Astun nr Pico d'Astun mountain hike

Mountain walk on the French-Spanish border that starts at a ski resort! Outside the winter season, it offers less attractive images: ski lifts, abandoned ski chalets, and the like... The first part of the walk rises quite quickly next to a mountain stream, allowing you to swiftly leave the less appealing aspects of a ski resort behind. You walk along a small mountain lake to the Coi des Moines, and from there you get a very nice panorama, including the iconic Pic du Midi d'Ossau. Usually, horses or cows roam freely grazing, further enhancing the idyllic scene. The ridge walk itself goes over the Pico d'Astun and is not really difficult, but it is quite high above the valley, which can be challenging for people with a fear of heights. However, there is always an alternative that runs slightly lower but parallel to the actual ridge walk. There are almost always griffon vultures nearby, often seen very close by as they use thermals to "soar." The return route initially follows a less distinct path but is never really hard to find.