The Swallows' Path, between Béarn and Navarre
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationPyrenees / Pyrénées-Atlantiques
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions75.4 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
A journey of immersion through Béarn, Navarre, and Soule , following in the footsteps of the young Spanish factory workers who crossed the Pyrenean passes each year to reach Mauléon. This high-altitude trek, rich in history and emotion , traverses striking landscapes steeped in memory. From the limestone cirque of Lescun , one of the most spectacular in the Pyrenees, you will walk at the foot of the Ansabère needles before climbing their peaks for breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys. The route will lead you along ancient paths once used by pilgrims, merchants, and smugglers , in the heart of unspoiled nature. Crossing the border pass, you will reach the steep gorges of the upper Soule , the final jewel of this challenging and poignant trek. A journey of history, nature, and self-discovery , for experienced hikers seeking meaning and authenticity.
The highlights
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Ascent of the mythical Pic d'Anie
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The fantastic needles of Ansabère
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You will walk along historic paths, places of passage, and many legends.
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
Regular walker, in good physical condition, with experience in mountain hiking.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 6h
- Average distance/day: 15 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 896 m
- Average daily descent: 1030 m
Management
French
English
A great lover of our Pyrenees and their secret corners, born into a family of mountain guides and mountain enthusiasts, I grew up between the Basque and Béarn mountains.
Guided hike led by a qualified mountain guide specializing in the region.
Program
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Start of stay in Pau
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 60km
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet at 5pm at Pau train station and transfer to the Aspe Valley (1 hour). Check into your hotel accommodation. Briefing about the trip.
Day 1 -
Cirque de Lescun and Pic d’Ansabère
- Transportation Minibus - 00h15 - 15km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 1200 m
- Negative elevation 999 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A short transfer to Pont Lamary (15 min). We gradually leave the mountain zone and its forests behind to reach the first summer pastures grazed by flocks of Basque-Béarnaise sheep. To reach the magnificent Pétragème pass, we will pass at the foot of the impressive Aiguilles d'Ansabère, a renowned climbing area in the Pyrenees, before beginning the ascent to their summits. We are now in Navarre; the pleasant descent will lead us to our refuge for the night (Linza refuge).
Day 2 -
From refuge to refuge
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h29
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 599 m
- Negative elevation 950 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
In the heart of the Western Valleys Natural Park, this beautiful day off the beaten track will take us through forests, streams, summer pastures, and mountain pines. We now follow in the footsteps of the Golondrinas (the swallows) who once found their way through this magnificent, disorienting limestone landscape. Overnight at the Belagua refuge.
Day 3 -
From the Arragoiti Pass to the Ehujarre Gorges
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 1300 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Following in the footsteps of our young Spanish workers, we will reach the key point of their journey at the Arragoiti border pass. From there, we will overlook the impressive Kakueta Gorge, a gaping scar in the wild mountains of Soule. Surrounded by lush vegetation, we will descend between the vertiginous walls of the Ehujarre Gorge to reach the village of Saint Engrâce. Overnight stay in a guesthouse in Saint Engrâce.
Day 4 -
From Sainte Engrâce to La Pierre Saint Martin
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 1330 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
For once, we'll be taking the GR10 for this leg of the journey. As we climb, we'll leave the beautiful beech forest of Soule behind and enter the mineral world of La Pierre Saint Martin. Here, the greatest discoveries unfold beneath our feet, in an endless labyrinth of caves and galleries (a paradise for speleologists from all over the world). Overnight stay in a gîte at La Pierre Saint Martin.
Day 5 -
Ascent of Pic d'Anie 2504 m
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 849 m
- Negative elevation 1597 m
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We will end our trip with the ascent of the magnificent Pic d'Anie. On the border between Béarn and the Basque Country, this stunning peak appears to float on a sea of limestone. The traverse of the limestone pavement (lapiaz) that leads to the summit will be a highlight of your journey. The final descent to the foot of the Camplong rock formations will take us peacefully to the heart of the beautiful village of Lescun. Overnight stay in a hotel in Lescun.
Day 6 -
End of your stay in Pau
- Transportation Minibus - 01h20 - 70km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
End of stay after breakfast. Transfer to Pau train station, arrival on site at 10am.
Day 7
Note
The programs were established based on the latest information available at the time of writing; however, unforeseen circumstances are always possible, and situations beyond our control may alter the itinerary. Our guides are the best judges on site and may modify the route depending on the weather or if the safety of the group requires it.
Accommodation
The family warmly welcomes you to their cottages in a magnificent setting right at the foot of the Pyrenees.
It is located at an altitude of 1670 meters on a rocky outcrop and boasts exceptional 360° panoramic views of the various peaks of the mountain range. From the terrace, the refuge offers an unmissable view of the Aspe and Barétous valleys and the plains below.
Access
Transfer to Pau train station after your breakfast.
Go to the starting point
Numerous TER trains depart from the main cities.
Reaching Pau via the motorway from Bordeaux (A62, A65) or Toulouse (A64)
Pau SNCF train station parking lot
Jean Biray Avenue
64000 PAU
7-day package: €50 (price in effect at the time of writing the technical sheet)
Free, unguarded parking
Gaston Lacoste Avenue
Price details
The price includes
- The stay will be supervised by a BE AMM specialist in the country.
- Accommodation for the entire stay
- Full board from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7
- The transfers mentioned in the program
- Luggage transport during the stay (except for the 2 nights in the refuge: no access to luggage)
The price does not include
- The journey to get to the place of stay
- Transfers not included in the program
- The visits
- Drinks and personal expenses
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.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
• Sleeping bag liner
• Earplugs
• Headlamp
• 1 pair of excellent quality sunglasses
• 1 bottle (1 liter minimum)
• 1 pocket knife (to be placed in checked baggage)
• Toiletries
• Toilet paper, sunscreen + lip balm
• For the picnic: cutlery, glass
• Personal pharmacy
Clothing to bring
• 1 sun hat or cap
• T-shirts (1 for every 2 or 3 days of walking). Avoid cotton, which takes a very long time to dry; opt for short-sleeved t-shirts (breathable material).
• 1 undershirt (same remarks as above) or long-sleeved shirt
• 1 fleece fur jacket
• 1 pair of trekking trousers
• 1 pair of comfortable trousers for the evening
• 1 simple and lightweight Gore-tex style jacket
• Warm underwear
• Walking socks (1 pair for 2 to 3 days of walking).
• 1 pair of waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support (Vibram-type sole)
• 1 pair of comfortable shoes for the evening
