The Tour of Ossau in 5 days

The Ossau Valley Tourist Office offers a trek around the Pic du Midi d'Ossau. Self-guided trip, with the option of hiring a mountain guide for the entire duration of your stay.

Day 1: Bious – Ayous – Larry Peak

Early morning arrival in Laruns. Welcome by your mountain guide. Leave your personal belongings at your accommodation for day 5, then transfer by minibus to Lac de Bious-Artigues (1,400 m), one of the valley's major sites, dominated by the north face of Ossau.

Via winding paths, climb to the Ayous refuge and settle in. For those who wish, climb Pic de Larry (2,337 metres), a magnificent viewpoint over the high valleys of Aspe and Ossau.

Dinner and overnight stay at the Ayous refuge.

• Elevation gain: +600 m (+360 m for Larry Peak)

• Walking time: 4 to 5 hours

Pros: the magnificent site of Ayous, on the shores of Lake Gentau, one of the most photographed landscapes in the Pyrenees.
 

Day 2: Col and Pic des Moines

Breakfast at the refuge.

Star-shaped hike via the Col des Moines, a major crossing point for pilgrims travelling to Santiago de Compostela. Ascent of Pic des Moines (2,349 m) on the French-Spanish border ridges.

Observation of the Pyrenean chamois, the emblematic animal of the Pyrenees National Park.

Return to the refuge to admire the western face of Ossau ablaze at sunset. Picnic prepared by the refuge wardens. Dinner and overnight stay at the refuge.

• Elevation gain: +850 m / –500 m

• Walking time: 5 to 6 hours

Advantages: panoramic views on both sides of the Pyrenees mountain range, wild and uncrowded areas, lively pastoralism and wildlife watching.

Day 3: Tour of the Lakes – Peyreget – Pombie

Breakfast at the refuge.

Hike around the lakes, including Lac Paradis. Off-trail descent to the Bious-Artigues plain, stop at a shepherd's hut, then climb back up to the lake and the Col de Peyreget (2,200 m).

Arrival at the Refuge de Pombie (2,031 m), at the foot of the famous south-east faces of the Pic, which are criss-crossed by numerous climbing routes.

Picnic planned. Overnight stay at the refuge.

• Elevation gain: +750 m / –660 m

• Walking time: 4 to 5 hours

Advantages: numerous high-altitude lakes, vibrant pastoral life, the Pic du Midi d'Ossau visible throughout the day.
 

Day 4: Glère – Arrémoulit

After breakfast, descend into the Glère valley via the Soum de Pombie ridges. Climb back up towards the Arrius valley; from the pass, enjoy one last view of Ossau before arriving at the Arrémoulit refuge (2,280 metres), nestled at the foot of its lake.

High mountain atmosphere, in the heart of the Pyrenean peaks, on the trails of the National Park.

Picnic planned. Dinner and overnight stay at the refuge.

• Elevation gain: +1,200 m / –900 m

Highlights: protohistoric tombs of La Glère, spectacular site of Arrémoulit.

Day 5: Artouste – Soussouéou – Laruns

After breakfast, enjoy a long day descending from the alpine level to the mountain level. Pass by Lake Artouste, then cross the famous Soussouéou valley.

From high-altitude rocky landscapes to deep beech and fir forests, you will reach the village of Gabas. Transfer by bus to Laruns.

Accommodation in a hotel or guesthouse** and a farewell meal featuring local specialities. Overnight stay in a hotel. (overnight stay at your expense)

• Elevation gain: +400 m / –1,200 m

• Walking time: 6 hours

Advantages: exceptional diversity of landscapes and rich flora.

Day 6: End of stay

Breakfast and dispersal of the group.