Authentic hiking and local flavors in the Pyrenees
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationHautes-Pyrénées / Pyrenees
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AgeFrom 18 - 85 years
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CO₂-Emissions79.12 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
English
Spanish
French
In a few words
Immerse yourself in the heart of the central Pyrenees for a complete experience amidst prestigious peaks and local traditions. This exclusive trip takes you to new wild horizons each day, from the trails of Cauterets to the spectacular panoramas of the Néouvielle Nature Reserve . You will explore iconic sites such as the Cirques of Gavarnie and Troumouse , where the power of the torrents contrasts with the serenity of the high-altitude lakes.
The originality of this adventure lies in its perfect balance between physical exertion and authentic discoveries. Beyond the hike, you'll explore the Pyrenean heritage , its rich cuisine, and its traditional crafts. The highlight of your experience? A two-day trek in the high mountains, including a night in a staffed mountain refuge to experience the very essence of trekking. For those who appreciate contemplation, a sunset over the peaks is offered as an option, providing a suspended moment overlooking the border range. Between enchanting valleys and stark, mineral landscapes, let yourself be captivated by this journey where each stage reveals a new facet of the mountains.
The highlights
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A collection of majestic valleys, jewels of the Pyrenees
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Every day a new hike in a new location, a change of scenery and varied landscapes!
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One night in a fully staffed and comfortable mountain refuge
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 13 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 685 m
- Average daily descent: 612 m
Management
English
Spanish
French
Guided by a state-certified mountain guide, a native of the Pyrenees, chosen for her excellent knowledge of the valleys, trails, and history of these mountains. A complete immersion in nature and culture is guaranteed. She is passionate about sharing the true spirit of the Pyrenees with you throughout your stay.
Program
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Balconies of Gavarnie
- Transportation Minibus - 00h40 - 30km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 750 m
- Negative elevation 750 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
For this first day of hiking, we'll venture into the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Pyrenees National Park to admire one of the most beautiful and iconic sites in the Pyrenees: Gavarnie! A glacial cirque from which flows the largest waterfall in Europe, a powerful 427 meters before us. A majestic setting for a warm-up hike.
Day 1 -
Lakes & refuge of the Néouvielle Nature Reserve
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 27km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 750 m
- Negative elevation 750 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A change of scenery as we enter the heart of the Néouvielle Nature Reserve, the largest concentration of lakes in the Pyrenees. The landscapes here are enchanting. Lakes follow one after another in a stark, rocky setting. The spires of granite peaks surround our hike.
Day 2 -
Free day or Troumouse Circus
- Transportation Minibus - 00h45 - 40km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 560 m
- Negative elevation 560 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A free day to visit our mountain villages or the Marian city of Lourdes, 15 minutes from your hotel, or to enjoy the benefits of the thermal waters.
For hiking enthusiasts, head to the glacial cirque of Troumouse or Esatubé or the lakes of Cestrède depending on the level for a new hike.
Day 3 -
Summit in sight!
- Transportation Minibus - 00h45 - 40km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 990 m
- Negative elevation 990 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Take advantage of your visit to the Pyrenees to reach new heights. Extend the pleasure and beauty of the mountains with the thrill of taking in the world, contemplating the endless line of peaks and ridges across an entire mountain range. We invite you to explore our trails up to 3000 meters to climb to the summit of Taillon or Petit Vignemale. There are no technical difficulties, but the scenery and terrain are undeniably high mountain!
Day 4 -
The lakes of the Val d'Azun & immersion in a shepherd's life
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 20km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 460 m
- Negative elevation 460 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today we'll ascend to the magnificent and idyllic Val d'Azun valley, the little Arcadia of the Pyrenees, for a gentle hike to emerald lakes in ibex country. We'll end the day by discovering the expertise of Pyrenean cheesemakers.
Day 5 -
First day of the mini-trek with an overnight stay in a mountain refuge
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 750 m
- Negative elevation 20 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We'll set off from the other side of the Tourmalet pass towards a first refuge where we'll stop before continuing our trek towards the hanging lakes of Néouvielle. We'll cross two passes before discovering the sublime Aygues Cluses valley, where our refuge is nestled, guarded by true Pyrenean locals!
Day 6 -
End of the mini-trek and end of the stay
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 530 m
- Negative elevation 750 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
For this second day of our trek, we'll have a beautiful climb from the refuge to a pass overlooking the entire Néouvielle Nature Reserve, with a view of the Néouvielle peak, 3000 meters high. We'll then descend towards a series of lakes with lagoon, turquoise, and deep blue hues. The trip ends in Argelès-Gazost around 4 pm.
Day 7
Note
Your mountain guide reserves the right to modify this program and the itineraries according to weather conditions and the group's skill level to ensure the safety of participants. Participants must respect mountain etiquette and the regulations of the Pyrenees National Park, particularly those concerning certain prohibitions. Swimming in mountain lakes is also prohibited. Each participant must take all their trash with them.
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
From Lourdes train station to Argelès-Gazost:
- By bus: Use the liO line 965 (towards Cauterets or Gavarnie) which serves Argelès-Gazost in approximately 15 to 20 minutes. The ticket usually costs €2.
- By taxi: Allow approximately 15 minutes for the journey at an estimated cost between €30 and €45 depending on the time of day.
Price details
The price includes
- The stay will be supervised by a state-certified mountain guide.
- Accommodation in a 2-star hotel and one night in a staffed mountain refuge
- Full board from dinner on Day 1 to picnic lunch on Day 7
- Transfers are provided daily (except for free day J4) to the hiking sites.
- 2 meals at a local restaurant
- Tourist taxes
- A visit to a sheepfold
The price does not include
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Single room supplement +€247 (mandatory for all solo bookings)
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- 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 to bring
- Suitable hiking backpack (30 l min) + Protective "Rain cover"
- Sleeping bag sheets
- Water reserve of 1.5 L min
- Frontal
- Sticks if desired
- Snacks and energy bars
- Your personal emergency pharmacy
- Your toiletries (minimalist style)
- Sun protection
- Survival blanket
Clothing to bring
- Wind/rain protective jacket (Gore-Tex type or equivalent)
- Compact down-style thermal jacket
- Hiking poncho (rain protection)
- Long-sleeved T-shirts (preferably merino wool)
- Breathable short-sleeved T-shirts to keep you dry
- High-top hiking boots with a good sole
- Hiking pants and shorts
- 2 pairs of suitable socks
- Gloves and hats at the bottom of the bag
- Cap - sunglasses
The Céline team
Based in the heart of the Pyrenees, our local partner is a destination management company specializing in tailor-made and authentic holidays. They offer unique mountain experiences adapted to each individual. Their tour leaders and guides are local experts committed to a rigorous quality charter. They ensure perfect knowledge of the terrain to guarantee an exceptional welcome.
