Donkey trekking in the heart of the Ossau Valle

The Ossau Valley Tourist Office offers you a turnkey holiday!
To experience the joys of hiking, we suggest you set off on the Ayous Lakes circuit, accompanied by Brindille.
This route is suitable for children aged 8 and over, where you can walk at the pace of your new companion... who will quickly become your children's best friend.

What a joy it is to dip your feet in the waters of the Lakes of Ayous, discovering the lakes of Casterau, Gentau and Bersau, meeting shepherds in the summer pastures to savour some sheep's cheese, or contemplating the majestic Pic du Midi d'Ossau at sunset and sunrise.

We also offer the Grand Tour de l'Ossau, a more athletic option suitable for children aged 10–12 and above.
On this 3-day, 2-night tour, you will discover the most beautiful lakes in the Vallée d'Ossau: Pombie, Gentau, Bersau... and meet men and women who are deeply attached to this pastoral region.

Whichever option you choose, this holiday is a special opportunity to take time out, disconnect from everyday life and reconnect with nature. It is also an opportunity to teach children about respecting the environment and waste management.

Every evening, accommodation and meals are reserved at a mountain refuge. An accompanied package is also available, with accommodation in tents and meals taken at the refuge.

We promise: you'll leave with lots of memories in your rucksack 🎒✨

🗓️ Organisation

Day 1: Meeting with Twig

Meet Pierre and Brindille at Lac de Bious-Artigues.

Practical advice: animal care, behaviour, fitting the pack and saddlebags, information about the route.

Hike between Bious-Artigues and Ayous
2½ hours walking – 600 m elevation gain

Full board at the Ayous refuge, at the foot of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau.
 

Day 2: Head for Pombie or return to Bious

After breakfast:

Option: Return to Lake Bious-Artigues (3 hours' walk).

Option: Hike to Lake Pombie and its mountain refuge. 6 hours walking. 800 m elevation gain. 900 m elevation loss.

Full board at the Pombie refuge, facing the Pic du Midi d'Ossau.
 

Day 3: Return to Bious-Artigues

4-hour hike to Lake Bious-Artigues
End of your journey

⭐ Strengths

✔ Introduce children to hiking 
✔ Independent hiking
✔ Accommodation and meals provided
✔ One of the most beautiful routes in the Ossau Valley

A gentle, wild and unforgettable adventure to share with the family 💚