The best things to do and see in the Aspe Valley

The Aspe Valley is one of three valleys in the Béarn region that stretch at the foot of the Pyrenees, along with the Barétous and Ossau valleys. You'll appreciate the breathtaking panoramas of the mountain ranges. But you'll also find a multitude of fun and family-friendly activities: hiking and cycling trails, rafting and canoeing, parks with numerous animals, picturesque villages, and much more!

Cover photo: ©hebergementpicdanie

The most beautiful villages of the Aspe Valley

Béarn is a region steeped in tradition, and pastoralism remains deeply rooted in Béarn culture. The people of Béarn are authentic and welcoming. They are deeply attached to their heritage and have preserved it throughout the centuries. To better explore the region, here are the most beautiful villages of the Aspe Valley:

• Lescun and its exceptional cirque: Located on the edge of France, near the Spanish border, this charming village, surrounded by forest at the foot of a mountain, offers breathtaking views of its cirque.
• Borce, in the heart of a natural park: Surrounded by the Col du Saoubathou and the Pic d'Aillary, the village offers an impressive landscape. The town is also home to Parc'Ours, an animal park showcasing the flora and fauna of the Aspe Valley.
• Accous, near the Gave d'Aspe: Accous is a small town on the banks of the Gave d'Aspe river. Its surroundings are very natural and ideal for walking. Don't miss a visit to the Church of Saint-Martin, rebuilt in the 18^th century. It is also the starting point for a beautiful hike to the Col d'Iseye.

Hiking in the Aspe Valley

Hiking in the Aspe Valley will reveal breathtaking landscapes of the steep cliffs of the Pyrenees, mountain lakes, and valley meadows. While the ascent to the peaks and passes requires a good level of fitness, the forest walks on the plateaus are easily accessible and suitable for families. We have selected a few routes of varying difficulty:

• Fort du Portalet : Located in the commune of Etsaut, near Urdos, the 7 km hike to the fort is a must-do. Starting from Pont de Cebers, you'll follow the Chemin de la Mature trail along the Gave d'Aspe river. The route climbs to an altitude of 1300 meters, and the ascents are quite steep.
• The Ansabère huts: From Lescun, a 10 km loop, on a passable and fairly easy path to walk, leads you to traditional huts, typical of the Pyrenean heritage.
• The Estaens Lake Loop : This is a 10 km route of medium difficulty. You will need to take the Chemin des Échelles (Ladder Path) to discover this beautiful lake. Other lakes are also located nearby.

Climbing mountain passes

The mountain passes of the Aspe Valley have the unique characteristic of being very close to Spain. You can even sometimes take advantage of this to cross the border! The Somport and Hourataté passes are particularly renowned. The main passes of the Aspe Valley are:

• The Somport Pass: This mountain pass, straddling Spain and France, reaches an altitude of 1,632 meters. The road from Accous is 28 km long and leads to the ski resort. If you decide to cycle between May and September, you'll likely encounter snow. The climbs vary in intensity and become more balanced as you progress through the ride.
• The Hourataté Pass: This 9 km route, reaching an altitude of 1021 meters, is quite challenging and demanding. You will start from Bedous. The panoramic view upon arrival at the Hourataté Pass is truly worth the effort.
• The Col de l'Abérouat: Starting from Lescun, this is a long 17 km road! Its steep slopes and significant elevation changes make it a challenging route. Make the most of every break… You'll need them to reach the end!

A getaway to Canfranc: the cross-border gem

Just a few minutes from Urdos, after crossing the Somport Pass, the Aspe Valley opens onto Spain and reveals a spectacular site: Canfranc.

Nicknamed the "Titanic of the Mountains," the International Station, inaugurated in 1928, is an architectural masterpiece. Recently transformed into a luxury hotel, it can be visited to admire its majestic hall and platforms that seem frozen in time. It is the very symbol of the enduring bond between Béarn and Aragon.

In terms of activities, Canfranc is also the starting point for superb hikes to glacial lakes or along the Aragonese Way (a variant of the Way of St. James). In winter, the ski resorts of Candanchú and Astún, located just above, offer exceptional terrain for skiers from the Aspe and Béarn regions.

Although the train currently stops at Bedous on the French side, the ambition to reopen the entire line to Canfranc remains at the heart of local projects to sustainably reconnect these two mountain areas.

Rafting and Canoeing on the Gave d'Aspe

The Gave d'Aspe is a renowned fishing spot. But you can also enjoy canoeing there with your family. The Aspe Valley is very natural and wild. It's a feast for the eyes to admire it from the water. Some sections are also ideal for rafting. You'll find routes for beginners and others that are more challenging.

Go Canyoning

Canyoning is a sport that's still relatively unknown but is becoming increasingly popular. While it requires a good level of fitness, it doesn't demand extensive training. Some routes resemble nature walks, combining natural water slides, hiking, and swimming. Others require climbing skills or at least the ability to rappel. In any case, it's a whitewater sport that's very popular with families.

Family visits in the Aspe Valley

The Borce Bear Park is an animal park near the Saoubathou Pass. There, you can enjoy a walk in the heart of nature, surrounded by animals. You'll see marmots, and of course, bears. It's a wonderful vantage point for observing the flora and fauna of the Aspe Valley.

The Notre Dame de la Pierre Ecomuseum is a historical monument housing a beautiful collection of ancient and traditional objects. Whether you love art and crafts, archaeology and history, or the nature and environment of the Aspe Valley, you'll find all the answers to your questions there!

We hope that this walk in the Aspe Valley has charmed you and made you want to discover it during your next holiday in Béarn.

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