Hiking in the wild Pyrenees

This hike will offer you a true immersion into the heart of mountain life. We will explore the Orlu National Wildlife Reserve, discovering its hidden treasures, taking the time to observe the marmots and look for the chamois that sometimes bask on the slopes and valleys surrounding us. At lunchtime, we will have ample opportunity to admire a beautiful waterfall cascading tirelessly before us and enjoy the shade of the birch trees. Before heading back to our starting point, we will be sure to scan the sky above the ridges, hoping to spot the Bearded Vulture, the largest bird of prey in Europe! On the descent, we may be lucky enough to encounter those who work in the Reserve: the rangers, the scientists, perhaps even the cowherd or the donkey driver...

On that day, we will depart from the neighboring valley, the one that leads to Andorra and Spain.

We will walk alongside the water in all its forms: free-flowing or sometimes guided, calm or sometimes turbulent, it will accompany us almost throughout our hike. It will lead us through rhododendrons, pines, and rocks to our destination for the day: a charming mountain lake surrounded by granite peaks proudly piercing the sky at over 2600m altitude, offering us a majestic spectacle!

A beautiful and scenic loop hike offering breathtaking views of the landscapes of the "Little Quebec of Ariège," with its lakes in shades of blue and green, where we'll most likely stop for a picnic in the shade of the pine trees. After this well-deserved break, we'll climb back up to a small pass and then explore a remarkable wetland, formed millions of years ago, home to unique flora and fauna. On the way back, depending on the season, you might even have the chance to pick some wild blueberries!

This time, we'll start from a valley a little further west of where we are, to explore a vast, ancient glacial cirque that has given way to a chain of lakes, some larger, some smaller, some deeper, towards which we'll hike at a leisurely pace. Along the way, we'll stop for lunch at a mountain refuge: the beer and blueberry tarts there taste completely different than in the valley!

Only once we've had our fill will we continue our hike along a now relatively flat profile, traversing a rather mineral landscape and leading to the famous lakes whose turquoise reflections invite contemplation...

Seasoned and confident from your previous hikes, you are now ready to explore the valleys and hollows that lead to two beautiful high mountain passes. These passages between valleys, and sometimes even between countries, are called "Porteilla" here.

Lakes will also be featured on this route, where in some places, the water has been cleverly harnessed by humankind, creating the region's wealth: blue gold! The open landscapes we'll traverse will offer magnificent views of the surrounding peaks, many of which reach nearly 3,000 meters. A complete change of scenery and a feeling of freedom are guaranteed!

We will return to the gîte around 5 pm so that everyone can gather their belongings before departure. Around 6:45 pm, we will serve a light meal ("Drunch") to those departing on the 7:49 pm night train.