Things to see around La Verna

Sheep farming: every year, from May to October, shepherds lead tens of thousands of ewes up to the summer pastures, where their milk is used to produce the famous Ossau-Iraty cheese.

To experience the mountains around La Verna to the full

Canyoning: in Haute-Soule, the Aspe and Roncal valleys.

Rock climbing: in Arguibelle, near Montory, at La Pierre Saint-Martin or on the spectacular cliffs of the Cirque d’Ansabère.

Hiking: almost everywhere.

Mountain biking: electric-assist mountain bikes are available to hire, allowing you to reach the most beautiful corners of the mountains with minimal effort, via the numerous pastoral tracks (closed to cars).

Paragliding: an exceptional site at Accous, in the heart of the Aspe Valley.

Fishing: the turbulent waters of the Saison make it a legendary river for spin, float and fly fishermen.

Kayaking: the Gave de Larrau is popular with white-water enthusiasts.

Caving: Pierre Saint-Martin is a cavers’ paradise, but the neighbouring mountain ranges also attract them, from beginners to those tackling major first ascents. See the caving adventure options at La Verna.

Many professionals can offer these activities. Enquire at the Tourist Offices.

1 - The Kakuetta Gorges

The gorges have been closed since 2020, but Lake Bentia remains accessible. A development project is underway to provide safe access to the gorges.

2 - The Holzarte footbridge

A dizzying view 150 metres above the gorges.

3 - The Pierre Saint-Martin ski resort

The westernmost of France’s downhill ski resorts.

4 - The Issarbe cross-country ski resort

Cross-country skiing on the ridges.

5 - The Issaux Forest

Beech trees, streams and gorges.

6 - The village of Lescun and its cirque

Lescun, Lhers, Ansabère, Sanchèse... Top hiking spots.

7 - The land of the Musketeers

Does the name Aramits ring a bell? It is one of the villages in the Barétous region.
The Maison du Barétous in Arette houses a museum dedicated to d’Artagnan’s famous companions, one of whom was from Aramits and another from Lanne-en-Barétous.

8 - Adventure Park

A family attraction for climbing through the trees.

9 - The villages of Soule

Soule: the Basque Country away from the spotlight.

10 - The Arbailles massif

Or rather, the Arbailles Forest, beneath which lies another karst massif, more discreet than that of Pierre Saint-Martin, but also featuring many kilometres of underground caverns.