveal a facet of the heritage and history of the valley.
You begin in Eaux-Bonnes, a former spa town nestled in a magnificent mountain setting. Then you reach Aas, a charming little village where you can take the time to observe the houses and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the valley.
The path continues towards Assouste, before reaching Béost, a typical village of the Ossau valley located at the foot of the mountains.
Throughout this first stage, your donkey will accompany you. Children can participate, learn to lead it, and discover the little routines that punctuate the life of their hiking companion.
A comfortable night in Béost
After this first day in the great outdoors, enjoy a carefully renovated guest room. Dinner.
To extend the pleasure, you can relax in the heated indoor pool and sauna.
The following morning, a homemade breakfast made with local products will allow you to regain your strength before continuing the adventure.
Day 1 -
From Laruns to Aste via Louvie-Soubiron
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A new day begins, still at the pace of your donkey.
The stage takes you towards Aste, passing through Louvie-Soubiron and taking the charming Lo Lis path.
Starting from Laruns, you gradually leave the village behind and follow the small paths that wind through the valley landscapes. Here, there's no need to rush: everyone goes at their own pace, the donkey sets the rhythm, and the breaks are an opportunity to fully appreciate the mountains.
Passing through Louvie-Soubiron allows you to discover another side of the Ossau valley, between heritage, landscapes and village atmosphere.
The Lo Lis trail adds a lovely touch of adventure to this stage of the journey. The children continue to participate in the hike and gradually develop a real bond with their donkey.
One night in a bed and breakfast
Upon arrival in Aste, you will enjoy a night in a charming guest house, ideal for recovering after this day of hiking.
A good breakfast will be waiting for you the next morning before you set off for a new stage.
Day 2 -
From Aste to Bielle via Lake Castet
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
For this third day, we head towards Bielle, in the heart of the Ossau valley.
The route allows you to enjoy the landscapes of the valley once again, with a short stop at Lake Castet, perfect for taking a break and regaining strength.
By the water's edge, take time to relax, enjoy nature, and share a special moment with your family. Children can reunite with their four-legged companions, take care of them, and enjoy this break to play and observe their surroundings.
Then you calmly resume your journey towards Bielle, an emblematic village of the valley.
After several days spent together, the bond with the donkey is now well established. The children know their companion's little habits and fully participate in this traveling adventure.
One last night in Bielle
You will spend the night in Bielle, in comfortable accommodation.
One last evening to enjoy this family break before the final stage of the trip.
Day 3 -
Return to Laruns via the greenway
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
For this last day, a gentler stage awaits with the return to Laruns via the greenway.
After several days of hiking, this pleasant route allows you to enjoy the valley scenery one last time, without the difficulty of mountain trails.
It is also an opportunity to take the time to reflect on the adventures of the previous days: the villages passed through, the landscapes discovered, the breaks with the donkey, the little moments of complicity and the bursts of laughter of the children.
Little by little, Laruns is getting closer.
The arrival marks the end of your adventure… and perhaps the beginning of a strong desire to set off again!
After four days together, saying goodbye to your donkey certainly won't be the easiest part for the children. Because beyond the hike, a real relationship has been created with this travel companion.
Day 4
Accommodation
Located in the village of Béost, in the heart of the Ossau Valley, Maison Cap Debat welcomes you to five guest rooms, for a total capacity of 12 people.
Breakfast is included and, in fine weather, the terrace with views of the mountains and the Pic du Ger awaits you to start the day gently.
Everything is designed to allow you to enjoy the valley… and take your time.
Each room can accommodate 2 to 4 people.
To ensure your stay is as relaxing as possible, enjoy our breakfast included in your stay, with a breathtaking view of our garden filled with soothing greenery.
You will have dinner and spend the night in a guest room. The restaurant is renowned in our valley.
Access
The starting and finishing point is in Laruns. You will meet Pierre, the breeder of your long-eared friend, for explanations before the big departure.
Go to the starting point
From Pau train station, take line 524 towards Laruns - PAU - GOURETTE line
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation throughout the stay
- 3 breakfasts and dinners on Day 1 and Day 3
- Donkey rental with necessary equipment
- The roadbook
The price does not include
- Transportation to the place of stay
- Dinner on Day 2
- Personal matters
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
The Laurence team
Located in Béarn, our local expert offers tailor-made holidays for groups and individuals (businesses, associations, schools, families). Thanks to the richness of the region, he designs turnkey holidays focused on outdoor activities: hiking, whitewater sports, and mountain recreation. Acting as a true intermediary, he works with local providers to offer authentic and personalized experiences.
