Nature Reserves

Hikes to mountain lakes

From valleys to passes and from passes to summits, the trails undulate around more than 70 lakes and ponds.  
During a hike, we let ourselves be surprised by a palette of surprising colors, ranging from deep blue to emerald.

Personalized big lakes from Aubert, Orédon or Cap-de-Long to the most small lacquers, the bodies of water are here sources of life and the nest ofendemic species like the desman, an aquatic “trumpet-rat”. A veritable breeding ground, more than 570 species of algae have been identified in these preserved areas. 

 Hikes from Barèges

 Roaming in the Néouvielle Massif

The hook pine

Emblematic pine of the Pyrenees, the hooked pine adorns the edge of the lakes and the slopes of the reserve.

It is easily observed particular silhouette, which testifies to years of adaptation to its environment to survive drought, cold or frost in winter.

A preserved flora and fauna 

Composed of more than 70% by different forests, the terrain then alternates between clearings and cliffs. 1659 species of flora, lichen and fungi adorn this karstic massif where many bird species have taken up residence. It is also easy to observe majestic birds of prey nestled against the walls during a hike. Different mammals mountaineers have also settled in this natural setting, as the isard or the Mediterranean Mouflon. 

The sunny paths of Pibeste and their southern orientation allow discovery in all seasons. Winter, it is one of the few sectors that offers non-snow-covered routes. The perfect place to take a day break, away from the crowds. At spring, it is a privileged place to observe the fauna and flora which is slowly waking up. Summer, the forests will offer a moment of freshness, or a breath of fresh air from the ridges. Autumn, the hiking trails are bordered by flamboyant vegetation and the hikes are lulled by the sound of the crackling of the leaves under his feet. 

From caving to trail running on the ridges 

Subject to this reservation, a well-hidden world is explored over the seasons. The monitors of potholing of our valleys lead us through a maze of conduits, caves and galleries that dot the underground between St-Pé-de-Bigorre and Lourdes. From rooms to sources, by exploring these galleries, we set off to discover the bowels of the Earth. 
 
Higher up, the limestone cliffs and ridges of Pibeste open the way to beautiful hiking routes. between. A favorite spot for runners in all seasons, the Pibeste exhibition allows you to go running during the long summer evenings as well as in winter, in the dry, when the weather is mild.