Gavarnie, hiking in the heart of the great Pyrenean cirques
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationPyrenees / Gavarnie
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AgeFrom 15 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions76.22 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Spectacular panoramas, vertiginous walls and magnificent valleys: welcome to the heart of the most famous landscapes of the Pyrenees . A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Gavarnie/Mont Perdu massif offers an exceptional natural setting, shaped by glaciers and dominated by imposing limestone walls.
In these legendary lands , the historical cradle of Pyrenean mountaineering, we will journey from cirque to valley, discovering panoramic trails and unforgettable viewpoints. An unmissable trip to experience the great Pyrenean cirques and walk in the footsteps of the first mountain enthusiasts .
The highlights
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The three major cirques: Gavarnie, Estaubé and Troumouse
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Hiking on unspoiled and little-frequented trails
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A family-run two-star hotel, part of the Logis de France group, offering delicious and gourmet cuisine.
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average daily elevation gain: 609 m
Management
French
Guided by a qualified mountain guide with extensive knowledge of the area, the mountain range, and the trails. An enthusiastic professional, he will share his knowledge and passion for the natural environment with you, all while ensuring your safety. His dedication to his work compels him to adapt to weather conditions, terrain constraints, and other unforeseen circumstances, managing each participant's pace and physical condition, while remaining readily available.
TRAVEL DURING THE STAY:
With an 8-seater minibus for the Lourdes – Gavarnie transfer, then every day, short transfers to get to the start of the hike.
Once the minibus is full, the last registrations will be offered the option of taking their own vehicle, with reimbursement (- €50 only for the driver) during the stay.
There is no risk in leaving vehicles in the parking lots at the start of hikes for the day.
Program
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First steps against the giants
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 32km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Meet in Lourdes at 9:30 am for departure towards the valley. From this first day, we gain altitude on the slopes of the Saugué plateau.
In a peaceful atmosphere, far from the crowds, the first panoramic views of the Gavarnie mountains gradually unfold. A perfect warm-up before entering the stark, mineral world of the great cirques.
Day 1 -
Gavarnie, the legendary circus
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today, let the show begin. The Cirque de Gavarnie unfolds its monumental walls and its great waterfall, a true feat of nature.
Rather than following the classic route, we choose paths off the beaten track to contemplate this magnificent scenery from another angle, taking the time to appreciate its full immensity.
Day 2 -
Troumouse, the vast open-air expanse
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A change of scale with Troumouse, the largest of the three cirques. Here, the space seems infinite.
In the heart of these summer pastures shaped by pastoralism, we move in an open and luminous atmosphere, between vast high-altitude meadows and rounded peaks, in a landscape that invites contemplation.
Day 3 -
Estaubé, wild nature and whitewater
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
More discreet, the Estaubé cirque offers a more intimate and wild atmosphere.
The hike takes us between streams, waterfalls and high-altitude meadows, in a setting where water shapes the landscape and where local wildlife can sometimes be observed.
Day 4 -
Lake Bernatoire, on the border with Spain
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We gain altitude towards the border ridges. At the end of the climb, Lake Bernatoire appears, nestled in a high-altitude cirque.
Between the mineral atmosphere and the colorful touches of the alpine meadows, the site offers a privileged setting for a break facing the peaks.
Day 5 -
Alans Mountain
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
For this final hike, a balcony trail leads us to a hanging plateau overlooking the valley.
The view then opens up to the Gavarnie wall and the mythical Roland's Breach, a symbol of the Pyrenean border crossings. A magnificent finale to end the week.
Day 6 -
End of stay
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 32km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, transfer to Lourdes train station for an expected arrival around 11:00 am.
Day 7
Note
Depending on the weather conditions and the group's level, your guide may adapt the program to ensure safety and a quality experience.
Accommodation
Hotel** Logis de France in Luz-Saint-Sauveur. Comfortable hotel, available in double rooms for 2 people, twin rooms with separate beds, or single rooms.
Small free private parking lot in front of the hotel.
Access
Your guide will be waiting for you in front of the SNCF bus stop at Lourdes train station.
Go to the starting point
Free parking “Lurdas” opposite the station.
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be supervised by a qualified mountain guide.
- Accommodation in a 2-star Logis de France hotel, in a shared double room
- Full board from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7
- Return transfers from Lourdes train station with our minibus
- Local transfers to reach the starting points of the hikes
- The tourist tax
The price does not include
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Single room : CHF182.96 / person
- Additional night with half-board the night before (twin/double) : CHF68.61 / person
- Additional night with half-board the night before (single room) : CHF86.91 / person
- Additional night with half-board at the end of the stay (twin/double) : CHF68.61 / person
- Additional night with half-board at the end of the stay (single room) : CHF86.91 / 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 to bring
For the hotel
• A travel bag or suitcase for your belongings for the 6 days (no overly bulky luggage)
• Your spare clothes
• A toiletry kit
• A pair of light, slipper-type shoes for the evening
• A swimsuit (optional)
• For prescription glasses, remember to bring a spare pair.
For hiking
• A 30/40 litre backpack with a waist belt (you will need to carry the safety kit, shovel and probe in your backpack…)
• A protective cover for the backpack (often integrated into it)
• A pair of waterproof shoes with good ankle support (No boots or après-ski boots)
• A pair of gaiters (if not integrated into the trousers)
• A waterproof pouch for your documents, phone, etc…
• A plastic pocket to protect your belongings inside the backpack
• Sun protection (cream and lip balm)
• Category 3 or 4 sunglasses
• Ski mask
• A container with an airtight lid (like Tupperware) for the picnic
• Cutlery, knife and cup
• A water bottle
• Small floor mat (for sitting during your lunch break)
• Toilet paper
• Lighter
Clothing to bring
The 3-layer technique helps to keep you warm and dry.
1. Breathable layer
2. Insulating layer
3. Protective layer
To apply this method, you will need
• Thermal and breathable long-sleeved T-shirts (no cotton)
• Lightweight warm jacket (down jacket or micro-puff type)
• Polartec-type fleece sweatshirt
• Waterproof, breathable, and windproof jacket with a hood. (Gore-Tex remains the standard material)
• Warm, breathable and water-repellent softshell hiking trousers with, if possible, integrated snow gaiters (ski trousers are not recommended)
• Waterproof, lightweight and compressible over-trousers (Gore-Tex type)
• Pairs of warm, knee-high socks (Merino wool)
• Beanie
• Warm, waterproof gloves, silk liner gloves (2 pairs if possible)
