Natural reserves of Pyrénées2vallées
Discover the reserves of Néouvielle and Aulon
On the edge of the Pyrenees National Park, Pyrénées2vallées offers you two magical environments in the Aure valley to recharge your batteries all year round: the Néouvielle and Aulon nature reserves. Hiking among pines and marmots to the peaks, discover high mountain lakes and their dams, swim at high altitude in the clear waters of Néouvielle...
The Néouvielle national nature reserve: enjoy unbelievable hikes
Néouvielle is one of the 167 national nature reserves in France. This sumptuous natural environment of the Pyrenees attracts many tourists every summer for its 70 lakes with bewitching blue waters, its pine trees with hooks, its rocky massifs within easy reach, its diversified fauna... These natural mountain resources have been classified and actively protected by the public authorities since 1968. Easily accessible from the road or via the Saint-Lary-Soulan ski lifts, the Néouvielle Reserve is a unique setting for hikes or family outings in the Pyrenees, from 1800 to 3000m altitude. The Néouvielle national nature reserve can also be visited "from refuge to refuge" for a several-day immersion in the high mountains.
The Néouvielle Lakes Road
If you want to discover most of the reserve in a single day, we recommend you take the Route des lacs, from Saint-Lary-Soulan to Lake Aubert. You will discover 4 splendid lakes nestled between pine forests and granitic massifs. The ideal place for a family hike in the open air, without difficulty.
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.
The Montious Massif Regional Nature Reserve
The most recent addition to the network of reserves in the area, this protected mid-mountain site is emblematic of the biodiversity found in the Pyrenean foothills. The splendid Lake Bordères-Louron borders the fully protected core area. Identified as a regional biodiversity reservoir, the site ranges from 1,590 to 2,171 metres in altitude. Its main points of interest lie in the presence of an ancient Pyrenean forest of high heritage value, a lake and the associated plant communities.
The Pyrenees National Park was created in 1967 in order to protect all the characteristics of this natural area typical of the Pyrenees, including biodiversity, wildlife, flora and landscapes. The national park extends across the Hautes-Pyrénées and Pyrénées-Atlantiques departments, notably including part of the P2V territory.
Natura 2000 Sites:
The P2V territory also includes several remarkable sites protected by Natura 2000, the European network of natural sites. Measures are in place to protect the beauty of the landscape and the biodiversity present in these areas. If you go for a walk in these areas, please respect the environment!
The 5 Natura 2000 sites of P2V:
- Estaubé, Gavarnie, Troumouse and Barroude
• Pic Long Campbielh
• Néouvielle
• Rioumajou Moudang
• Haut-Louron: Aygues Tortes, Caillauas, Gourgs Blancs, Clarabide Gorges, Pichadères and Estiouère peaks, Tramadits mountain
