Everything you need to know about the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve
Between 1,800 and 3,091 metres, with 70 lakes to explore, just that alone!
What’s Néouvielle like?
Too beautiful to miss !
Between the mountain pine forests, high-altitude lakes, and ridges shaped by ancient glaciers, the Néouvielle massif opens the doors to a unique natural site in the heart of the Hautes-Pyrénées.
Once a pastoral area, now a national nature reserve, Néouvielle is also an open-air scientific laboratory, where more than a dozen protected species live alongside free-roaming herds, granite rock formations, and crystal-clear streams. “The best spot isn’t the one you think…”
Where is the Néouvielle Nature Reserve located?
In the Hautes-Pyrénées
Nestled in the heart of the Hautes-Pyrénées, in the Occitanie region, the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve covers more than 2,300 hectares between 1,800 and 3,091 metres in elevation. Located to the east of the Néouvielle massif, it is part of the Pyrenees National Park, of which it is one of the most iconic highlights. At the crossroads of the Vallée d'Aure and Barèges , the reserve is bordered to the north by the communes of Aragnouet and Aulon, and to the south by the border ridge leading into Spain. It stands out for its rugged terrain, cascading glacial lakes, granite slopes, and some of the highest mountain pine forests in Europe. The Néouvielle massif is easily accessible from the Aragnouet road (Piau Engaly), via the road to Lac d’Orédon, or from Barèges just before the Col de Tourmalet. This central location and variety of access routes make Néouvielle a naturally open area, while still being strictly protected.
When is the best time to visit the Néouvielle massif?
Looking for natural lakes, cool temperatures, beautiful scenery, and fresh mountain air? Néouvielle is a year-round destination—but each season offers a different experience!
Time for hiking, the shimmering reflections of Lac d’Aumar and Lac d’Aubert, family walks, and picnics by Lac de l’Oule.
This is peak season: lively trails, nature in full bloom, and sometimes… a few curious marmots!
Tourism is at its peak, but the Néouvielle Reserve is so vast that you only need to venture a little further to find peace and quiet.
💡 Tip: by staying discreet, early in the morning or at dusk, you’ll have the best chance of spotting this rare nature in its purest state.
Sleep as close as possible
to Néouvielle
- Campsites
- Hotels
- Gîtes…
How can you get to the Néouvielle Nature Reserve ?
By car, shuttle, on foot, or by bike…
Planning to reach the Néouvielle massif? Easy… well, almost!
There are several entry points, and each one has its own advantages.
Access point in La Mongie:
Access point in Barèges:
Access point in Aragnouet:
💡 Tip:
- Summer shuttle buses: mandatory in July and August to protect the site around Lac d’Orédon and Cap de Long.
- On foot: for purists who don’t mind breaking a sweat right from the start!
Be sure to check weather and access conditions before setting off: some roads or trails may be closed depending on the season or conditions.
The most beautiful hikes in the reserve
Some hikes are simply done… others are truly experienced.
Whether you’re a casual walker or a seasoned hiker, Néouvielle has a trail for you.
With its glacial lakes, high-mountain landscapes, and mountain pines, it’s a fully natural playground to enjoy at your own pace.
The hardest part here isn’t walking—it’s deciding where to start!
That moment is waiting for you just below 👇
Easy and accessible hiking trail
- 🗺️ Starting point: Lac d’Orédon car park
- 👀 XXL panoramic views right from the first steps
Lake Aumar loop:
- ⏱️ 1h30
- 📏 4 kilometres
- 🏔️ Less than 100 m elevation gain, easy for children
- 📍 Loop trail
Depending on your fitness level, a small detour is possible via Lac d’Aubert (Occitan for “green water”).
This lets you walk across the dam with stunning views on both sides!
The easiest hike in the area! Perfect for discovering mountain walking in a spectacular setting.
- 🗺️ Starting point: Lac d’Orédon car park
- 👀 Easy and accessible route
- ⏱️ 1h (without breaks)
- 📏 3.5 kilometres
- 🏔️ ~50 m elevation gain – you won’t find anything flatter in the area!
- 📍 Loop with shaded sections
🗺️Point départ : parking d’Artigusse puis marcher 45 minutes pour commencer le tour du lac (voir avec l'office de tourisme si des navettes peuvent vous emmener).
- Tour du lac de l'Oule :
👀 Itinéraire très simple et accessible avec des enfants
⏱️ 1h30 (sans pause)
📏 5 kilomètres
🏔️ ~50m D+, idéal pour commencer
📍En boucle
🗺️ Starting point: Artigusse car park, then a 45-minute walk before starting the lake loop (check with the tourist office for shuttle availability).
Lake L’Oule loop:
- 👀 Very easy and child-friendly route
- ⏱️ 1h30 (without breaks)
- 📏 5 kilometres
- 🏔️ ~50 m elevation gain – ideal for getting started
- 📍 Loop trail
Observing the flora and fauna of the nature reserve
The Néouvielle massif is a true biodiversity treasure, protected since 1935. Classified as a national nature reserve, it is home to exceptional wildlife and plant life, including several endemic species found nowhere else.
🐿️ Land and bird wildlife
The iconic alpine marmot (Marmota marmota): visible as soon as temperatures rise, it whistles and darts through the alpine meadows. The red crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) is a small bird with a distinctive crossed bill, specially adapted for opening the cones of mountain pines…
🐟 Aquatic wildlife
The glacial lakes of Néouvielle host fragile aquatic ecosystems, mainly composed of invertebrates, amphibians, and a few introduced fish species (such as brown trout).
