The Aspe Valley
The Aspe Valley is a landmark destination in the Pyrenees on the GR10 hiking path. It is an absolute must for walking enthusiasts, seasoned sportsmen and pilgrims seeking peace and wide-open spaces before crossing the border into Spain.
The Valley extends for 40km from Escot to the Col du Somport and harbours part of the Parc National des Pyrénées, the fabulous Cirque de Lescun and its peaks like the Aiguilles d’Ansabèreand the Table des Trois Rois. Every day pilgrims cross the valley on their way to Santiago de Compostela (on the Via Tolosana). There are many different footpaths which are passable all year round, with cross-country skiing in winter and paragliding in summer for intrepid visitors, plus rock-climbing sites, popular with expert climbers, at Forêt d’Issaux and Cirque d’Aydius.
The typical village of Lescun, at 900m altitude is the starting point for many walks, notably towards Pic d’Anie. It has fine examples of local architecture with slate roofs, narrow streets and stone cottages.
In summer, the moving of flocks to summer pastures is wonderful to see. This joyous occasion starts in Lourdios-Ichère when the ewes are marked and bells hung around their necks, followed by tribute to the shepherds and the blessing of the flocks.
To better understand the charm of this valley, a blend of nature and tradition, the Ecomusée de la Vallée d’Aspe has 4 sites : Discover pastoralism and mountain agriculture at Lourdios and Fermiers Basco-Béarnais at Accous, the history of the Pilgrim Way to Santiago de Compostela at Borce and the legend of Notre-Dame-la-Pierre at Sarrance.
How to get to the Aspe Valley
By road : from Pau, follow N134/E07 to Saragose/Oloron Sainte-Marie. At Oloron, continue along N134 to Bedous
By bus : Oloron-Canfranc and Canfranc Oloron
By rail : Nearest stations are Bedous, Oloron and Pau.
Our selection of accommodations
Lodging
MAISON CASTERA
in OSSE-EN-ASPE - Pyrénées-Atlantiques
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