Discover the best outdoor activities in Peyragudes, a wonderful area for lovers of the great outdoors!
Peyragudes enjoys an excellent reputation among holidaymakers in search of bucolic landscapes. The area is surrounded by 3000-metre peaks, like giants of stone and vegetation, ideal for hiking and biking!
The peaks of Peyragudes also welcome winter sports enthusiasts, who are quick to put on their skis, snowshoes and snowshoes to take advantage of the 1500-hectare ski area. The site lends itself to a wide variety of sliding activities, as well as adventurous outings off the beaten track. Discover our top 10 things to do in Peyragudes!
What to do in Peyragudes in winter
A Pyrenean jewel, the Peyragudes resort is unique in that it has one foot in each département: one in Haute-Garonne and the other in Hautes-Pyrénées. As a result, two villages intermingle within the ski area: Peyresourde and Agudes, the contraction of which gave the resort its name. The resort rises to an altitude of 2400 m !
Challenge the slopes in the heart of the Peyragudes ski area
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- 🗓️ Opening dates: December – March
- ❄️ Best period: late January-March
- 💙 We like: going from one village to another without taking off your skis, enjoying the sunniest slope at Peyresourde
Every year, thousands of skiers head for the resort of Peyragudes, perched at an altitude of 2400 meters, offering tourists the most beautiful mountain scenery imaginable: eternal snow as a backdrop, conifers powdered in white, rock sculpted by the wind…
You’ll hurtle down the slopes in the depths of these vertiginous mountains, taking advantage of a ski area with 60 km of pistes (51 in total), facing east-west: a guarantee of sunny days! Put on your skis or your best snowboard and set off to discover the area. What’s on the menu? 18 lifts to take you to the heavens.
The good news is that Peyragudes is going even higher, with its new 401-metre ski lift! It will take you all the way to Cap des Hittes, the highest point in the resort. The key? A 1000-metre descent, the longest in the resort. More experienced skiers can take one of the two black runs next to the lift, for the ultimate in thrills and spills.
One of our favorite spots remains the Vallée Blanche, a journey into the heart of nature. On this 5 km marked descent, you’ll criss-cross the powder between the peaks, surrounded by the voluptuous lines of the surrounding massifs.
🎥 Did you know? The Vallée Blanche is home to the famous 007 run. It takes its name from the legendary James Bond film « Demain ne meurt jamais », shot in 1997. At the time, the secret agent went undercover to spy on Afghan terrorists at an altiport. The altiport is now called Altiport 007, in reference to the blockbuster. Take in the breathtaking views of the Pyrenees and enjoy the 2.7 km descent!
Challenge the heights with ski touring
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- 🗓️ Opening period: November – April
- 📍 Location: Arreau, 65240
- 💙 We love: seeing the Spanish peaks reveal their curves in the distance, when the sky is clear.
What if you went up the slopes the wrong way? Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll reach the summits by , to enjoy a breathtaking view of the Pyrenean massif. Your instructor will introduce you to the mountain’s most beautiful slopes, between immaculate snow cloths and unruly conifers. Note that to reach the heights, you’ll need to be in good physical condition, in order to climb several hundred meters.
It’s well worth the effort, as the scenery is worthy of the most beautiful vacation postcards. Depending on the weather and snow conditions, you’ll be able to enjoy a wide range of views, from the famous Pic du Midi at 2800 m to the 3000 m peaks of the Luchonnais, a massif with the highest concentration of peaks over 3000 m! Depending on the itinerary you take, you’ll also be able to contemplate the superb azure setting of a mountain lake – often frozen in winter – to the delight of climbers.
Explore the great outdoors with sled dogs
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- ✅ Minimum age required: 1 year
- 🎫 Price: €150 per sled
- 💙 We love: getting expert advice from a sled dog specialist and taking the reins on your own.
Imagine yourself as a tracker in the far north, cozily housed in a sled driven by huskies. Towed by these mountain dogs, you’ll set off to discover areas that are sometimes untouched by footprints, surrounded by the snow-capped giants of the Pyrenees. To introduce you to the joys of this sport, your sled will be attached to that of the guide. The guide will help you lead the pack, and offer you sound advice.
You’ll pass through plains and forests, lulled to sleep by the joyful sounds of your four-legged companions. A treat for young and old alike, who can hold the reins of their herd, with a herd speeding to the top of the mountain. If you’re a thrill-seeker, you’re in for a treat! This dog sledding session can be enjoyed alone or in a group (one sled can accommodate up to 4 people), so that the whole group can enjoy the experience.
Snowshoeing off the beaten track in the Oô region
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- 🗓️ Best period: December to March
- ⌛ Duration: about 3 hours
- 💙 We like: small mountain hamlets where the temple seems to have suspended its flight
The Pyrenees are ideal for snowshoe trekking. They’re home to numerous spots far from the crowds, where you’ll come across stone houses tucked away in the heights, rivers forming a mirror of ice, snow-covered fir trees and many other landscapes punctuating your vacation with a pretty rustic note.
