The Aure valley

Benefiting from a privileged climate because it is largely sunny and protected from western disturbances by the summit of Arbizon its guardian angel, the Aure valley is a pleasant place and preserved from industrial development. From the village of Arreau, it goes up and stretches along the river the Neste d’Aure to Spain, the access to which is through the Tunnel of Aragnouet-Bielsa.

In this valley, mainly pastoral, Saint-Lary developed rapidly in the post-war period, particularly with the construction of large hydroelectric dams at high altitudes such as the cap de long dam and the ski resort, the development of which began in 1957.

Rich in fauna and flora, the Néouvielle Nature Reserve and its lakes is one of the must-sees. Accessible to hikers, this wilderness area is dotted with multiple high altitude lakes. There are no less than 70 of them including the lakes of Orédon, Oule, Aubert and Aumar as well as the Cap de Long dam. Hikes can be made from refuge to refuge to fully savor the beauty of the site.

The valleys of the Rioumajou and Moudang, Classified as a “Natura 2000″ site, allow you to observe numerous birds but also plant species specific to the Pyrenees. Discovery animations” await you, as well as donkey rides. Whether to fish or to walk, do not hesitate to inquire.