The Aulon Regional Nature Reserve
Located in the Hautes-Pyrénées, the Aulon Regional Nature Reserve is a protected area dedicated to the conservation of biodiversity and mountain ecosystems. Overlooking the village of Aulon, this regional nature reserve is renowned for its rich wildlife and plant life, high-altitude meadows, mountain forests, and wild landscapes typical of the Pyrenees. A true place for environmental awareness and observation, the Aulon Reserve is ideal for nature hiking, discovering Pyrenean ecosystems, and sustainable tourism that respects the environment. Accessible to all, it appeals to families as well as nature lovers seeking peace, authenticity, and wide open spaces.
Aulon, a preserved natural environment between the 4 Véziaux, Bigorre and Saint-Lary
To the west, the Pic du Midi de Bigorre. To the east, Saint-Lary-Soulan and the upper Aure valley. In the middle of these great names of the Pyrenees is the Aulon regional nature reserve, a 1200 hectare natural area located at the foot of the Arbizon. Only accessible by foot, this magical place has kept its Pyrenean authenticity over time. A fervent defender of the reserve, the association La Frênette leads joint actions with the municipality of Aulon to safeguard this exceptional natural environment. Identification and protection of trees useful to animal species, a sharp decrease in public lighting in the commune of Aulon, meticulous monitoring of summer pastures... Throughout the year, the association's volunteers welcome you to the Aulon regional nature reserve, magnificent but so fragile.
A rich human activity, yesterday and today...
Since the Middle Ages, the Pyrenean shepherds have invested the Aulon nature reserve to let their herds graze there. Over the centuries, this agro-pastoral activity has become a local tradition that continues to this day. The reserve also welcomes a university public who have come to study the rich fauna and flora of this natural mountain environment: isards, marmots, thistles, Pyrenean irises... At nightfall, an unforgettable sight is before your eyes. Observe the stars at an altitude of 2000m in this natural environment labelled "International Dark Sky Reserve" (IDSR). To learn all about sky observation, attend the conferences and workshops every summer at the Maison de la Nature d'Aulon.
