Walking in the Pyrénées  In the peak summer months the Pyrénées make for the most idyllic walking imaginable.  Rocky crags and mountain tops combine with sleepy villages and river valleys to make a terrain that is pure delight.  The weather is excellent in the peak summer months and this, combined with a multitude of other attractions in the area, provides the perfect destination for a family walking holiday.  Depending on the age, capability and experience of your children you will find there is a broad scope of walks with different degrees of difficulty and distance.

Location: 50km south of Lourdes via the D922, then the D176 south of Luz-Saint-Sauveur.
Description: The Cirque d’Estaube is the little sister to the larger Cirques of Gavarnie and Troumouse, between which it sits.  It’s more inaccessible but can be reached along the Gave d’Estaube.  It will take you a few hours to walk to the cirque.

Our recommendations: If you are staying in the area and love mountain scenery then this is worth a visit.  But if you are travelling from a distance then the other cirques are the ones to visit. For this walk you should ensure you a good map and adequate clothing in case of inclement weather.
For the children:  Will only appeal to enthusiastic walkers!

          - Cirque d'Estaube
          - Cirque de Gavarnie
          - Cirque de Lys
          - Cirque de Troumouse
          - Col d'Aspin
          - Lac du Bouillouses
          - Lac de Gaube

Needless to say there is so much walking in the Pyrénées we have only scratched the surface here.  For more information check out the websites listed in the panel below.

Websites on cycling in the Pyrénées (only for real roughnecks!):
http://www.cycling-pyrenees.com
http://www.cycle-rides.co.uk