Valleys, lakes and viewpoints – running on the Pic du Midi d'Ossau
Running Collection by Julien Harté
10 routes
30:17 h
168 km
10,890 m
The Pic du Midi d'Ossau is one of the most remarkable sights in the Pyrenees. The highest point in the Ossau Valley, at 2,884 metres (9,462 ft), this peak is known as "Jean-Pierre". Many legends are at the origin of this nickname, including that of the twins Jean and Pierre, young shepherds in charge of preventing the invasion of the Barbarians.
Nestled between Spain, the Basque Country and the High Pyrenees, this emblematic valley of the Bearnais Pyrenees is an ideal playground for trail enthusiasts.
On the programme for this Collection are large pasture plateaus, lakes, ridges and summits through 10 routes, classified from the shortest to the longest, ranging from 7 to 35 kilometres (4 - 22 mi). They all have the common objective of giving you beautiful panoramas of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau, its valley and its infinite riches. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker, these itineraries suggest beautiful adventures in the heart of a preserved natural environment that inspires wonder.
I recommend that you attempt these routes between mid-May and mid-November. Outside these periods, the presence of snow due to the altitude makes the paths impassable. Good weather is preferable if you want to take full advantage of the panoramic views. I advise you to bring enough water with you, although, depending on the itinerary you choose, you can fill your water bottles at the refuges. Finally, I advise trail shoes to be comfortable on the different types of terrain in the valley.
All the routes start from the free car park of Bious-Oumettes, accessible only by car and located on the beautiful plateau of the same name. Avoid parking at the Bious-Artigues car park a little further up the road, which is too often overcrowded.
On The Map
Activities
00:41
5.23km
7:46/km
200m
200m
ExpertExpert run. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
This course of just over five kilometers and 200 meters of elevation is ideal for those who wish to learn about trail running in the mountains. On the program, pretty plateaus, a lake and beautiful views of some peaks in the Ossau valley.
The route begins at the Bious-Oumettes car park, accessible by…
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Julien Harté
01:05
7.52km
8:42/km
360m
360m
ExpertExpert run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.This outing suggests a route of seven and a half kilometers including almost 400 meters of elevation gain in the heart of the Ossau valley. Designed for trail beginners, it takes you on a great mountain adventure following part of the GR 10.
The start is in the Bious-Oumettes car park which is accessible…
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01:56
10.4km
11:06/km
660m
660m
ExpertExpert run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.The Ayous lakes loop is ideal for trail beginners who want to challenge themselves in the mountains while evolving in a magical setting. This ten-kilometre route with 600 meters of elevation gain takes you into the superb Ossau valley, its forest, its lakes and its panoramas.
The start is in the free…
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02:17
11.0km
12:26/km
920m
920m
ExpertExpert run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.This pretty 11 kilometer loop includes 900 meters of elevation gain suitable for experienced or intermediate trail runners. Indeed, this nice ratio takes you on a course that offers all the positive elevation in one go before ending with a slightly longer and gentler descent.
The route begins on the vast…
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02:09
12.9km
10:02/km
870m
870m
ExpertExpert run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.This very beautiful loop of about 13 kilometers and 900 meters of elevation gain is perfect for discovering some of the wonders of the valley. By following in the footsteps of the GR 10, you cross the various lakes of Ayous before reaching the pass of the same name which offers an exceptional panorama…
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03:17
16.7km
11:46/km
1,100m
1,100m
ExpertExpert run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.With this route I suggest you go around the star of the valley, the Pic du Midi d'Ossau. Nicknamed "Jean-Pierre", this emblematic summit of Béarn is located in a remarkable and preserved natural site. Intermediate and experienced trail runners discover the beauty of these landscapes through a loop of…
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03:10
17.6km
10:50/km
1,350m
1,330m
ExpertExpert run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.Through this very pretty route, I invite you to gain height on the ridges of the Ossau valley while strolling in the middle of the superb Ayous lakes. The 17.6 kilometer loop with 1,300 meters of elevation gain is suitable for intermediate and experienced trail runners who wish to discover Ossau from…
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04:29
23.1km
11:39/km
1,550m
1,550m
ExpertExpert run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.This superb loop of 23.1 kilometers and 1,550 meters of elevation takes you around the Pic du Midi d'Ossau, making you discover its most beautiful lakes.
The start of this route in the Ossau valley is in the Bious-Oumettes car park. From there, you climb to the Col de Suzon passing by the lake of Bious…
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04:57
28.8km
10:18/km
1,590m
1,590m
ExpertExpert run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.Passes, ridges and lakes are on the program for the 28.8 kilometers and 1,600 meters of elevation gain that form a grand tour of the emblematic Pic du Midi d'Ossau. With this loop I suggest a route that varies both the types of terrain and the landscapes to discover.
The adventure starts from the free…
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06:16
34.3km
10:57/km
2,290m
2,310m
ExpertExpert run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.This beautiful and large loop of 34.3 kilometers and 2,300 meters of elevation is intended for trail runners who wish to discover all the secrets of the Ossau valley. This route takes you on a route that delivers the most beautiful views of one of the most emblematic peaks of the Pyrenees, the Pic du…
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Collection Stats
- Activities10
- Distance168 km
- Duration30:17 h
- Elevation10,890 m
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