The Pibeste-Aoulhet Nature Reserve
Looking for a 100% nature getaway during your stay in the Pyrenees? Head to the Pibeste-Aoulhet Nature Reserve, one of the largest regional nature reserves in France, less than 30 minutes from the Hotel Le Picors*** in Aucun, in the Val d'Azun.
With its 5,100 hectares, the Pibeste-Aoulhet Nature Reserve offers an incredible diversity of landscapes.
Between sun-drenched Mediterranean slopes and wetter northern slopes, nature displays all its richness.
The Pibeste-Aoulhet Nature Reserve boasts 850 recorded plant species, beech forests with hyacinth, heathlands with thyme and broom...
Not to mention the high-altitude grasslands where the flora becomes more discreet but just as fascinating! While strolling through the reserve, you may encounter some of the iconic species it shelters, such as the spiked bartsia, the fragrans orchid, and the grass-leaved buttercup.
The reserve is also a true sanctuary for birds.
With 112 recorded species, 90 of which are nationally protected, it's a dream spot for observing the Alpine accentor, or majestic birds of prey such as the griffon vulture and the bearded vulture.
Do you enjoy hiking? You'll be delighted by the variety of trails in the nature reserve. They are spread across three main sectors:
After a day of exploring the great outdoors, you can enjoy the heated indoor pool at the 3-star Hotel Le Picors.
The Pibeste-Aoulhet Nature Reserve: a haven of biodiversity in the heart of the Pyrenees
With its 5,100 hectares, the Pibeste-Aoulhet Nature Reserve offers an incredible diversity of landscapes.
Between sun-drenched Mediterranean slopes and wetter northern slopes, nature displays all its richness.
The Pibeste-Aoulhet Nature Reserve boasts 850 recorded plant species, beech forests with hyacinth, heathlands with thyme and broom...
Not to mention the high-altitude grasslands where the flora becomes more discreet but just as fascinating! While strolling through the reserve, you may encounter some of the iconic species it shelters, such as the spiked bartsia, the fragrans orchid, and the grass-leaved buttercup.
A paradise for birds and lovers of the great outdoors
The reserve is also a true sanctuary for birds.
With 112 recorded species, 90 of which are nationally protected, it's a dream spot for observing the Alpine accentor, or majestic birds of prey such as the griffon vulture and the bearded vulture.
Do you enjoy hiking? You'll be delighted by the variety of trails in the nature reserve. They are spread across three main sectors:
- The Estrèm de Salles slope, a realm of vast pastoral meadows and vulture cliffs.
- The Batsurguère slope, a realm of deep forests and slate quarries with striking contrasts between light and shadow.
- The slopes of Saint-Pé-de-Bigorre, with their almost magical appearance, boasting ravines, streams, and lush forests.
After a day of exploring the great outdoors, you can enjoy the heated indoor pool at the 3-star Hotel Le Picors.
