Great sites around Saint Lary | Saint-Lary Tourisme

A mosaic of crystalline and sedimentary rocks, battered by erosion and glaciation has given rise to the fabulous landscapes of the Pyrenees National Park.

Refuge area for many species

High peaks, myriad lakes, cirques surrounded by huge cliffsand waterfalls. The National Park plays the role of a refuge area: isards, bears, bearded vultures, desmans, toads, griffon vultures … Its floral wealth is also exceptional.

The Nature Reserve of Néouvielle

The road to the lakes

Between granitic landscapes and emerald lakes, this magical place delivers an incomparable beauty with its exceptional flora and fauna.

The lakes route allows the greatest number of people to get as close as possible to these great untouched spaces through the Néouvielle Nature Reserve. One discovers magnificent lakeside landscapes where water bodies and torrents follow each other… In short, an unforgettable experience to share with the family.

lake aumar Reserve d Néouvielle laetitia

Go toat the Reserve

Closed in winter, this road usually opens from late May to early November (first snowfall).

At Fabian (km 9), turn right onto the lakes road, which winds along a gorge to a vast flat area:the Artigusse parking lot (pedestrian departure for the Oule lake). The winding road continues untilthe lake of Orédon (20 km from Saint-Lary) where it splits to reach the parking of the dam of Cap de Long or the upper lakes of Aumar and Aubert

In detail

Lakes of Oule and Bastan

At the Artigusse parking lot, you will find a trail that will take you to the Oule lake (1820m) in 45 minutes. At the end of the lake upstream, you will then be able to recover the GR10 trail and thus reach the first laquets and then the Bastan lakes (2250m) (1h45 from the Oule dam).

Another possibility of access: By car, you will have to take the Pla d’Adet road and turn towards Espiaube. You will then take the road to the Portet pass (open from June 1 until the first snow *) and leave the car at the top to then join the GR10 on foot in the direction of Bastan (2h15) or Oule (1h15).

Lakes of Orédon - Aumar - Aubert

The Oredon and Aubert lakes are connected to the Oredon dam intended to feed the Neste canal.

After the Oredon dam, you will have the possibility to take by car the road to thelake of Aumar at 2192m (road closed to the ascent from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm from June to the end of September with paying parking lots) or on foot by the path towards the Laquettes which will allow you to reach the lake of Aubert in 1h30.

Cap de Long Lake and Dam

This is an impressive Dam not to be missed during your visit. It was completed in 1954. It feeds the hydroelectric power station of Pragnères (Gèdre canton of Luz). To reach it leave the junction towards the lake of Orédon and continue your road which ends at the foot of the Dam. You will find a parking lot to park (beware a lot of affluence during the vacations) as well as a snack to restore you.

For hikers eager for summits, you can reach, among others,the Campbielh (3173 meters) from the dam.

The valleys not to be missed

Géla Valley

You will have to follow the direction of Spain after the chapel of the Templars.The start of the hike is then in the first bend on the right.

Count 3h to reach thelakes of Barroude (2383m), overlooked by the wall of Baroude classified as a World Heritage Site by Unesco.This valley is very pastoral dogs are prohibited even on a lead. If you are observant you can see Isards on the heights of the pastures.

For the bravest you can reach several peaks including the peak of Port-Vieux.

Rioumajou Valley

In the direction of Spain, reach the village of Tramezaïgues and take the small road that climbs through the pine forest. You will arrive at the Frédancon parking lot (1,381m at 12 Km from Saint-Lary). Closed in winter, this road usually opens from the end of May to the beginning of September.

Filled with a rich fauna and flora, this valley is now a protected area.

Zone Naturelle d’Intérêt Ecologique Faunistique et Floristique, the valley stretches along a stream. From the parking lot you will reach the Hospice du Rioumajou (1h15 walk) and its vast welcoming lawns by taking an easy trail. Other signposted walks are available to you as well as 2 two No Kill courses to fish for Fario trout, around the Hospice du Rioumajou: 1 “child” course of 120 meters and 1 “adult” course of 400 meters. Donkey rides are also possible.

Eating at the Rioumajou hospice

The Moudang Valley

Wild valley, populated with numerous isards (hunting reserve) and a ferruginous spring, the Moudang takes you to a remarkable group of high altitude barns (1521m), once the site of an intense pastoral activity. After the Eget factory (direction Spain), at the place called Pont du Moudang, cross the bridge to the right bank and leave the car. A wide track will lead you to the barns (2h).

A hike in the Moudang valley

Regional reserve of Aulon

The Aulon Regional Reserve located at the foot of the Arbizon.

The Aulon Reserve is a rare jewel of biodiversity where you can discover a preserved nature. It is located in the International Starry Sky Reserve of the Pic du Midi and close to the National Reserve of the Massif du Néouvielle.

Follow the direction of Aulon from the village of Guchen (6Km – 10 min). Take the trail towards the Granges de Lurgues before entering the village of Aulon. If you pass through the village, don’t hesitate to stop by the Maison de la Nature.

For experienced hikers eager for summits, you can reach from the Granges de Lurgues the famous summit of l’Arbizon (2831 meters).

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The Louron Valley

A valley with multiple attractions. In the center the magnificent Lac de Génos -Loudenvielle which can be spotted from the many peaks and ridges that surround the valley. From Saint-Lary, you can reach the valley via Arreau or the Azet pass.