The 10 Most Amazing Peaks around Aulon

The region around Aulon is famous for its mountain passes, many of which are legendary in the Tour de France. Among the most popular are Col d'Aspin, which offers splendid views and culminates at 1,489 meters, and Col de Val Louron-Azet, connecting the Louron and Aure valleys at 1,580 meters. The iconic Col du Tourmalet, one of the highest passes in the Pyrénées, is also nearby.

For breathtaking panoramic views, the Pic du Midi de Bigorre is an excellent choice, reaching 2,876 meters and featuring a 600 square meter terrace. The Pic d'Arbizon, located on the southern flank of Aulon, also provides stunning vistas of the surrounding Pyrenean range.

Yes, the Regional Nature Reserve of Aulon is a highlight for nature enthusiasts. It extends up to the 2,738-meter summit of the Pic d'Aulon and is home to diverse ecosystems, including rare plant species, mountain lizards, Pyrenean euproctes, and bearded vultures. You can also observe traditional mountain life with shepherd's huts and herds.

The area offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can explore numerous running trails, such as the challenging Col de Bastanet and Pic de Bastan Trail. Cycling is very popular, with routes like the Col d'Aspin – Hourquette d'Ancizan loop. Mountain biking enthusiasts will find trails like the Vielle-Aure – Path Along the Neste River loop. For more options, check out the guides for Running Trails around Aulon, Cycling around Aulon, and MTB Trails around Aulon.

Yes, the Laquet de Coste Oueillère is a notable lake surrounded by other beautiful natural lakes within the reserve. It's known for its sloping edges, which are ideal for mountain pastures, and you might spot sheep herds around it.

The best time to visit largely depends on your planned activities. Summer and early autumn (June to September) generally offer the most favorable weather for hiking and cycling, with accessible passes and trails. Some high-altitude areas, like the Pic du Midi de Bigorre, are open year-round, offering different experiences in winter.

Absolutely. The Aulon Regional Nature Reserve is integrated into the Pic de Midi International Dark Sky Reserve, making it an exceptional spot for stargazing. The clear mountain air and minimal light pollution provide ideal conditions to observe the night sky.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning panoramic views, especially from spots like Pic du Midi de Bigorre. The challenging yet rewarding ascents of passes like Col d'Aspin are also highly appreciated by cyclists. The natural beauty, diverse flora and fauna, and the sense of accomplishment after reaching a summit are common highlights.

For experienced mountaineers, peaks like Mont Perdu (Monte Perdido), though further afield, offer dramatic limestone landscapes and glacial formations, attracting serious trekkers. Closer to Aulon, the ascent to the Pic du Midi de Bigorre can be steep and arduous, rewarding climbers with exceptional views.

The Hourquette d’Aubert is a high pass at 2,498 meters, offering a beautiful overview of the Néouvielle reserve. In Pyrenean toponymy, a 'hourquette' refers to a succession of passes forming a fork. It's a significant point for hikers, often marking the end of an ascent and the beginning of a descent towards scenic lakes like Aubert and Aumar.

The Col de Peyresourde is situated about 15 km east-south-east of Aulon. It's another notable mountain pass in the Pyrénées, frequently featured in the Tour de France. It provides beautiful views and is a popular route for both road cyclists and those exploring the region by car, connecting various valleys with diverse scenery.