Canyoning and caving adventure in the Cirques of Gavarnie
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationVal d'Azun / Hautes-Pyrénées
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AgeFrom 18 - 55 years
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CO₂-Emissions41.96 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Designed for adventure-seeking athletes, this trip combines thrills with active exploration of the Hautes-Pyrénées. It's also suitable for those new to outdoor activities. Between canyoning, underground explorations , and high-altitude climbs , each day offers a new opportunity to push your limits in an exceptional natural setting. The itinerary takes you to the heart of the protected Gavarnie valleys , nestled between the majestic cirques of Gavarnie and Troumouse, and the Val d'Azun , a preserved mid-mountain region. Here, the camaraderie of the group and the spirit of sharing foster an intense human adventure, punctuated by outdoor activities that alternate between physical exertion and breathtaking scenery. A concentrated dose of powerful emotions and magnificent landscapes, perfect for experiencing the mountains in a whole new way .
The highlights
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Thrills from whitewater rafting, caving and high-altitude hiking
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Immersion in the majestic cirques of Gavarnie and Troumouse
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Adrenaline and pushing oneself to the limit
Photos
Sport
Level
Canyoning
The expert's opinion
The trip is designed for people in good physical condition. No prior canyoning or caving experience is necessary to register.
In figures
Canyoning
- Average duration/day: 4h
Caving
- Average duration/day: 4h30
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 4h
- Average distance/day: 15 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 500 m
- Average daily descent: 500 m
Management
French
A professional in caving, canyoning and hiking for about twenty years. Still passionate after all these years, I created the Envergure Pyrénées campsite to welcome you to my home and share with you this little corner of paradise in the Val d'Azun.
Program
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Héas Canyon
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 60km
- Activity Canyoning
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The Héas canyon offers an ideal setting for a first canyoning experience. You'll progress through a crystal-clear mountain stream , enjoying jumps and natural slides for those who wish. The technical sections, such as short rappels , are accessible to all and allow you to familiarize yourself with the equipment in a relaxed atmosphere. This day is the perfect opportunity to gain confidence and fully appreciate this unique location.
Day 1 -
Bouhadère Cave
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 70km
- Activity Caving
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
In the Pibeste Nature Reserve , we set off to discover the treasures hidden underground. From chamber to chamber, the subterranean landscapes unfold, bearing witness to a fascinating history. I share with you anecdotes from past explorations, as well as the daily lives of the enthusiasts who, since 1950, have identified nearly 1,800 cave entrances.
Day 2 -
Hiking to the Pic de Bazès, Arrens market and the national park visitor center
- Transportation Minibus - 00h45 - 30km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A day to discover one of the most beautiful valleys in the Pyrenees. The Val d'Azun has managed to retain its authenticity, with a lively local life, well-established traditional agriculture and preserved nature.
The hike to the Bazès peak will allow us to gain altitude through herds of cows, horses and sheep to encounter wildlife and mountain flora.
We will stop on the return to the village of Arrens Marsous to visit the local producers' market and the Pyrenees National Park house.
Day 3 -
Upper Saugué Canyon
- Transportation Minibus - 01h30 - 75km
- Activity Canyoning
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The canyon is characterized by a narrow gorge with a strong water flow, adding to the thrill of the adventure. It's a route for people in good physical condition. It offers a spectacular natural setting with breathtaking views of the Cirque de Gavarnie from the Saugué plateau, the starting point. You might even spot marmots on the approach hike. Unlike some more popular canyons, the upper Saugué is often described as an off-the-beaten-path route, offering a wilder and less crowded experience.
Day 4 -
Hayau Abyss
- Transportation Minibus - 01h30 - 65km
- Activity Caving
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The Hayau Bouhadère caving traverse is a classic and a benchmark in the world of Pyrenean caving.
One of the major attractions of this journey is the variety of environments encountered:
- Large rappels: Some sections are spacious and impressive due to their verticality, allowing progression by rappelling.
- Horizontal galleries: Other passages require more agile progression, sometimes crawling or slithering.
- Abundance of concretions: The network is generally well concretionary, offering beautiful formations of stalactites, stalagmites, columns, rimstone pools, draperies, etc.
Day 5
Note
All activities are weather dependent. The program will be adapted as needed based on the conditions and the group's expectations/abilities.
Accommodation
You will be staying at Camping Envergure, a mountain campsite equipped with a kitchenette, hot shower, and composting toilets. It is possible to sleep in a tent (shared 2-person tents are available for rent) or in a campervan.
The campsite invites you to enjoy an authentic mountain experience in a pristine natural setting. Designed for an intimate atmosphere, it can accommodate up to 10 people . This self-catering site features a charming gypsy caravan equipped with a functional kitchen , a hot shower , and a composting toilet . Tent pitches are just a short walk away, accessible only on foot, while a car park is located approximately 100 meters away. Enjoy total immersion in nature, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Access
The "Envergure Pyrénées" campsite is located in Arras en Lavedan, in the Azun valley.
Go to the starting point
Lourdes train station is 30 minutes from the campsite.
A free transfer is available from Lourdes train station: Sunday evening at 7:00 pm and Saturday morning at 10:00 am.
Price details
The price includes
- Activities
- Camping accommodation
- Transportation to get to the practice sites
- Practice equipment
The price does not include
- Meals
- Personal expenses
Options
- Camping equipment rental : CHF36.59 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- At the campsite, you will find basic cooking equipment on site (utensils, cutlery, stove, sink, etc.)
- You can rent camping equipment (tent and mattress) if you don't have any.
- For the activities, all technical equipment is provided, even shoes for caving and canyoning.
Equipment to bring
- Tent or van
- Mattress
- Down
- Your camping equipment
- Sunglasses
- Toiletry bag
Clothing to bring
- Warm socks
- Soft trousers
- A technical t-shirt
- A fleece
- A swimsuit
- A towel
- A poncho
- Hiking boots
- Shorts
- T-shirts
- A rain jacket
- A lightweight down jacket
