A hiker on a green trail in the Pyrenees, with wild and serene landscapes.
1 / 0
A panoramic view of the Pyrenees mountains, misty and verdant, inviting adventure.
1 / 0
Peaceful cows in a verdant forest in the Pyrenees, an invitation to escape into the wilderness.
1 / 0
A hiker observes the majestic mountains of the Pyrenees at sunset.
1 / 0
Three hikers admiring the Pyrenees mountains, surrounded by peaceful wilderness.
1 / 0
Vast panoramic views of the Pyrenees, combining green countryside and a peaceful mountain home.
1 / 0
Panoramic views of the Pibeste massif, majestic mountains and light mist, an invitation to adventure.
1 / 0
Peaceful ruminants on a vast green meadow, with mountains in the background.
1 / 0
Hiking in the Pyrenees, an adventurer explores green hills under a sunny sky.
1 / 0
A group of hikers in the Pyrenees, surrounded by lush green landscapes and majestic mountains.
1 / 0
Vast green mountains bathed in light, an invitation to escape and adventure.
1 / 0
Majestic scenery in the Pyrenees, with green mountains under a cloudy sky.
1 / 0
A magnificent walk in the Pyrenees, with lush green valleys and majestic mountains.
1 / 0
Two hikers walk towards the Pyrenean mountains under a brilliant blue sky.
1 / 0
A panorama of the Pyrenees with horses grazing on a meadow, surrounded by clouds and mountains.
1 / 0
A hiker on a green trail in the Pyrenees, with wild and serene landscapes.
A panoramic view of the Pyrenees mountains, misty and verdant, inviting adventure.
Peaceful cows in a verdant forest in the Pyrenees, an invitation to escape into the wilderness.
A hiker observes the majestic mountains of the Pyrenees at sunset.
Three hikers admiring the Pyrenees mountains, surrounded by peaceful wilderness.
Vast panoramic views of the Pyrenees, combining green countryside and a peaceful mountain home.
Panoramic views of the Pibeste massif, majestic mountains and light mist, an invitation to adventure.
Peaceful ruminants on a vast green meadow, with mountains in the background.
Hiking in the Pyrenees, an adventurer explores green hills under a sunny sky.
A group of hikers in the Pyrenees, surrounded by lush green landscapes and majestic mountains.
Vast green mountains bathed in light, an invitation to escape and adventure.
Majestic scenery in the Pyrenees, with green mountains under a cloudy sky.
A magnificent walk in the Pyrenees, with lush green valleys and majestic mountains.
Two hikers walk towards the Pyrenean mountains under a brilliant blue sky.
A panorama of the Pyrenees with horses grazing on a meadow, surrounded by clouds and mountains.
View 6 departures

Wildlife watching

Tracking the brown bear in the Pyrenees

May to October
5 days| 4 nights
Level 2
Eco-score 4/5

What you will experience

Hike in the Pyrenees National Park, the last bastion of the brown bear in France.
Pass through the beech and fir forests of the Val d'Azun, home to isards, skunks, deer and capercaillie.
Watch bearded vultures and griffon vultures circling over the mountain pastures from the Col du Bazès.
Spend an unforgettable night in an isolated pastoral hut in the heart of the Pyrenean mountain pastures.
Head up to the Col des Portes to watch for the Egyptian vulture, one of Europe's rarest birds of prey.

Itinerary

Sign up to discover this content and more!

DAY 1 / 5
Accommodation
Mountain hut
D-
600m
D+
600m
Distance
10km
We meet at 9.00 am at Lourdes station (transfer for those travelling by train). For those arriving by car, go directly to the Mountain hut at Haugarou, which is accessible by vehicle. After settling in, we'll set off on an acclimatisation hike towards the Col de Spandelles and the Pic de l'Estibette.

We cross a beautiful fir forest, observe the fauna and watch out for the large birds of prey that inhabit the Pibeste massif. We return to the Mountain hut at the end of the day for a convivial dinner and our first night in peace and quiet.
DAY 2 / 5
Accommodation
Mountain hut
D-
700m
D+
700m
Distance
10km

Departure for a hike from the Mountain hut. We make our way gradually up through the forest, taking the time to look for signs of wildlife.


This is a sanctuary for many species of animal, from deer to capercaillie... We reach the heights and are treated to an incredible view. We take a picnic lunch. The hike continues and we skirt around the Pic du Bazès.


We look for the isard perched high up on the peak. We return to the Mountain hut. Preparation for the next day's bivouac.

DAY 3 / 5
Accommodation
pastoral hut
D-
360m
D+
650m
Distance
10km

Departure for a three-day self-sufficient bivouac from the Mountain hut at Haugarou. We climb the southern slopes of the Pibeste Regional Nature Reserve, a summer grazing area. We made a number of observations (birds of prey).


