France, Pyrénées-Atlantiques (département 64), Béarn, Ossau valley, Pyrenees National Park, hike beside Lake Bersau, the Pic du Midi d'Ossau in the background // France, Pyrénées-Atlantiques (département 64), Béarn, Ossau valley, Pyrenees National Park, hike beside Lake Bersau, the Pic du Midi d'Ossau in the backgroundFrance, Pyrénées-Atlantiques (département 64), Béarn, Ossau valley, Pyrenees National Park, hike beside Lake Bersau, the Pic du Midi d'Ossau in the background // France, Pyrénées-Atlantiques (département 64), Béarn, Ossau valley, Pyrenees National Park, hike beside Lake Bersau, the Pic du Midi d'Ossau in the background
©France, Pyrénées-Atlantiques (département 64), Béarn, Ossau valley, Pyrenees National Park, hike beside Lake Bersau, the Pic du Midi d'Ossau in the background // France, Pyrénées-Atlantiques (département 64), Béarn, Ossau valley, Pyrenees National Park, hike beside Lake Bersau, the Pic du Midi d'Ossau in the background|Aadt64 / Aurélien Brusini

Pau Guides Office Spring mountain outings

Do you want to get some fresh air, get moving, learn and see the Pyrenees for yourself? We’ve got just what you’re looking for.
This spring, in 2026, the Pau Guides Bureau will be taking you along the trails, to the summer pastures, to the edge of the ridges and into the secrets of the mountains.

Nine nature outings With the Pau guides' office

On the programme:
Nordic walking, orienteering, bivouac, wildlife, edible flora and geology. Outings that allow you to breathe, observe, understand and experience the mountains in a different way. All with a real plus: human-sized groups, professional supervision and meetings designed to make it easy to carpool from Pau.
Here are our ideas for outings you won’t want to miss.

1. Introduction to Nordic walking Smooth sailing in Pau...

Want to get back into exercise without climbing Everest? Start here. This introductory morning to Nordic walking allows you to learn the right movements, work on your breathing and get moving in a pleasant setting, in the Parc du Château in Pau.

Why do we recommend it?
Because it’s accessible, friendly and the perfect way to get moving again!

2. Introduction to cartography and orientation Learning to read the mountain

A map, a landscape, a compass… and suddenly the mountains become much clearer. This day at Port de Castet will teach you how to interpret the terrain, find your bearings and become more independent.

Why do we recommend it?
Because after this, you’ll never look at a hiking map in the same way again!

3. Awakening of the summer pastures Orienteering bivouac at Cirque d'Anéou

You’ve already got the basics down and want to go further? This weekend’s advanced course takes you into more challenging conditions, with navigation, strategy and reading the terrain in the superb setting of the Cirque d’Anéou.

Why do we recommend it?
Because it’s a real mountain experience, more intense, more immersive and more instructive too!

4. A successful bivouac Witness the awakening of the mountain pastures

Spring puts the mountains back in motion. With Le Réveil des Estives, you can meet the wild animals that are emblematic of the Pyrenees in the rocky meadows of the Cirque d’Anéou.

Why do we recommend it?
Because there’s something rare about this outing: it’s an invitation to slow down, observe and be surprised!

Advice... of hiking friends!

Choosing the right exit To make the most of it

Choose an outing suited to your level. You’ll enjoy the mountains more when the itinerary matches your abilities.
Our advice:
Always check the advertised difficulty before booking and never play down the advertised difficulties.

Preparing the essentials Without overloading

There’s no need to overdo it, but there are a few essentials: suitable footwear and clothing, water, snacks and a comfortable bag. Depending on the outing, remember to bring special equipment, such as binoculars for birds of prey.
And for bivouacs, equipment is available on loan.

Anticipating your departure To aim calmly for the finish

A successful outing starts with simple, smooth organisation.

Be sure to check the meeting time and place, especially if you are planning to leave from Pau by car.
Arriving a little early means you can set off with peace of mind.

Taking the time And look around you

Hiking isn’t just about walking.

It’s also about observing the fauna, flora, landscapes and all that the mountains reveal along the way.

Your best reflex? Slowing down a little, opening your eyes and ears wide to enjoy it all.

5. Wild cuisine hike Pick, cook and taste the mountains on the wild cuisine trail

Here’s an outing that gets everyone on the same wavelength: walking, learning, gathering and cooking. In the Ossau Valley, this botanical day introduces you to edible mountain flora.

Why do we recommend it?
Because it awakens your curiosity, your senses and your appetite. And we love that!

6. Targeting birds of prey Look up with the Objectif Rapaces outing

If you enjoy observing, identifying, comparing and waiting, this is the day for you.
In the Ossau Valley, you’ll learn to recognise different species of Pyrenean birds of prey in flight.

Why do we recommend it?
Because there’s something fascinating about seeing a big bird fly across the sky and finally knowing what it is!

7. Advanced cartography orientation Move up to the next level with an orienteering bivouac at Cirque d'Anéou

You’ve already got the basics down and want to go further? This weekend’s refresher course takes you into more challenging conditions, with navigation, strategy and reading the terrain in the superb setting of the Cirque d’Anéou.

Why do we recommend it?
Because it’s a real mountain experience, more intense, more immersive and more instructive too!

8. Bear country Follow in the footsteps of the plantigrade with Terre d'Ours

Here’s an outing that smacks of the real mountains. Terre d’Ours takes you on a wilderness hike, off the beaten track, in the Ossau Valley, in the footsteps of the Pyrenees’ most mythical inhabitant.

Why do we recommend it?
Because it appeals as much to your imagination as to your legs. It’s a day out for those who like their mountains a little raw, a little secret!

9. Ayous autrement A geological walk

The Bious Artigues site is already breathtaking. But when you look at it through the eye of geology, it becomes even more fascinating. This hike invites you to discover the relief, shapes and riches of this exceptional landscape.

Why do we recommend it?
Because it combines effort, reading the landscape and wonder. A wonderful finale to the spring season!

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