Christel’s hiking trio

Do we know each other?We can use ‘you’ informally

Sign

Desman

Mascot

Marmot

Ritual

Having my morning coffee whilst looking out at the Pic de Viscos

Leisure

Hiking, mountain biking, tennis

Gourmet delights

Barèges-Gavarnie PDO lamb

Secret

Meditating by a mountain lake

Experience the mountains with the changing seasons

I’m passionate about nature and the great outdoors, and I spend most of my time on the trails of the Pyrenees, seeking out panoramic views, beautiful light and simple moments in the heart of nature.

Here, every hike is an opportunity to discover a new valley, a mountain lake or a peak offering a unique view of the mountains.

I love setting off early in the morning, when the valley is slowly coming to life and the first rays of sunlight illuminate the ridges. Along the way, I take the time to observe nature, to listen to the sound of the wind, the rushing streams or the silence of the peaks. Here, the mountains set their own pace and remind us of what really matters.

Amidst forests, mountain pastures and high-altitude trails, I find in these landscapes a true source of energy and freedom. Living in the heart of the Pyrenees means learning to appreciate every season, every light and every moment spent outdoors.

Here are my three favourite hikes.

My 3 hikes Preparing your stay

1 | Falling asleep under the stars

Getting as close as possible to a starry sky!

As a child, every summer weekend I’d head off to the mountains with my parents, who were great lovers of the Pyrenees and, above all, the Pays Toy.
One of our favourite spots for fishing for brown trout or rainbow trout was Lake Glère. Easily accessible via a two-hour walk from the Lienz Forest, it is one of the gateways to the Néouvielle Nature Reserve. The hook-leaved pines, the multitude of turquoise lakes and several endemic species give it a unique charm. It’s nicknamed ‘Little Canada’ because of its microclimate… and you’ll understand why a little later on!
Back when I was 14, a camping trip at the end of August left me with an indelible memory. After a good night’s sleep, we were woken by a bitterly cold dawn – and for good reason: it was snowing in large flakes, just like in the middle of winter. The snow was beginning to cover the lake. Needless to say, we didn’t think twice: the tent was packed away in record time and we had breakfast on the way back in the car between Lienz and Luz-Saint-Sauveur. Hence the importance of being very well equipped when camping and making sure you have emergency blankets!

Lake Glère
20 mins from Luz

route here

2 | Spotting marmots at Lake Especières

Fancy spottingmarmots whilst enjoying incredible views of the cirque’s cliffs?

For families with young children, I often recommend this charming little lake, nestled in the heart of the Pyrenees National Park at an altitude of 2,200 metres. Accessible from the Col des Tentes in a 15-minute walk, it’s a great spot for a picnic, an introduction to catch-and-release fishing, and spotting the families of marmots that have made their home there.
I recommend bringing binoculars, as birds of prey from the Spanish cliffs of Ordesa often take advantage of cross-border air currents to make forays onto the French side.

A little tip: come early to watch the animals in the tranquillity of dawn, or opt for an evening outing (making sure first that no thunderstorms are forecast) to watch the sunset and the stars from the Col des Tentes; a spectacular sight guaranteed!

Lac des Espécières
, 45 mins from Luz

3 | Following in someone’s footsteps great Pyrenean mountaineers

Situated at the far end of the Gavarnie Cirque, right at the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Brèche de Roland is, for me, one of the natural wonders of the Pyrenees.

My father took me there when I was eight years old. It was my first high-mountain hike, at an altitude of 2,872 metres.
I was left speechless by the power of nature that had created this veritable gateway between France and Spain, with the two huge 100-metre-high limestone cliffs framing me on either side and the bird’s-eye view down into the depths of the cirque and its great waterfall. Up there, you’re surrounded by the majestic peaks: the Taillon, the Casque, the Tour, the Marboré and, in the distance, the Vignemale. One can then understand the enthusiasm of the 19th-century Pyrenean mountaineers – those artists and seasoned climbers who set out to conquer the highest peaks of the Pyrenees, and shared their experiences through literary works.
Although the route starts at an altitude of 2,200 metres via the Col des Tentes – accessible by car in summer – the walk is nonetheless challenging and demanding. You should allow 5½ hours for the round trip, and set off well-equipped with good walking boots, an IGN map or a guidebook, and something to protect you from the cold, as it is always windy on arrival. After passing the Taillon Glacier and then the Col des Sarradets, a mountain refuge welcomes you for a refreshing break before tackling the final ascent through snow or scree, depending on the season.

Breche de Roland
, 55 mins from Luz