When we reach the pass, we take out our picnic and enjoy the view of the Pyrenees and its mythical peaks. Then we continue on over a second pass, reaching our hut for the next few days. We settle in and organise our camp (wood, water from a spring, etc.).


The site is ideal for observing a wide range of species, from moufflons to bearded vultures. We spend the night in this pretty, characterful hut.

DAY 4 / 5
D-
650m
D+
360m
Distance
10km
Accommodation
Mountain hut
After a quiet start at the hut, we set off again for the Mountain hut at Haugarou.
The route takes us through mountain pastures and beech forests, ideal for wildlife watching.
We return to the Mountain hut in the middle of the afternoon for a final convivial evening in the heart of the Val d'Azun.
DAY 5 / 5
D-
650m
D+
650m
Distance
9km
Transfer by car to the village of Ouzous. From here, a balcony hike takes us to the Col des Portes, with superb vantage points over the valley and ridges.

It is here that the Egyptian vulture, a rare and emblematic species of the massif, can sometimes be spotted.
After a final panoramic picnic lunch, return to Lourdes in the late afternoon (arriving around 5.00 p.m.) to complete this immersion in the territory of the Pibeste and the Brown Bear.

The guides who will lead your adventure

Story time
Guide Hadrien - International mountain Leader (IML)

Hadrien

International mountain Leader (IML)

FrenchFrench
EnglishEnglish

I discovered the mountains at the age of thirteen when my parents moved to the Hautes-Alpes. It was then that something really clicked! A dream was born in my mind: to help people discover the mountains while preserving them. I achieved my most cherished dream when I qualified as a mountain leader. Since moving to the Hautes Pyrénées in 2016, I've been sharing unique moments in the heart of nature. Through the photographic lens, I raise awareness of the fragility of our world. My work allows me to represent the mountains in their noblest forms.


Find out more about Hadrien

What's included in the price

Included

Guiding: You will be guided by a qualified mountain leader and nature photographer, who is passionate about wildlife and knows the area inside out.
Accommodation: 3 nights in a Mountain hut, comfortable accommodation in the heart of the Val d'Azun and 1 night in a pastoral hut, for total immersion in the heart of nature.
Meals: All meals are included from dinner on day 1 to the picnic on day 5.
Collective equipment: Loan of cooking equipment and logistics for the bivouac (stove, collective crockery, binoculars).

Not included

Transport to the meeting point : The return journey to Lourdes station is not included.
Day 1 lunch: To be arranged by you.
Personal equipment: Sleeping bag, mattress, mountain clothing, hiking boots, rucksack, water bottle, toiletries and personal belongings.
Anything not explicitly mentioned in the "What's included" section.

What level should you expect

Level 2
You should be at least 16 years old to participate
  • You are able to walk between 4 and 6 hours a day, with a 600-700 m ascent.
  • You're ready for a real immersion in nature, between mountain huts and pastoral cabins.
  • You want to observe wildlife, hike in a nature reserve and enjoy convivial evenings away from the hustle and bustle.
  • You're not afraid of simple, rustic conditions (1 night in a hut with no modern comforts), but you'll love the return to the cosy hut at the end of the stage.
  • You're looking for an authentic, human adventure on the theme of wildlife, and the Pyrenean bear in particular.

Getting there

Start: Lourdes station (09h00)
End: Lourdes station (17h00)

Transport

decorative

Driving takes time... So why not take the train?
What's more, we'll pick you up straight from the station.

  • Departure station > SNCF Lourdes (TGV INOUI)

Our team will welcome you and take you to the departure point of the expedition by shuttle.
Want to book your ticket? We can help you find the right route

decorative

Would you prefer to arrive on your own? No problem!

You can meet us directly at our accommodation. Free parking is available on site. And as always at Wildhartt: if you want to suggest or look for a carpool, a WhatsApp group is set up 7 to 10 days before departure.

How to register

1

Step 1

Choose your departure date and number of participants

2

Step 2

Book online by paying a deposit or the full amount directly. It is also possible to book by telephone by calling +32 474 97 09 38 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).
  • If the minimum number of participants is reached, departure is confirmed!
  • If the minimum number of participants is not reached, we will give you a full refund.
Departure is confirmed 15 days in advance for adventures lasting more than 4 days. Departure is confirmed 7 days prior to departures of less than 4 days.
3

Step 3

In the case of a deposit, the remaining amount will be debited from your account before departure.

Your reviews

The opinions of our participants who have placed their trust in us

Frequently asked questions

What type of accommodation is planned?

You'll sleep in two authentic types of accommodation: The first is the Mountain hut at Haugarou, a comfortable and friendly mountain inn perched high above the valley. The second: a pastoral hut in the heart of the countryside for two nights' self-catering: simple surroundings, wood fire, silence, and a unique experience in the heart of the Pyrenean mountain pastures. This night is spent with a hiking mattress and duvet.

