Between September and October, the Pyrenees come alive with a fascinating natural phenomenon: the bellowing of the stag. This hoarse, powerful cry that echoes through the Pyrenean forests marks the start of the mating season for deer. In the unspoilt setting of the Haut-Garonne Pyrenees, visitors can witness a veritable natural ballet in which the dominant stags assert their authority over the young competitors. Proudly raising their heads and striking the ground with force, they give their territorial call that tears through the silence of the starlit nights, creating a mysterious and bewitching atmosphere.
The Oueil valley in particular offers an ideal setting for discovering this age-old spectacle. These majestic deer are found throughout the region’s valleys, from the heights of Sauveterre-de-Comminges and Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges to the slopes of the Frontignes, via the Luchon area and the Garonne valley at Saint-Béat-Lez. Autumn reveals all its mountain magic, allowing visitors to combine listening to the bellowing with other seasonal pleasures such as chestnut picking, for a total immersion in Pyrenean nature.
To make the most of this unique experience, we recommend that you enlist the services of our specialist mountain guides. These professionals will help you spot these majestic animals while preserving their privacy and respecting their natural habitat. Whether it’s a nocturnal hike or an outing at dusk, they will guarantee you a respectful approach to wildlife, essential for preserving these crucial moments in the deer’s life cycle. This unforgettable sensory experience in the heart of the Pyrenean forests will appeal to nature lovers and the simply curious in search of authenticity.
