The best walks and hikes around Bachos

Magnificent tree in the middle of the Village

Small and very pretty town at the foot of Port Balès. It is worth stopping at the town fountain to take a breather before the climb to Port de Balès.

Saint Béat is a very typical French village. The village maintains its architectural style throughout, and it is deeply rooted in the landscape. You can find bars and a few other shops.

Built in the 12th century by local lords, the fort was enlarged by King Henry IV. It notably features a large keep, as well as a chapel built in the mid-19th century following a plague epidemic. Robert Pujol, who was responsible for its restoration, explains: "Tourists often have the idea of a very vast castle. However, in the Middle Ages, they were very small because they were clinging to eagles' nests." Throughout its history, the castle did not have to fend off invasions, even though it was the scene of regular battles. Its status as a royal town conferred many privileges on Saint-Béat. Two markets were held every month at the foot of the castle, and no taxes were levied there, which suggests that Saint-Béat could be considered the Andorra of this medieval era... It is technically possible to climb to the castle by bicycle via a steep path closed to vehicles by a chain. The road is certainly a little bumpy, but it is doable, and the breathtaking view of the city and the gap formed by the Garonne in the mountain is a just reward.

It is technically possible to go up to the Château de Saint Béat via a steep path, with a somewhat chaotic surface and closed to vehicles by a chain (be careful on the descent! ...). From there, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and the passage in the mountain carved out by the Garonne. Built in the 12th century by local lords, the fort was enlarged by King Henry IV. It notably presents an important keep, as well as a chapel built in the mid-19th century following a plague epidemic. Robert Pujol, who is behind its restoration, explains: “Tourists most often have the idea of a very vast castle. However, in the Middle Ages, they were very small because they hung on eagles' nests. » The castle has not, in its history, had to repel any invasions, even if it was the scene of regular battles. The status of a royal city conferred many privileges on Saint-Béat. Two markets took place every month at the foot of the castle, and no taxes were levied there, which invites us to consider Saint-Béat as the Andorra of this medieval era...

The Fos footbridge spans the Garonne, which at this level is still a small bucolic watercourse. What makes the beauty of the place is not really due to the village of Fos itself but more to its protected natural environment. The village is surrounded by Natura 2000 sites and natural areas of ecological, faunal and floristic interest.

The pretty little village of Mauléon-Barousse marks the start of the ascent towards the port of Balès. The climb is 18.9 kilometers long with an average of 6.3%, some of which exceed 14%.

The Col de Caude, accessible from Boutx or Bezins, offers lovely views and provides access to the Pic du Gar to the west and to the Pic de l'Escalette and then to the Pic de Gagire to the east.