Col de Pau and Col de Burcq

In Oloron-Ste-Marie, head towards the Col du Somport until you reach the Pont de Lescun. Cross the bridge and, at the first junction (Pont du Roy), leave the Route de Lescun and take the D339 towards Lhers. After several bends and hairpin turns, you’ll reach the D340. Turn right, then take the^first road on the left. Follow this small main road, the Route du Col de Pau, ignoring the successive turn-offs, until you reach the small car park at Labrénère. Note: a map may be useful to find your way there.

(S/E) Take the track, heading due south, to a small bridge. Cross it to reach the right bank of the Ruisseau Labrénère. Head up the valley and join the track coming from the left bank.

(1) Continue climbing, still heading south, initially following the stream on the right bank to reach the Fontaine de Lamatche.

(2) Turn off here, taking a wide circular loop westwards, until you reach a footbridge over the Ruisseau Labrénère.

(3) Cross to the left bank and follow the path along the stream. You will soon reach the boundary of the National Park.

(4) Continue along the left bank and, after a few bends, reach the Pénot and Itchaxe huts.

(5) Continue along the path, south-west, then south, to the Bonaris huts.

(6) Take the path due south and, via numerous tight hairpin bends, emerge at the Col de Pau, on the French-Spanish border, marked by Border Cross 276.

(7) Now walk along the ledge to the left of the ridge to reach the Col de Burcq.

(8) Follow the same route in the opposite direction to return to the Labrénère car park (S/E).

(6) Bonaris huts: the perfect spot for a good break. Small furnished terrace and water supply.

(4) From here, please observe the regulations of the Pyrenees National Park.
Between (6) and (8), enjoy a magnificent view of this section.
(8) Col de Burcq: offers a larger space for a break to admire the scenery.