Aspe & Ossau, in the heart of wild Béarn
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationOssau Valley / Pyrénées-Atlantiques
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AgeFrom 15 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions83.9 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Treat yourself to an immersion in the heart of the most beautiful landscapes of Béarn , between the Aspe and Ossau valleys, both located in the Pyrenees National Park . An exceptional territory where wild nature meets a living mountain, shaped by generations of shepherds.
From the spectacular panoramas of the Cirque de Lescun to the high-altitude lakes, and the majestic silhouette of the Pic d'Ossau , each day reveals a different and magnificent landscape. Here, traditions endure: you will discover a pastoral culture that is still very much alive, with its summer pastures and its famous sheep's cheese made according to ancestral know-how .
A complete and refreshing stay to explore two authentic valleys, between wide open spaces, heritage and the mountain way of life.
The highlights
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Discover two unspoiled Pyrenean valleys: Aspe and Ossau
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A protected area, rich in remarkable flora and fauna.
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Authentic mountain villages and pastoralism still alive
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average daily elevation gain: 694 m
- Average daily descent: 694 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
French
A qualified mountain guide with extensive knowledge of the region, the mountain range, and the trails. An enthusiastic professional, he will share his knowledge and passion for the natural environment with you, all while ensuring your safety. His dedication to his work compels him to adapt to weather conditions, terrain constraints, and other unforeseen circumstances, managing each participant's pace and physical condition, while remaining readily available.
TRAVEL DURING THE STAY:
With an 8-seater minibus for the Lourdes – Gavarnie transfer, then every day, short transfers to get to the start of the hike.
Once the minibus is full, the last registrations will be offered the option of taking their own vehicle, with reimbursement (- €80 only for the driver) during the stay.
There is no risk in leaving vehicles in the parking lots at the start of hikes for the day.
Program
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Facing the giant of Ossau
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 45km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Meet at 9:30 am at Pau train station then transfer.
To begin the trip, head to the heights of the Ossau Valley, at the foot of the legendary Pic du Midi d'Ossau. In a high mountain setting combining an alpine lake and an iconic mountain refuge, this first hike offers an immediate immersion in the Pyrenean atmosphere.
Day 1 -
The Ayous lakes, jewels of the Pyrenees
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Positive elevation gain 860 m
- Negative elevation 860 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We set off to discover the famous lakes of Ayous and Gentau, true mirrors of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau.
Between crystal-clear waters and magnificent panoramas, this hike is among the most beautiful in the Pyrenees, with a stop at the Ayous refuge.
Day 2 -
Between Aspe and Ossau
- Transportation Minibus - 01h20 - 70km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A change of scenery with a hike located halfway between the two valleys. From the Pic d'Escurets, the view opens up 360° over all the landscapes crossed: an ideal transition before reaching the Aspe valley.
Transfer lasting 1 hour 20 minutes after the hike to reach the Aspe valley.
Day 3 -
The legendary path of the mast
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 750 m
- Negative elevation 750 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Starting from Pont de Cebers, we take the famous Chemin de la Mâture, carved into the rock, overlooking the Gorges d'Enfer.
The loop route takes us to the Col d'Aras, with superb views over the Aspe valley, before a descent via the Col de Rédo and the village of Etsaut.
Day 4 -
The Needles of Ansabère, a magnificent setting
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 850 m
- Negative elevation 850 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
From the Cirque de Lescun, we reach one of the most spectacular sites in the Pyrenees: the Aiguilles d'Ansabère.
In this wild mountain range, the small lake perched at 1850 m completes an exceptional mineral landscape.
Day 5 -
The upper Aspe valley
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
To conclude the week, we headed to the upper Aspe valley and the amazing organs of Camplong.
A beautiful panoramic loop to enjoy a final immersion in the heart of these preserved mountains.
Day 6 -
End of stay
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 45km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, transfer to Pau SNCF train station, with an expected arrival around 10:30 am.
Day 7
Note
Your guide, an expert on the terrain, will be able to adapt the program according to weather conditions, the level of the group or any unforeseen events, in order to guarantee safety and quality of the experience.
Accommodation
2* hotel in the Ossau valley.
2* hotel in the Aspe valley.
Access
Go to the starting point
Parking in Pau:
- Free :
- Rive du Gave parking: above-ground parking 800 meters from the station.
- Free parking is available at the Catherine de Bourbon park and ride. A shuttle bus costs €1 per person and drops you off in front of the train station.
- Paid:
- Long-term parking at the train station. Price: €55 for 6 days.
- Parking Place de Verdun, near the city centre. Price: €1.50 for half a day, except on Sundays (free).
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be supervised by a qualified mountain guide.
- Accommodation in a 2-star hotel and in a shared room
- Full board from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7
- Return transfers from the train station with our 8-person minibus
- The transfers planned in the program
- The tourist tax
The price does not include
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Single room : CHF173.81 / person
- Additional night with half-board the night before (twin/double) : CHF73.18 / person
- Additional night with half-board the night before (single room) : CHF91.48 / person
- Additional night with half-board at the end of the stay (twin/double) : CHF73.18 / person
- Additional night with half-board at the end of the stay (single room) : CHF91.48 / person
- 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
For the hotel
• A travel bag or suitcase for your belongings for the 6 days (no overly bulky luggage)
• Your spare clothes
• A toiletry kit
• A pair of light, slipper-type shoes for the evening
• A swimsuit (optional)
• For prescription glasses, remember to bring a spare pair.
For hiking
• A 30/40 litre backpack with a waist belt (you will need to carry the safety kit, shovel and probe in your backpack…)
• A protective cover for the backpack (often integrated into it)
• A pair of waterproof shoes with good ankle support (No boots or après-ski boots)
• A pair of gaiters (if not integrated into the trousers)
• A waterproof pouch for your documents, phone, etc…
• A plastic pocket to protect your belongings inside the backpack
• Sun protection (cream and lip balm)
• Category 3 or 4 sunglasses
• Ski mask
• A container with an airtight lid (like Tupperware) for the picnic
• Cutlery, knife and cup
• A water bottle
• Small floor mat (for sitting during your lunch break)
• Toilet paper
• Lighter
Clothing to bring
The 3-layer technique helps to keep you warm and dry.
1. Breathable layer
2. Insulating layer
3. Protective layer
To apply this method, you will need
• Thermal and breathable long-sleeved T-shirts (no cotton)
• Lightweight warm jacket (down jacket or micro-puff type)
• Polartec-type fleece sweatshirt
• Waterproof, breathable, and windproof jacket with a hood. (Gore-Tex remains the standard material)
• Warm, breathable and water-repellent softshell hiking trousers with, if possible, integrated snow gaiters (ski trousers are not recommended)
• Waterproof, lightweight and compressible over-trousers (Gore-Tex type)
• Pairs of warm, knee-high socks (Merino wool)
• Beanie
• Warm, waterproof gloves, silk liner gloves (2 pairs if possible)
