How do you get from Pau to Gourette without a car?

Regional bus route 524 runs from Pau to Gourette via Laruns. The scheduled departure from Place de Verdun in Pau is at 7.52 am, arriving in Gourette at 9.29 am. Please check the timetable before you set off.

What can you do in Gourette in the summer without a car?

From the bus stop, you can go for a walk, take the cable car up to the Bézou plateau, or enjoy the summer activities on offer in Gourette. There are several options for spending the day there without a car.

Is it possible to walk to Lake Anglas from Gourette?

Yes. The hike around Lake Anglas is approximately 7.3 km there and back, with an elevation gain of 720 m and takes around 4 hours to complete. It is suitable for experienced walkers.

What is there to do in Gourette with children in the summer?

If you’re travelling with your family, you might prefer the Bézou cable car, walks across the plateau, Terra Aventura or some of the resort’s other activities. These options are more accessible than a challenging hike to Lake Anglas.

Is it possible to visit the Béarn section of the Pyrenees from Pau without a car?

Yes. Gourette can be reached from Pau by regional transport. It’s a convenient way to explore the Ossau Valley and the Béarn Pyrenees on a day trip without using a car.

A day in Gourette No car!

Before we set off, our hike begins at home. Route, weather, kit… a quick look at‘Réussir ma rando’ helps us check we’ve got everything sorted before we go. That way, we can head to the Pyrenees well prepared and with a carefree spirit.

In summer, Gourette reveals a different side to itself; and as a couple, it’s even better. The mountains become greener, wilder, and, above all, make us want to take our time. We gain altitude by taking the Bézou cable car; we hear the whistle of a marmot echoing off the rock faces; we stop – often for longer than planned – to take in the panorama and the imposing Pic de Ger, which towers over the resort. And if we fancy spicing up the day, all-terrain scooters add their own dose of thrills.

Chloé, Béarn in the pau

I love spending quality time with my little tribe, and it's a real treat to pass on my "appetite" for food and culture!

We’re heading to Gourette

Transport tip:
Departure from Place de Verdun in Pau, bus 524 at 7.52 am
Arrival in Gourette, ‘Parking face Nord’ stop at 9.29 am.
Operated by Transports Régionaux Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
(Please check the website in advance for timetables and fares)

More information about Gourette

At around 9.45 am... Admire The circus

No sooner had we arrived than we looked up. The Pyrenees were all around us. The peaks formed a cirque around us.

Here we are, the two of us, right in the heart of the mountains, boots laced up and rucksacks on our backs. This time, let’s go!

Advice from friends

Tourist OfficeFrom Gourette

To make the most of Gourette, pop into the Tourist Office!
Free maps and top tips, whilst the shop sells lovely souvenirs…

IGN mapThe essentials

It’s an essential tool for any self-respecting walker!
Whatever your hike, big or small, don’t forget to pack the ultimate guidebook.
Available in all good bookshops…

Terra AventuraThe ‘Géo’s’ go skiing

Geocaching trail.
A digital treasure hunt where you’ll need to solve the puzzles.
Duration: 2 hours – Free

At around 10 am... Heading for Lake Anglas For experienced walkers

We gently leave the resort behind us to follow the GR10 and enter the Bois de Saxe. Under the beech trees, the Valentin stream accompanies our steps and a few waterfalls add a refreshing touch to the atmosphere. The path climbs steeply: we’re panting and cheering each other on!

As we emerge from the forest, the scenery changes. The ridges of the Latte de Bazin come into view, then the valley gradually opens out. Higher up, the Anglas waterfall almost seems to show us the way, whilst the Pic du Sanctus watches over the climb.

Everything you need to know about the Lac d'Anglas walk

Just a little more effort...

Just a little more effort. We cross the lake’s spillway and make our way to a large rock. And suddenly, Lake Anglas comes into view! After this lovely climb, it’s the perfect time for a break: we put down our rucksacks and get out our picnic. With the water and the peaks before us, even a simple sandwich takes on a whole new flavour.

All around us, the remains of the old Anglas mines blend with the summer pasture landscape, where sheep, cows and horses graze. Rocky and verdant, wild and pastoral: here, the Béarn mountains offer us one of their most beautiful contrasts.
We’ll have to make our way back down to Gourette along the same path, still following the red and white markings of the GR10. But not just yet. For now, we’re savouring the moment.

Everything you need to know about the Lake Anglas walk

In a nutshell

Duration: 4 hours (there and back) | Distance: approximately 7.3 km | Elevation gain: +720 m

View the walk details

For next time

Today, after our walk, we both agreed that we’d have to come back with the children!
This time, we’ll take the cable car up to the Bézou plateau, stop off at the mountain restaurant ‘Le Cairn ’ and go for a ride on all-terrain scooters.

A different way to experience Gourette… which we’re already really keen to share with them!

The Pic du Midi d’OssauAn idol from Béarn!

A symbol of the Béarn region, the Pic du Midi d’Ossau watches over the valley with its instantly recognisable silhouette.
Affectionately nicknamed ‘Jean-Pierre’ by the people of Béarn, it combines spectacular scenery, legends, pastoral life and outdoor adventures.
Whether it’s hiking, wildlife, high-altitude lakes or simply the panoramic views: set off to discover this mountain that’s quite unlike any other…

Everything you need to know about the Pic du Midi d’Ossau

At around 3.30 pm... A break on the terrace Before setting off again

After the hike, our legs are telling us it’s time to take it easy! Back at the resort, we settle down on the terrace, a cold drink in hand. The peaks are still there, right in front of us: Pène Blanque, Géougue de Tortes and Pic de Ger, forming an exceptional panorama.

We’re already recounting the best moments of the climb, glancing up at the peaks one last time… and savouring the moment. After several hours on the trails, this quiet moment face to face with the Pyrenees feels like a little reward.

At around 4.45 pm... It’s time to set off

It’s already time to head back… We leave Gourette with slightly heavy legs, but our minds are still up there, somewhere between Lake Anglas and the peaks. One thing’s for sure: we’ll be back!

Transport tip:
Departure at 5.00 pm from the “Gourette – Parking face Nord” bus stop towards Pau – Route 524
Arrival in Pau at 6.37 pm
Timetables and fares to be confirmed on the transport operator’s website.