In summer, there is nothing better than escaping to the Pyrenees with family or friends to reconnect with nature, discover the wildlife, enjoy panoramic landscapes, get some exercise, and savour the local gastronomy.
To get your bearings, the département of Pyrénées-Atlantiques is located at the southern tip of Aquitaine (France). It borders Spain to the south (Basque Country, Navarre, and Aragon), the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and the Hautes-Pyrénées to the east. The Pyrénées-Atlantiques département is divided into four main zones, each with its own characteristics. To the west, we find the Basque coast, then in the centre-west of the département, the French Basque Country. Then comes the north-eastern half of Béarn which is semi-mountainous, and to the south-east, the Pyrenees of Béarn, where mountain lovers can enjoy famous sites such as the Lacs d'Ayous and the Lac du Montagnon.
We have compiled a selection of hikes to do in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, heading to lakes, peaks, and unusual mountain spots, to best match your desire for escape with family or friends.
It is worth knowing that hikes in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques cannot all be improvised. Some require advance preparation based on the elevation gain and distance. In addition to being well informed and trained for certain hikes, you must plan appropriate equipment. Your equipment should be lightweight, practical, and comfortable so as not to hinder your activities.
Here are our best tips for choosing the right hike in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques and setting off as well equipped as possible!
Choosing your hike according to your desire for discovery
- Pyrenean lakes
- Lac d'Ibardin (330m): This small lake offers a moment of escape in the heart of the Basque Country. It is perfect for a family walk as it presents no difficulty whatsoever.
- Lacs d'Ayous: You have certainly already heard of them — the unmissable Lacs d'Ayous, deep in the Ossau valley, overlooking a magnificent view of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau. On this hike, you will cross 3 lakes: Lac Roumassot (1845m), Lac du Miey (1914m), and Lac Gentau (1947m). This walk is ideal for families.
- Lac du Montagnon (2003m): It is one of the most photogenic lakes in the Ossau valley! The singularity of this lake lies in its heart shape, but also in its isolation deep in the heart of the Pyrenees. This hike is of moderate intensity and is better suited to experienced walkers.
- At the summit of the peaks
- Pic du Mondarrain (749m): This walk allows you to admire the Basque Country all along the way and to take in a 360° view of the entire coastline. An ideal stroll for lovers of sunrise and sunset. This hike is accessible to families.
- Mont Baïgura (897m): The Baigourra is one of the most visible summits of the Basque mountains. Due to its position, the summit is swept by oceanic winds and it is common to encounter paragliders as well as vultures there. This mountain walk is suited to experienced hikers.
- La Rhune (905m): Standing at 905m altitude, La Rhune is the mountain of the Basque Country. Etched into the hearts of all Basques, it is a source of great pride for them. On foot or by little train, it allows hikers and families to explore it with ease.
- Mont d'Artzamendi (926m): With a radar forming a white sphere at its summit, this mountain stands out from the others when seen from the Basque coast. It will treat you to a spectacular viewpoint over the Pyrénées-Atlantiques and the Spanish Pyrenees. This hike is suited to experienced walkers.
- Pic d'Iparla (1044m): In clear weather, the Pic d'Iparla offers an immense panorama from the Basque Country to the Pic du Midi de Bigorre and, on the other side, the ocean as far as the Landes coastline. A stronghold of vultures, this hike is recommended for experienced walkers.
- Pic d'Orhy (2017m): This peak is the summit of the Basque Country. This mountain offers either a vertiginous passage along the Alupegha ridge, or an easy walk from the Col du Port de Larrau. Depending on the route chosen, it can be within reach of both experienced hikers and families.
- Pic d'Anie (2504m): The Pic d'Anie is the highest peak of the Lescun cirque. It is the first summit to exceed 2500m from the Atlantic Ocean. From up there, you can admire a 360° panorama that is simply extraordinary! This hike is suited to experienced walkers.
- Unusual walks
- La Corniche Basque: as you follow the Atlantic Ocean coastline, you will discover at every turn a different face of the landscape that borders the Basque cliffs.
- The little train of Artouste: Located in the Ossau Valley, this highest tourist railway in Europe offers a tour of the valley at over 2000m altitude.
- The Holzarté footbridge: Suspended 140m above the void, the Holzarté footbridge is the most spectacular in the Pyrenees! This footbridge spans the Olhadubi canyon to allow you to reach the other bank. The panorama is breathtaking.
- The Gorges de Kakuetta: A marked trail allows you to admire the beauty of the gorge. Amid lush vegetation, alongside a winding river, this varied route will delight young and old alike.
And to go further, here is our advice on the equipment needed to head into the mountains.
Preparing your equipment (bag, bivouac, and technical clothing)
- What equipment should you pack in your bag?