Among the must-do snowshoe itineraries, we recommend the area aroundOô, a charming Pyrenean village. This 8.5 km round trip takes you through wilderness, where nature lives in harmony with man. Forest passages, clearings, huts and rivers punctuate your route, and you won’t come across many people on the way!
Good to know : you can visit the site with your dog, but be sure to check the signs. In some places, your faithful sidekick will need to be kept on a leash.
Head for , in the company of a mountain guide , to discover the region’s most beautiful panoramas. What’s on the menu? Depending on the itinerary, you’ll take in the Aure valley, the Néouvielle massif and chiselled ridges.
Take to the skies… and paraglide!
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- ⌛ Flight time: 10 minutes
- 🎫 Price: €90 per person
- 💙We love: soaring like a bird and watching the Peyragudes domain shrink before our eyes.
Did you know that the Pyrenees can also be discovered from the sky? Settle into your two-seater paraglider, strap on your skis and take to the skies with your instructor! You’ll fly over the mountains, suspended in the air at a height of 600 metres… From the heights, Cap de la Pène de Soulit, Pouy Ardoum and other peaks appear to emerge from the earth in snowy garb. Your instructor will be happy to introduce you to the various peaks, and show you the correct posture to adopt.
Please note: this activity is reserved for skiers with previous experience. You must be able to ski straight for a few seconds during take-off and landing, at least on a blue run.
Winter or summer: discover the joys of biathlon!
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- 🗓️ Opening period: April-October and December-April
- 📍 Location: Saint-Lary, 65170
- 💙 We love: pretending to be Martin Fourcade and playing at being a top sportsman.
Not far from Peyragudes, the resort of Saint-Lary-Soulan is proud to host an Olympic event that is well known to the locals: biathlon! There are two versions of the biathlon: and . The course consists of a session of running and obstacles (add Nordic skiing in winter), followed by an introductory rifle shooting session, some ten meters from your target, all in a most mountainous setting, in the heart of the Pyrenees National Park!
You’ll be guided by an experienced instructor to learn the different postures and positions to adopt, in complete safety. After a trial session, you’re ready for the big game : timed fixed shots, a 15-minute run, obstacle jumps… You’ll challenge your opponents to a wildly entertaining competition!
What to do in Peyragudes in summer
When the weather’s fine, it’s not unusual to see mountain bikers criss-crossing the passes and enjoying breathtaking descents… And lovers of canyoning, climbing and other outdoor activities are not left out in this life-size playground.
Put on your hiking boots for a walk in the great outdoors
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- 🗓️ Best period: April – September
- ⌛ Duration : variable according to your itinerary
- 💙 We love: coming face to face with mountain wildlife, with no other neighbors in sight.
Peyragudes offers a most bucolic backdrop, with lush green valleys (or draped in white in winter), crystal-clear lakes and craggy rock. There are a thousand and one possibilities for hiking, from easy circuits for beginners to more arduous routes for more experienced climbers. Planning a family hike? If so, we recommend that you choose accessible itineraries, so that young and old alike can find something to suit them.
With this in mind, make a loop from Peyresourde-Balestas near Germ. You’ll cross the Cap de Pène Soulit and the Col de la Flamme, between pastoral expanses and rock faces jagged by the elements, but also a very pretty fir forest with intoxicating essences. This 5.3 km trail is fairly easy (allow around two hours’ walking). Just note that the climb is a little physical at first.
The Pic de Hourgade is a benchmark for hiking enthusiasts in the region. Perched at a height of 2964 metres, it embraces peaks from theAriège to the Bearn and offers a unique panorama of the sumptuous Luchonnais massif and its voluptuous curves.
Note that this is a physical hike, with a vertical drop of 1,290 meters (beginners please). This 16.4 km round trip takes you to the summit of the Pic, far off the beaten track. As you ascend, you’re likely to catch a glimpse of the Lac de Nère and Lac des Hermitans , whose shimmering robes nestle in the hollow of the mountain: a shot or two is a must! At the summit, the Lac des Caillauas looks like a bluish fabric stretched across the mountainside…
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Head for ! Accompanied by a high-mountain expert, you’ll visit the Pyrenees National Park and its cinematic setting, in a small group. You’ll follow in the footsteps of the herds, and perhaps come across a few shepherds accompanied by their faithful four-legged companions. Other guests may join in the festivities: marmots, isards, vultures and other birds of prey have made their home here, much to the delight of walkers!
Canyoning in the Ôo Valley and Mont Perdu
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- 🗓️ Opening dates: May – September
- 🎫 Price: varies according to course
- 💙 We love: feeling like a modern-day adventurer, as you jump and slide down the rapids.
