Attractions and Places To See around Aulon - Top 20

Aulon, situated within the Pyrenees National Park, is rich in natural beauty. You can discover stunning high-altitude lakes such as Les Laquettes, known for its picturesque ponds and pools, or the more accessible Lake Orédon, which resembles a fjord. Other notable lakes include Lac d'Aubert. The area is also famous for its scenic mountain passes like Col d'Aspin and Hourquette d'Ancizan, both offering splendid views and challenging routes.

The region around Aulon is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy extensive walking and hiking on numerous paths, including sections of the GR 10, exploring local flora and fauna, and reaching high-altitude lakes. For cyclists, there are many routes, including challenging climbs over mountain passes. During winter, the village serves as a starting point for skiing or snowshoeing trips. The nearby Valley of Aure also offers mountain tourism activities like rafting in the summer.

Aulon itself features a Romanesque church that was ranked in the 16th century. Nearby, you can visit the Jézeau Église Saint-Laurent, an important monument on French pilgrim routes, located about 9 km away. The delightful small town of Arreau, 8 km from Aulon, also offers cultural interest.

Aulon is a prime location for cycling, especially road cycling and mountain biking, with many routes featuring iconic Pyrenean passes. Popular road cycling routes include loops around Col d'Aspin and Hourquette d'Ancizan. You can find detailed routes for various cycling sports, including touring and mountain biking, in the cycling guide for Aulon.

The best time to visit Aulon depends on your preferred activities. For hiking and mountain biking, late spring to early autumn (June to September) offers pleasant weather and accessible trails. If you're interested in winter sports like skiing or snowshoeing, the colder months (December to March) are ideal. The region also hosts specific events like the Feast of the 'transhumant' in early June and a Nature Festival in August.

While many attractions around Aulon cater to outdoor enthusiasts, families can enjoy easier walks around the high-altitude lakes, such as Lake Orédon, which has a car park on its banks for easy access. Exploring the Pyrenees National Park offers opportunities for wildlife spotting and gentle strolls. The nearby ski resort and spa town of Saint-Lary-Soulan also provides activities suitable for families.

The Regional Nature Reserve of Rabat and Auloueilh Valleys, located near Aulon, features an observatory. This provides a unique opportunity to observe large Pyrenean raptors in their natural habitat, making it a great spot for nature lovers and birdwatchers.

The Aulon region is renowned for its scenic mountain passes. Col d'Aspin, culminating at 1,489 meters, offers splendid views and is a classic route of the Tour de France. Another gem is Hourquette d'Ancizan, at 1,564 meters, which provides a quieter, beautiful alternative to other routes and passes through a stunning forest.

Aulon hosts several local events throughout the year. The Feast of the 'transhumant' is held on the first Saturday of June, featuring meals with shepherds. In August, a Nature Festival takes place, focusing on local produce and food. The Fair 'estives' occurs on the first Saturday of September, including meals with farmers.

Visitors frequently praise the breathtaking natural beauty and the sense of tranquility. For instance, Les Laquettes is often compared to Canadian landscapes for its splendor. The mountain passes like Col d'Aspin and Hourquette d'Ancizan are celebrated for their magnificent views and challenging yet rewarding climbs. The high-altitude lakes, such as Lake Orédon and Lac d'Aubert, are cherished for their serene settings and as perfect picnic spots.

Yes, for some of the more popular natural attractions, parking is available. For example, Lake Orédon is noted for having a car park directly on its banks, making it the most accessible of the lakes in the area. For other trails and passes, parking may be available at trailheads or nearby villages.

While the high-altitude lakes like Lake Orédon are stunning, specific regulations regarding swimming in the Pyrenees National Park and its reserves should be checked locally. Some lakes may permit swimming, while others, especially those that are part of protected natural reserves, might have restrictions to preserve the ecosystem. It's always best to look for local signage or inquire at a tourist information point.