- Water: Water is the most important element — whatever the distance, it must not be forgotten. Tip: for a full day, plan for a minimum of 2L of water per person.
- An IGN map: It is very important to set off with an IGN map when hiking — it is an essential safety measure. It will not only help you recognise a path but also find your way back if you get lost.
- A phone and a portable charger: For your information, even without a signal, you can call the emergency services. Your mobile phone can also be useful as a compass or torch if your head torch runs out of battery.
- A head torch: It will allow you to read a map after dark, and to attract the attention of the emergency services should you ever need them.
- A compass: It will help you find North and orientate your map so you do not get lost.
- Decontamination tablets: Since water is the most precious thing, it is important to carry tablets to decontaminate non-potable water you find along the way (waterfalls, lakes, ponds).
- A whistle: If you need to alert the emergency services, a whistle can help them locate you. Reminder of the universal signal: blow three times and wait 10 seconds. Repeat several times until you receive a response.
- A knife: It can prove useful in several situations, for example for eating and during a bivouac.
- Food for the day: depending on the length of your hike or bivouac, we recommend packing food that is easy to carry and not bulky. Always plan for two extra meals.
- A protective jacket: depending on the season, always pack a warm and lightweight garment to carry with you. In winter, a compressible down jacket for example, and in summer, a windbreaker or a waterproof jacket to protect you from wind and rain.
- A poncho: This is the bonus item that could really come in handy! It is the best option for protecting yourself from heavy rain, as well as your backpack.
- A camera: to capture beautiful landscapes!
We recommend distributing the weight in your bag evenly. Store items of the same weight symmetrically to avoid the onset of pain.
- What equipment do you need for a bivouac ?
In addition to the items mentioned above, here is our supplementary list.
- A tent: The size of the tent is very important depending on your height and build. Tip: the tent should be longer than you are when lying down, so that the extremities of your body do not come into contact with moisture.
- A sleeping mat: To avoid sleeping directly on the ground and absorbing moisture, we recommend taking an inflatable sleeping mat if possible.
- A sleeping bag*: Nothing beats a good warm sleeping bag that can withstand low outdoor temperatures.
*When trekking, choosing a sleeping bag is not a task to be taken lightly. To sleep peacefully in the mountains, you will need to take several criteria into account, such as the comfort temperature, the lower comfort limit temperature, weight, filling, closure system, size, compressed volume, shape, and whether it can be zipped together with another bag. Here is our guide to help you choose the ideal sleeping bag for your outings: « Which sleeping bag for a high-mountain trek? ». Pyrenex sleeping bags are available in several models, with different types of natural down filling. The range covers a temperature range from -15°C to 10°C, ideal for all types of use and cold conditions, whether summer camping, mid-season bivouacking, or even more extreme winter expeditions and trekking.
When you head out for a bivouac, your bag will be considerably heavier than for a simple day hike. Make sure to plan for lightweight equipment and avoid overloading yourself.
- What should you wear when heading into the mountains?
Here is our advice to help you choose your technical clothing for hiking and bivouacking according to the seasons.
The mountains are a truly unpredictable playground. The weather, which changes constantly, means we always need to pack clothing for rain, wind, cool temperatures, or heat.
- In summer:
One might think it is easy to dress for summer mountain trips, but in reality it is not that straightforward. You will need to take several criteria into account, such as the weight of your backpack (for a day hike vs. a bivouac), the weather on the day and in the days ahead, the type of hike you are going to do, your current physical condition, your build…
In summer, we recommend prioritising lightweight, comfortable, and technical clothing (such as sportswear, hiking, or trail running gear) for both tops (long-sleeved tops and t-shirts) and bottoms (trousers and shorts).
As seasonal jackets, we recommend taking with you a lightweight down jacket, a hybrid jacket, or a water-repellent windbreaker to cope with the changeable weather. Pyrenex lightweight down jackets and hybrid jackets are filled with natural down to provide warmth and lightness for tackling the mild temperatures of the season. Breathable and water-repellent, Pyrenex windbreakers are perfect companions for your summer mountain outings.
SEE LIGHTWEIGHT DOWN JACKETS & WINDBREAKERS
In summer, we recommend always packing at least one base layer — see « the Pyrenex insulation guide » for more advice. As for accessories, pack lightweight mountain socks, a cap, and sun cream.
- During the shoulder seasons and in winter:
In winter, the context is similar to that of summer, although the weather will require you to dress more warmly whilst taking into account that your backpack will be considerably heavier than during the summer season.
To discover our tips for heading into the mountains during the mid-season and in winter, here is « the Pyrenex insulation guide » to help you find the down jacket, base layers, and essential accessories for your winter mountain activities.
Source of inspiration: Book « Haize: hiking guide » by Adrien Ballanger.
