The 6 most beautiful hikes in the Massif du Néouvielle

Through granite and limestone scenery, the Néouvielle massif hikes take on a mineral character, for lovers of real mountain walking: expect a good vertical drop, we’re really in the Hautes-Pyrénées!

The Néouvielle massif culminates at 3,192 m with the Pic Long, to the south, and includes many other high peaks such as the Pic de Néouvielle, its alter ego to the north. Hiking in the Néouvielle massif is above all for motivated hikers who aren’t afraid of racking up the elevation gain during the day.

There are many difficult itineraries, often requiring an overnight stay in a refuge. But they are also magnificent! For less ambitious walkers, many of the hikes in the Néouvielle massif are also more accessible, such as those around the beautiful mountain lakes that dot the ancient glacial valleys…

A mountainous area of great beauty, part of which is protected by the Pyrenees National Park, and another by the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve! So it’s easy to find some great hikes…

1. Lac d’Orédon, Lac d’Aubert and Lac d’Aumar

Photo credit : Alltrails

We start with a classic hike in the Néouvielle massif, with a tour of the lakes in the reserve. The big advantage of this walking itinerary is that it’s easy to get to the starting point (pay parking), the loop returns to the starting point, and the scenery is fantastic!

You’re right in the heart of the massif, progressing from lake to lake from Lac d’Orédon: Les Laquettes, Lac d’Aubert, Lac d’Aumar, you name it. With a few technical sections at the end, good shoes and walking poles are recommended for this hike, as always in the mountains…

2. Around Lac de l’Oule

Photo credit : Alltrails

This hike in the Néouvielle massif offers a nice loop around the Lac de l’Oule, with no major difficulties to be expected: an easy-to-follow, popular itinerary that’s perfect for families. Departure is from the Artigusse parking lot (fee payable).

You’ll have to climb most of the way to reach the superb Lac de l’Oule, closed off by a dam. A path leads all the way around, along the banks. Ideal for a nice summer outing, you’ll even come across a bivouac area en route, for those who want to stay the night!

3. Climbing the Pic de Néouvielle

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Let’s get down to serious business with this hike in the Néouvielle massif, which takes you to one of the highest peaks in the area: the Pic de Néouvielle (3,091 m)!

Although popular, this relatively short ascent is reserved for hardy hikers: there’s a good difference in altitude and an imposing scree slope that demands your full attention before you reach the summit. The panoramic view of the Néouvielle massif is your reward!

This is a climb best undertaken in August when the névés have disappeared, with good equipment. The return can be made by the same route (careful with the knees), or by a loop around Lac d’Aubert, which is longer and more difficult.

4. Bastan refuge

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From the Col du Portet (2,215 m), this lovely family hike in the Néouvielle massif takes in part of the GR10, the legendary long-distance hiking trail that crosses the Pyrenees from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean.

Here, we’re doing just a short, easy section to reach the Bastan lakes and the refuge of the same name. The setting is superb for a break, or for lingering all day! The views of Lac d’Oule and the Néouvielle massif are particularly impressive…

Return by the same route, with possible variants, including a climb to the nearby Pichaley peak, at 2,621 m, for the panorama and to spice things up (a little).

5. The Glère refuge from Barèges

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This time we leave from Barèges, for a pleasant hike in the Néouvielle massif, in the direction of the Glère refuge. From the valley floor, you gradually enter the realm of the high mountains, as you climb the 900 m of positive vertical drop on this itinerary!

The best way to enjoy this hike is to spend the night at the Glère refuge on the shores of its lake, before heading back down the following day.

6. Le Soum de Monpelat

Photo credit : Alltrails

Many hikes in the Néouvielle massif start at Lac d’Orédon, to walk around the lakes in particular. Here, the idea is more to get up high and admire these famous lakes from above… 900 m higher, in fact!

A hike best undertaken with poles, rather demanding in terms of physical effort… But the reward is an exceptional panorama of the lakes and peaks of the Néouvielle massif, from the perch of Soum de Monpelat at 2,474 m altitude. Return to the starting point by the same route.