The Orlu national wildlife reserve

Created in 1943, the Réserve d'Orlu became a national wildlife reserve in 1998, in recognition of its heritage value.

The Office Français de la Biodiversité (OFB) manages the reserve and develops programs to study and monitor wildlife. The OFB works in partnership with a local structure, the Observatoire de la Montagne, to carry out study, monitoring and enhancement programs.
The 3 main missions:
- To study and monitor the evolution of fauna and its habitats.
- To preserve flora and fauna in the long term.
- Raise awareness among young and old alike.

Thanks to its exemplary shared management, the Orlu Reserve has been included in the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Green List for 2019.

Enjoy an unspoilt natural Eden...Admire the isards that roam the steep slopes of the Orlu National Reserve, listen to the marmots whistle...Look up, in the sky soar great griffon vultures and kestrels. A one-hour walk takes you to the heart of the reserve among the marmots, while a three-hour walk takes you to the En Beys refuge. More challenging itineraries will appeal to experienced mountaineers to reach ridges and summits.

Regulations in the reserve:
- No dogs, even on a leash, to avoid disturbing wildlife and domestic herds,
- Stay on the paths to avoid disturbing wildlife and to allow observation by all.
- For resting or picnicking, 2 zones allow visitors to momentarily step off the path.
- Avoid making too much noise to avoid disturbing wildlife
- Do not litter
- No fires
- Do not pick flowers
- Drone ban

Mountain mediation from spring to autumn.
Between 1 and 3 days a week, depending on weather conditions.

A Lio shuttle bus (€1 per journey) runs between Ax-les-Thermes and Orlu to the Fanguil car park in summer.