In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationNéouvielle Massif / Hautes-Pyrénées
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AgeFrom 15 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions5.68 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
Spanish
English
In a few words
Embark on a wild immersion in the heart of the Néouvielle , one of the most prestigious areas of the Pyrenees . This three-day hiking itinerary takes you through an exceptional nature reserve, renowned for its dozens of high-altitude lakes with crystal-clear reflections.
Led by a mountain guide , you'll trek through mountain pine forests and past lakes, uncovering the secrets of this pristine mountain range. The adventure truly comes alive during the two bivouacs planned near the summits. These timeless evenings, under a sky of rare clarity, guarantee unforgettable memories and the magic of waking up surrounded by nature.
This route, ideal for regular hikers , combines a sporting challenge with contemplation. It's a true escape, a chance to disconnect and discover the high mountains in their most authentic and rugged light.
The highlights
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Camping on the shores of magnificent lakes
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A spectacular route between crystal-clear lakes and mountain pine forests
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Guided hike for a complete escape in the high mountains
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
A route of intermediate difficulty with an elevation gain between 300 and 900 m. Some climbs require significant effort but are generally not too long.
The granite terrain is rather technical, with some off-trail sections.
The weight of the bag (10-12 kg) is an element not to be overlooked.
In figures
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 6h30
- Average distance/day: 10 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 547 m
- Average daily descent: 580 m
Management
French
Spanish
English
The stay will be supervised by a state-certified mountain guide.
Program
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Lakes Tracens and Madamète
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 900 m
- Negative elevation 140 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Your adventure begins with a meeting with your guide and the distribution of the technical equipment necessary for your ascent. You then leave the Tournaboup area to begin a steady climb towards the Madamète lakes . This route leads you over the Tracens pass , a key crossing offering a remarkable panorama of the surrounding peaks. You hike through the heart of a wild environment to reach this preserved natural site, ideal for your first high-altitude experience in the mountain range.
Day 1 -
The Madamète pass and the Estibère valley
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 490 m
- Negative elevation 580 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You leave the Madamète lakes to begin the ascent of the Madamète peak . Once at the summit, you'll enjoy a commanding view of the entire nature reserve , an ideal panorama to grasp the scale of the massif. The descent follows discreet shepherd's paths , leading you to a wild traverse towards the Estibère valley . Your journey continues through the heart of this granite landscape, finally reaching the shores of Lake Gourguet , where you end your day in a peaceful and secluded setting.
Day 2 -
From Estibère to Tournaboup
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 250 m
- Negative elevation 1020 m
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You begin your final day from the shores of Lake Gourguet, a stage marked by the diversity of its aquatic landscapes. Your route crosses the wild Port Bielh area, where you'll pass numerous high-altitude tarns before reaching its large lake . The terrain becomes more challenging as you cross the Hourquette Nère pass, a strategic point marking the transition to the end of your loop. Although this day is longer, the beauty of the panoramas accompanies your gradual descent. You finally return to the parking area to conclude this journey through the heart of the reserve.
Day 3
Accommodation
Access
The trip may end a little late depending on the group's pace. If you need to book a train, please do not book it before 7 pm departing from Lourdes. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions!
Go to the starting point
From the train station to the accommodation:
- Bus: Take line 965 (liO network) towards Pierrefitte-Nestalas (town hall stop), and the carpool meeting point is in Soulom (5-minute walk). If you are staying overnight in Luz-Saint-Sauveur or Barèges (on the way to the start of the hike): please let us know and we will adjust the meeting time.
- Taxi: Allow approximately 45 minutes journey time from Lourdes (estimated fare between €80 and €110 depending on the time of day).
Free parking at the meeting point in Soulom and free parking in Barèges (start of the hike, if you need to use your vehicle for carpooling to the start).
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be supervised by a state-certified mountain guide.
- Loan of quality camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, backpacks)
The price does not include
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Meals (you will need to provide your own)
- Personal equipment
- 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.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Good quality camping equipment (tents, 5°C sleeping bag, sleeping mat). You will need a 40-50 litre backpack (to carry everything).
Equipment to bring
THE EQUIPMENT:
– 1 backpack of approximately 50 litres (possibility of loan)
– 1 waterproof bag or heavy-duty bin bag to keep belongings dry
– 1 water bottle of at least 1.5 liters (remember to fill it) + 1 small thermos (optional)
Sunglasses, sunscreen
– 1 small toiletry kit + 1 small personal first-aid kit + toilet paper
– 1 headlamp (available for loan)
– Hiking boots, preferably high-tops
Clothing to bring
CLOTHING:
– 1 long-sleeved t-shirt (preferably made of synthetic material)
– 2 short-sleeved t-shirts (preferably made of synthetic material)
– 1 warm and thick garment (sweater, thick fleece, down jacket…)
– 1 waterproof jacket
– 1 short
– 1 change of jogging pants for the evening
– 1 Bonnet
– 1 pair of thin gloves
– A cap or a hat
– 2 pairs of hiking socks
MEALS:
Meals should be provided (unless otherwise stated). Here are our recommendations.
• Pack snacks for lunch
• Snacks, cereal bars, etc. for those little hunger pangs
• For evening meals
– some savory biscuits
– freeze-dried soup
– a freeze-dried meal (portion, Chinese noodles or other)
– a small dessert (like applesauce in a pouch, chocolate)
We will take care of bringing a camping stove to prepare the meal.
Of course, if you wish, you can accompany the meal with a small bottle…
• Breakfast
– a hot water-based drink (tea or coffee)
– a few biscuits or brioche rolls
– chocolate bars
– compotes or dessert creams in a gourd
They traveled with us
