Lescun (French Pyrenees) in Summer

Lescun is a small (population 189) village situated at the side of the Aspe valley, in the middle of a beautiful Cirque in the Western Pyrenees of South West France. Lescun is popular with hikers all year round and there are basic facilities available in the village – a couple of places to stay, a post office, a grocery and a bar.

Lescun summer
Lescun is a modest bike ride away from Orloron with a good road all the way. This is the view towards the village of Bedous. There is very little climbing until 4km before Lescun. From there, it is a steady climb up to the village.
Lescun summer
A little closer, passing through the village of Accous, home of two paragliding schools. In August 2006, I signed up for a course but they refunded my money as I was the only student who had signed up.
Lescun summer
To get to Lescun, (if you don’t have a bicycle) take the bus from Orloron towards Canfranc along the N134. Tell the driver you want to go to Lescun and he should drop you at the bottom of the hill. 
Lescun summer
But what a view when you get to the top! The Cirque of Lescun is pretty dramatic at any time of year. Good weather makes it all the more attractive with the lush green fields, cold grey of the mountains and a blue sky. What more could a hiker/photographer ask for?
Lescun summer
Although there are a few farmsteads spread around the cirque, the main village is concentrated in one area. This photo was taken behind the village, looking across the Aspe Valley.
Lescun summer
Le Billare, 2309 metres, one of the most striking peaks in the area.
Lescun summer
A pleasant afternoon walk from Lescun takes you to the Plateau Sanchèse. Nothing too taxing but still some great views. In the background you can see Les Orgues de Camplong.
Lescun summer
Autumnal colours and Les orgues de Camplong. The map shows a path from the Plateau Sanchèse to the GR10 but I couldn’t find it.
Lescun summer
This is the trail leading up to the small cirque below the Pic D’Anie.
Lescun summer
After some steep climbing it is nice when the gradient is a little more gentle.
Lescun summer
That peak is the Pic D’Anie, the highest peak in the area. Sadly, it was far too windy on the day I was there to get to the top – we were probably about 300 metres away.
Lescun summer
But the views from the top were stunning.
Lescun summer
An amazing valley carved out by glaciers.
Lescun summer
This is the inside of the refuge below Pic D’Anie. It is pretty basic but it could save your life if you’re caught in a snowstorm.
Lescun summer
This is the Rando Plume gite which offers simple accommodation in Lescun for around 14 euros a night.

Ready for Lescun in Winter?

Or More of the Pyrenees ?

Breche de Roland   Flora and Fauna   Gavarnie   2 day hike in Pyrenees 

chemin de la mâture   Gorges de Kakouetta    Cycling to Gavarnie   

Cycling Western Pyrenees   Cycling to Tourmalet 

 Cycling South West coast of France

Or other things French?

Parce Que Je T’aime (a novel)    Food in France    French joke book

An optimistic view of France    A pessimistic view of France

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