These environments are highly sensitive and are the subject of ongoing scientific monitoring.
🌳 Flora
The reserve is a hotspot of plant diversity, with more than 570 species of vascular plants, meaning plants with specialised tissues for transporting sap.
Among them, several Pyrenean endemic species grow only in these extreme high-altitude conditions, between granite rocks, glacial lakes, and exposed slopes.
💡 Tip: by staying discreet, early in the morning or at dusk, you’ll have the best chance of spotting this rare nature in its purest form.
Apartments & Gîtes
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Grand Tourmalet
•
2-15 pers.
From
€50/night
Hotels & Resorts
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Grand Tourmalet
•
2-15 pers.
From
€99/night
Campsites
•
Grand Tourmalet
•
2-15 pers.
From
€55/night
Guesthouses
•
Grand Tourmalet
•
2-15 pers.
From
€55/night
The iconic lakes of Néouvielle
Welcome to the kingdom of Néouvielle’s lakes! The massif, shaped by glaciers, counts more than 70 of them. Some are small and hidden, others vast and majestic - but all deliver a guaranteed “wow” effect.
The classics:
Lac d’Aubert & Lac d’Aumar: the star duo. Reflections, light, altitude, easy trails… a must-see at least once. Lac de Cap de Long: vast, mineral, dominated by mountain ridges. Accessible by car, it impresses from the moment you arrive. Lac de l’Oule: perfect for an easy hike from the Espiaube lift or the refuge.
More hidden, but equally beautiful :
- Laquettes de Cambalès, Lac de Bastan, Lac de la Hourquette: wild, less crowded, a true “end of the world” atmosphere.
- Étangs d’Aygues Cluses: to be discovered along a more challenging loop.
Each lake offers a unique viewpoint for photography lovers, and the perfect rest stop for hikers.
Some lakes are easily accessible on foot, others require a bit more effort, but they are all worth it!
Top 5 must-sees in Néouvielle
The last one is a secret spot 🤐
Pic de Néouvielle (3,091 m)
One of the Pyrenees’ most iconic peaks, offering breathtaking views over the lakes and surrounding mountains.
The Mountain Pine Forest
One of the highest mountain pine forests in Europe, forming a unique landscape where wildlife, plant life and peaceful trails exist side by side.
Lac de Cap de Long and Its Dam
A dramatic mountain setting and the perfect gateway to the high peaks of the massif, including the majestic Pic Long.
Lac d'Aumar and Lac d'Aubert
Easy to access and perfect for a family stroll, a scenic walk, or catching the first light of day over the mountains.
The Brèche de Chausenque and the Hourquette d’Aubert
Two spectacular mountain passes offering unforgettable views over the valleys and glacial lakes of the Néouvielle massif.
Néouvielle National Nature Reserve FAQs
We’re here to help !
Bivouacking is allowed in the reserve under specific conditions:
- only between 7 pm and 9 am
- at least one hour’s walk from any road access
- with lightweight equipment (tent or tarp)
A unique way to experience the mountains differently.
Otherwise, staffed mountain huts (l’Oule, Bastan, Orédon…) welcome visitors in season, offering a friendly atmosphere in an outstanding setting.
Even without long hikes, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the area:
- a gentle walk along Lac d’Orédon
- wildlife and flora spotting with binoculars
- picnics by Lac d’Aumar or Laquette
- fishing (with a valid permit)
- landscape photography
For families, several short trails start directly from the car parks, with little elevation gain.
Swimming is not allowed in the Néouvielle Nature Reserve in order to protect this fragile natural environment.
No. Open fires are strictly prohibited in the Pyrenees National Park, including the Néouvielle Reserve.
This rule is essential to prevent wildfires and protect the natural environment.
No. Recreational drones are not permitted in the Néouvielle Reserve, which forms part of the Pyrenees National Park.
This regulation is in place to protect wildlife, grazing livestock, and to preserve the natural quiet of the area for both animals and visitors.
No exceptions are granted, even for personal or recreational filming.
No. Dogs are not allowed in the Néouvielle Reserve, even when kept on a leash. This rule applies throughout the core zone of the Pyrenees National Park.
It is a measure designed to protect wildlife, particularly sensitive species such as the bearded vulture (lammergeier) and marmots, and to ensure minimal disturbance in this fragile mountain environment.
The Néouvielle Reserve is located in a high-mountain environment, where weather conditions can change very quickly.
To get a reliable forecast, it is best to compare several weather sources such as Météo France, Meteo Blue, and other specialised mountain weather services.
For real-time conditions, you can also check the live webcam at Lac d’Orédon.
Make sure to pack gear suitable for cold and wet conditions in your backpack, in order to stay safe during your mountain outing.
Néouvielle reviews
We all agree on this.
“Magnificent place, physically demanding but beautiful. Bring water and take your time going up to discover the different natural lakes.”
Cyril
“An unmissable spot in the region with all its lakes and its dam. It’s stunning and absolutely worth visiting. We set off with clouds and, when we reached the summit, they were below us 😀”
Sandrine
“Great hiking trail. 1h30 round trip to Lac de l’Oule, passing by the dam. Suitable for all ages.”
MArie-Ange
“The ascent of the Néouvielle peak is a beautiful hike, quite technical towards the end. No special equipment is needed in summer, as most of the snow has melted. Expect plenty of rocky terrain.”
Gabin
“This park offers a magnificent setting for hiking. Along the way, you’ll come across numerous lakes with blue, turquoise reflections… The trails are fairly well marked.”
Mathieu