How are meals organised?

Meals are prepared and included throughout your stay: breakfasts and dinners in the Mountain hut, using local produce and home-made dishes. Picnics prepared each morning for the hikes. During the nights in the hut, the guide manages the logistics (hot, convivial meals), so you don't need to bring anything except your favourite snacks if you want to top them up and your picnic on the first day.

Is there a need for species?

Yes, keep some cash on you. Mountain huts don't always accept cards, especially for drinks or small extras (drinks, local cheese, souvenirs, etc.) Everything else is already included in the price of the stay.

Can I charge my devices?

You'll be able to recharge your phone and battery for the first two nights in the Mountain hut, but there's no electricity for the nights in the pastoral huts, so bring an external battery if you want to capture the scenery and the animals.

Are we really going to see bears?

The brown bear does live in these mountains, but it remains discreet and shy. The aim of this expedition is not to disturb them, but to follow in their footsteps, observe the signs of their presence (footprints, hairs, scratches) and understand their role in the ecosystem. You may be lucky enough to spot one, but above all, you'll learn to read the mountain like a naturalist.

What about wildlife?

The Pyrenees are a Mountain hut for many species: isards, deer, roe deer, large birds of prey (eagles, vultures, bearded vultures)... With a bit of luck, you'll be able to observe them through binoculars, often from ridges or pastoral areas. Your guide will help you spot their tracks and recognise their calls, silhouettes and behaviour.

What equipment should I bring?

Once you've signed up, you'll receive a complete packlist: technical clothing, rucksack, water bottle, headlamp, etc. Collective equipment (cooking gear, meals, bivouac logistics) is provided. You don't need to bring anything technical or heavy, just your personal equipment and your good humour.

Are instalment payment options available?

Yes, that's right! At checkout, you can choose the Alma option to pay for your booking in 2x, 3x or 4x. All you have to do is select Alma at checkout and follow the instructions. It's simple, fast and secure.

Can I privatise this expedition for my group?

Yes, all our expeditions can be privatised for a group already formed, on the dates of your choice.

To make your request, go to the expedition that interests you and click on "Privatise the expedition". We'll take care of the rest!

What does the price of a Wildhartt adventure include?

At Wildhartt, transparency is essential. The price of your expedition reflects a clear breakdown of costs:


  • 30% for our guides, the mainstays of every adventure.
  • 35% for accommodation and meals, essential for your comfort.
  • 10% for equipment and transport, to guarantee safety and fluidity.
  • 25% for organisation and logistics, from first contact to the end of the expedition.


Our priority: to offer you a quality experience, with complete clarity.

Do you have any questions? Contact us.


What happens if the weather is bad?

At Wildhartt, nature is our playground, rain or shine. Rain, snow or wind: our guides adapt the itinerary, activities and accommodation to guarantee you the best possible experience.
Unless safety is at stake (storm, avalanche, flood...).


In this exceptional case, we can cancel an expedition, at least one week before departure.
If this happens:
→ You can postpone your adventure at no cost,
→ Or receive a full refund.


What kind of people usually join Wildhartt expeditions ?

You don’t need to be a top athlete or mountain expert to feel at home. Most Wildhartt participants are between 25 and 60 years old, with a balanced mix of women and men.


Many join solo or in small groups of two or three. They often live in cities and are looking for a meaningful brea some time to reconnect with nature, slow down, and enjoy something real.


They usually have a regular movement practice (hiking, running, yoga...), but not with a competitive mindset. They’re in good shape, but don’t necessarily have technical skills. What brings them together is a shared desire to disconnect, observe, learn, and experience nature in a more grounded, accessible way.


If that speaks to you, you'll feel right at home. The group spirit is kind and open, and the pace adapts to everyone.

Discover other adventures

You might also be interested in these adventures

decorative
France

Wolf tracking in the wild Vercors

1 date available
3 days
decorative
Belgique

Listening to the stag bellow in Saint-Hubert

Dates on request
1 day
decorative
France

Track wild animals in the Vercors highlands

Dates on request
3 days
decorative
France

Track red deer, wild camp and hike through the forests of the Vosges

Dates on request
3 days
decorative
France

Learn to survive in the wild: 3 days off-grid in the Vercors

2 dates availables
3 days
decorative
Belgique

Packraft through beaver territory near Leuven

6 dates availables
1 day

Selected from 6 departures

From € 710 /pers.

Want to choose your own date with your own group?

Hassle-free from start to finish.

Full refund if departure is not confirmed
Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure
Instalment facility available

Even on adventures you need cookies 🍪

By continuing to browse this site, you accept the use of cookies.

We make moderate use of cookies in order to be able to measure the audience and the performance of the site, as well as to offer you content tailored to your interests, while respecting your privacy.