Pierre Meyer AE Media

Cool summer

Sports activities
Outside
Summer

While temperatures are rising throughout France, we go up a little in altitude to take advantage of the fresh mountain air for the holidays. We hike or cycle, jump into the crystal clear water, take part in local events and enjoy the mild summer nights... There are so many things to do in the Pyrenees!

Hike in the most beautiful corners of the valleys

In summer, the warm rays of the sun open the way to new hiking prospects. The paths and summits hitherto snow-covered become accessible to the delight of hikers, on foot or on two wheels !

Tristan Buchot

Lac de Suyen and the Pyrenees National Park

Hike around the Lac des Gloriettes with the Cirque d'Estaubé in the background

Walking

In summer, many hikes are accessible again, from simple walks to more difficult routes. Shelters open their doors and allow you to discover the joys of roaming and summer nights in the mountains in a friendly and warm atmosphere. The roads to reach the easily accessible lakes reopen little by little to allow us to enjoy quiet walks in beautiful summer landscapes. This is also the time for lovers of great escapes to make their first 3 accompanied by a mountain professional.

All routes for hiking in summer

By bike & mountain bike

On two wheels, summer is just as pleasant in the Gavarnie Valleys. For cyclists, known and recognized climbs grandiose mountainous landscapes await them: the Col du Tourmalet, the Hautacam, the Ardiden, the Aubisque, the Spandelles and many more!
By mountain bike, the trails along the water's edge, in forests and on plateaus offer beautiful perspectives. THE Barèges Bike Park also offers to discover the joys of cycling outings for the most novice to the most experienced. Thanks to the Tournaboup chairlift equipped with bike racks and accessible to pedestrians, you can access several trails effortlessly : Downhill mountain biking (DH), Enduro mountain biking and mountain bike routes.

All mountain bike and cycle routes

Cool off in the white waters

Full of power, freshness and life, the Gavarnie Valleys bring us into the wild dance of summer in the Pyrenees. One thing is certain, the only place where you really feel warm is in your heart.

Try rafting

Wetsuit and helmet on, paddle in hand, we are ready for an experience thrilling in the Pyrenees. With an instructor, we set off on the river aboard our raft and we alternate between moments of adrenaline in the rapids and time to observe the landscape in the calm waters. We splash, we challenge each other, we laugh and above all we take advantage of this privileged moment in a setting unique and refreshing.

Rafting instructors

Canyoning in the white waters of the Gave de Gavarnie

Try canyoning

Accompanied by monitors enthusiasts, we let ourselves float in the water holes, we sneak between the waterfalls and we swap the traditional diving board for rock jumps, abseiling and slides on natural slides...

These outings are ideal for discovering the valleys along the water and away from the heat !

Canyoning instructors

Dive into an ocean of stars

Here, the nights shine as bright as the days. During a simple walk, a impromptu picnic or bivouac under the stars, we look up and let ourselves be charmed by the intensity of the starry sky in the Pyrenees.

Softness for the eyes and the palate

Picnic in the bag, we escape at the golden hour on the heights of the valleys to attend the relay of the stars: the sun goes away little by little to give way to the moon and the first stars. In this moment of sweetness when the last light of day dresses the reliefs in a pretty orange gradient, we take advantage of the moment to savor a few local delicacies.

See the night in a new light

At the heart of International Starry Sky Reserve and the surrounding villages, the sky is so pure that it allows you to get lost in the celestial vault, perfect for lovers ofastronomy. In Hautacam, the Astro Club regularly organizes nebulous evenings, summer, like winter, to observe the stars, the planets, the milky way... In the valleys, lovers ofastrophotography will certainly find the ideal spots to immortalize the beauty of the Pyrenean nights.

Make a bivouac

For those who find it hard to take their eyes off this nocturnal tableau, the bivouac is a good option, on its own or accompanied by a professional ! In a tent or under the stars, you fall asleep not counting the sheep, but the stars... Whether you are at the edge of a lake with the reflection of the sky on the water or on a summit perched between heaven and earth, live a night in the mountains is an unforgettable experience to test in the valleys.

Tips and spots for a successful bivouac

Ines Trey

Bivouac tent on the crests of Hautacam with a view of the sunset

Take part in local life

The summer season is also punctuated by many festive highlights which make the pulse of the valleys beat at a frantic pace. Whether they are sporting or cultural, these events allow you to take part in local life and enjoy its folklore. Great moments like the Tour de France or Jazz in Luz to more intimate events such as transhumance, night markets and the sky party, there is no shortage of ideas out there.

All summer highlights