Lescun is a picturesque village and commune in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department of southwestern France. Perched at an elevation of approximately 900 metres (3,000 feet), it is renowned for its dramatic setting within the breathtaking Cirque de Lescun, often called the "Dolomites of the Pyrenees." This stunning natural amphitheater, with its jagged limestone peaks, makes Lescun a magnet for hikers, climbers, and anyone seeking awe-inspiring mountain scenery. The village itself is a charming collection of stone houses with slate roofs, narrow streets, and a tangible sense of mountain heritage.

Lescun's location on the famous GR 10 long-distance footpath, which traverses the Pyrenees, further solidifies its status as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a gentle family walk or a challenging high-altitude trek, Lescun offers an unforgettable Pyrenean experience.

The village also holds a place in popular culture as the setting for Michael Morpurgo's book, Waiting for Anya.

Map of Lescun

The village of Lescun is small and easily explored on foot. For reaching the various trailheads for hikes in the Cirque de Lescun, a car can be advantageous. Some trailheads are within walking distance of the village, while others, particularly those for longer or more remote hikes, are best accessed by vehicle.

• The Cirque de Lescun. The undisputed main attraction. This stunning glacial cirque offers breathtaking panoramic views of a crown of limestone peaks, including the Pic d'Anie, the Mesa de los Tres Reyes, and the iconic Aiguilles d'Ansabère (Ansabère Needles). There are numerous viewpoints and easy walks to appreciate its grandeur.
• Lescun Village. Take a stroll through the narrow streets of the village itself. Admire the traditional stone houses with their slate roofs, a testament to the local architecture. You'll also find a historic church, communal washing areas (lavoirs), and a sense of timelessness.
• Église Notre-Dame-de-Lescun. The village church dates to the 16th century and features a distinctive slate-covered bell tower. It is worth a visit for a moment of quiet contemplation and to appreciate its traditional mountain architecture.
• The Belvedere. A short and rewarding hike from the village takes you to a belvedere (viewpoint) that offers a spectacular panorama of the Cirque de Lescun and the surrounding peaks of both the French and Spanish Pyrenees.

• Les caprices de Lescun. Typically open from early May to the end of October in the late afternoon and early evening, but check their Facebook page for current information.. 

• Le Bar des Bergers (Auberge du Bar des Bergers). 
• Les Tables d'en Haut. 

Enjoy a drink on the terrace of Le Bar des Bergers and soak in the mountain views and village life.

Lescun offers a range of accommodation options, with a particular focus on catering to hikers.

• 42.9504-0.66581 Centre de l'Abérouat. Staffed hut with a bar. Offers 20 rooms (2–5 beds each). Free tent camping nearby (bathrooms in the hut available for a fee). Best suited for groups; solo walkers must book in advance. 
• 42.9342-0.63522 Gîte d'étape Maison de la Montagne, 1 ruelle de la Congasse, 64490 Lescun, ☏ +33 6 88 06 95 29. Comfortable accommodation for hikers in the centre of Lescun. 
• 42.9278-0.64223 Camping - Gîte du Lauzart, Bordé de Mougnague, 64490 Lescun, ☏ +33 5 59 34 51 77. Along the D340. About 20 minutes into the next stage. Open April-September. Campsite €14 + €4 per adult. 25 dorm beds available for €16; half board €42. 

Being a remote mountain village, internet and mobile phone connectivity can be variable. While many accommodations will offer Wi-Fi, do not expect high-speed connections. Mobile phone reception may be weak or non-existent in some of the more remote hiking areas.

The Mairie de Lescun (town hall) is located in the village square and can be a point of contact for local information. There is also a small village library.

• Aspe Valley — Explore more of this beautiful valley, with its charming villages like Bedous, Accous, and Etsaut.
• Pyrénées National Park — Lescun is on the edge of the Pyrenees National Park, which offers a vast area of protected natural beauty to explore.
• Spain — The Spanish border is not far via the Somport Pass, offering the possibility of a day trip to explore the Aragonese Pyrenees and towns like Canfranc.
• Oloron-Sainte-Marie — A larger town with a historic cathedral and more amenities.