The area around Peyragudes is full of natural playgrounds where you can have fun in the depths of the rock. The region lends itself perfectly to canyoning , with its climbing walls, natural slides and exhilarating rapids. Among the highlights of this sport, which combines whitewater and land-based activities, we suggest :
- The Cascade du Parisien in the Vallée d’Oô is at the top of the list. It includes a number of jumps, slides and abseiling descents in the midst of flourishing vegetation. As the name suggests, there’s a lovely waterfall along the way, criss-crossing the rocks. Allow around two hours for the descent.
- Our hearts also go out to , a canyoning mecca for adrenaline junkies. Set sail for the Spanish Pyrenees (from Saint-Lary-Soulan), heading for Europe’s highest limestone massif! The 3348-metre-high Mont Perdu towers above its neighbors by a good head.
Here you’ll find numerous canyons sculpted by the translucent waters, including the Miraval canyon, home to a splendid turquoise-coloured natural pool nestling in the heart of the rock. There are several routes to choose from, from the easiest to the most challenging, depending on your level of fitness and preferences. From daredevils to up-and-comers, there’s something for everyone!
Brave the Pyrenean passes on a mountain bike or electric bike
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- 🗓️ Opening period: May-September
- 💙 We love: wandering along forest paths, guided by the region’s finest connoisseurs
The Peyragudes region is home to a vast array of trails suitable for mountain biking. A total of 380 km of marked trails are available to mountain bikers. Are you a downhill mountain biker ? Take the Skyvall gondola from Peyragudes. It will take you right to the top of the resort, for a delicious adrenaline session: enjoy 40 km of slope, with a vertical drop of almost 1600 meters!
If you prefer gentler rides, opt for an escapade. Supervised by an experienced instructor, you’ll set off to discover the Pyrenean massifs in the Saint-Lary-Soulan region. Along the way, you’ll come across some of the region’s great classics, from the Néouvielle nature reserve and its monochrome of greens , to the Rioumajou and Moudan valleys, where crystal-clear streams wind their way through the conifers… There’s no better way to get out in the green!
Have fun on a life-size playground!
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- 👟 Equipment to bring: walking shoes, waterproof windproof clothing, hat and sunglasses
- 🎫 Price: €2 per person
- 💙 We love : solving riddles in the middle of the mountains and marvelling at the great outdoors.
Land’s Game is an ideal activity for the whole family! It combines treasure hunts, treasure hunts and escape games in a natural playground. You’ll be immersed in a fantastic world, full of challenges to overcome, with your game booklet to guide you along the way. Go to the Loudenvielle Tourist Office or Maison de Peyragudes to start your expedition in the village of Loudenvielle.
In addition to the many riddles to be solved as a group, this fun-filled trip will also be an opportunity to discover the Louron Valley, and in particular the shores of Lake Génos-Loudenvieille, whose nest is nestled in the heart of the peaks. For history buffs, the valley is home to a vast array of remarkably well-preservedRomanesque churches : don’t hesitate to take a tour!
You now have all the keys you need to organize your vacation in Peyragudes! Whether you’re looking for cultural discoveries, white-water or land sports, thrills or relaxation… the region has plenty of surprises in store for you. Here are a few ideas for complementary activities to enjoy during your stay in Peyragudes:
❄️ During winter :
☀️ During the summer :
Your successful stay in Peyragudes
How do I get to Peyragudes?
🚗 By car: from Toulouse, Pau or Biarritz, take highway 164 and exit 16 towards Arreau to join the D929, then the D618 towards Peyragudes.
🚅 By train: from Toulouse or Bordeaux, get off at Lannemezan station or Lourdes from Paris
Where to stay in Peyragudes?
There are plenty of accommodation options in Peyragudes . To choose where to stay, you need to decide what type of vacation you’re planning. Do you prefer a downtown rental? An apartment close to hiking trails? An all-inclusive hotel? A chalet in the heart of the mountains? To guide your search, consider checking hotel comparisons as well as rentals on Airbnb.
The choice is yours! Note that if you’re planning to hike in the mountains, it’s advisable to rent accommodation close to nature and the main hiking trails. On the other hand, if you prefer to visit the region’s historic sites, head for Loudenvielle and its ancient stones.
If you’re planning to ski in Peyragudes, it’s best to choose a rental as close to the slopes as possible, so you don’t have to carry your skis or snowboard to the lifts. Off-piste enthusiasts, on the other hand, will prefer a more out-of-the-way chalet.
Our selection of the best accommodation in Peyragudes
🏠 The 8 most beautiful chalets to rent in Peyragudes
🏠 The best Airbnb rentals in Peyragudes
Map of hotels and accommodation – Pyrenees, France