Starting from the valley, lush green undulating hills are interspersed with trickling mountain streams and grazing horses.

One of the most rewarding routes starts from Couflens. Mont Valier Best circular hike in the Pyreneesģ1 miles ( 52 km) round trip, 3 to 4 days, difficultĪt 2828 metres, Mont Valier is a favourite stomping ground for hikers working towards a 3 kilometre climb and beyond. Local tip: Be aware that the fire risk can often be high in the region, especially when conditions have been hot and dry, so consult the fire risk map before you set out. Continue on from there to eventually reach the imposing Peak of Bougarache, known as the 'overturned mountain', where falcons and eagle sightings are common.Ī train is available from Lapradelle, which travels from Axat and down the coast to the east. The Gorge de Galamus is a marvel of nature notable for the vertiginous roads carved within, as well as its colorful pools bringing a little respite from the summer heat. This is one of the best places to stop to take in the sunset. Melodies of finches and siskins fill the air, and almost comically over-sized beetles sometimes veer across the path.Īs you progress towards Puilarens, you’ll see endless postcard views of castles, colorful towns, a windmill, and the Chateau de Queribus clinging, limpet-like to its rock perch, with stunning vistas over the whole Pyrenees Orientale. One route on the Cathar Trail starts from Tuchan and weaves its way along aromatic balcony trails of herbs, with a fragrance that’s strongest in April and May. The delightfully heady scent of wild lavender, rosemary, broom and herbs is one of the exquisite joys of the Pyrenean spring and summer. The historic and popular Cathar Trail, linking the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean via the lower mountains, is one of the best ways to enjoy this. Up to 80 miles (122 km) round trip, 3 days, easy to moderate Tuchan to Puilarens taking in the magnificent Gorge de Galamus Most aromatic hike in the Pyrenees Planning tip: Visit between May and October to avoid snow, and choose a clear day as fog can creep in – even in the summer.Ĭheck weather forecasts for the best chance for epic summit views in the French Pyrenees © Shutterstock / PHILIPIMAGE 2. The Col also offers a shorter 1.5-mile round trip walking directly to the Soum de Grum.

A short 1.5-mile detour after the crest of Andreyt leads to a spectacular view from the Soum de Grum.Ī good starting point for this walk is Gourette, where you can drive or catch a bus to the top of the Col d’Aubisque. Tranquil hike quickly reveals dramatic views of the Cirque de Gourette, with its combination of craggy steel summits and rolling satiny green hills, while light reflects from moist rock that can look like running water. MilesThe Andreyt ridges are a delightful leisurely balcony loop that opens out onto the rest of the Haute–Pyrenees to the west. Stretches of mountains fold lazily into each other, fresh breezes are carried from the sea, and summits are made surreal by sinking cloud. Balcony hikes provide striking views without the exertion, which makes them ideal for families – and anyone wanting an afternoon’s escape. The Andreyt ridges from the Col d’Aubisque Best hike for families in the Pyreneesĥ.4 miles (9 km), 3 hours, easy to moderate These seven best hikes in the French Pyrenees include staggering feats of nature such as the Cirque de Gavarnie, intoxicating aromas drifting through the Pyrenees Orientale, and wild mountains made even more memorable by the friendships often forged in the refuges below them. From formidable rows of summits that surge through the clouds to sunsets that melt into hidden crevices and canyons, the Pyrenees is a hikers’ wonderland. Whether you want to blissfully ramble and discover the perfect picnic meadow, or conquer majestic peaks that soar on the edge of reality, the Pyrenees won’t just satisfy your yearnings, it will inspire you to seek out more.

The ventures eight miles high