Hiking and first 3000m peak at Petit Vignemale
In summary
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Sports
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Duration2 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationGavarnie / Pyrenees
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AgeFrom 15 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions7.31 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
English
Spanish
French
In a few words
Gain some altitude and set off to conquer the Petit Vignemale , an iconic peak rising to 3,032 meters in the heart of the majestic Pyrenees. This accessible two-day hike presents no particular technical difficulties . It's the ideal introductory trip for regular hikers in good physical condition who want to experience the vast open spaces of the high mountains.
Your adventure revolves around an overnight stay in the highest guarded mountain refuge in the Pyrenees . After witnessing a magnificent sunrise from this high-altitude viewpoint, you will make your way to the summit. From up there, an exceptional panorama unfolds before you, revealing the spectacular Ossoue Glacier , the renowned Gavarnie massif , and the wild Gaube Valley , dominated by the imposing peak of Vignemale (3298 m).
The return route continues with a superb off-the-beaten-path variation, winding its way to one of the secluded and unspoiled lakes in this protected area. An exclusive mountain immersion, promising unforgettable memories close to the peaks.
The highlights
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An accessible climb to 3032m altitude, ideal for an introduction to high-mountain mountaineering
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360° panorama of the Ossoue glacier, the Gavarnie massif and the Vignemale peak
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A night in the highest guarded mountain refuge in the Pyrenees
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 4h30
- Average distance/day: 11 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 840 m
- Average daily descent: 770 m
Management
English
Spanish
French
Supervision by a state-certified mountain guide.
Program
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Ascent to the Baysselance refuge
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 900 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet your guide in Gavarnie-Gèdre. Drive towards the Ossoue dam and the Milhas cabin.
Ascent to the Baysselance refuge, via the GR10, and discovery of the high mountain landscapes of the Vignemale massif.
Passing through the Bellevue caves, former refuge of Count Russell.
Dinner and overnight stay at the refuge.
Day 1 -
Ascent of the Petit Vignemale
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 780 m
- Negative elevation 1540 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Breakfast at the refuge.
Hike at sunrise towards the Petit Vignemale. You'll then ascend in the dark towards the Hourquette d'Ossoue and continue to the summit. Once you reach the top, you'll enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of all the valleys and peaks. An unforgettable experience awaits you.
Then back to the refuge, and down towards the Bellevue caves.
Then a climb allows us to reach the wild gentian lake, where we will have our picnic.
Finally, retracing our steps, the long descent into the valley awaits us. Back to the Milhas cabin and end of services.
Day 2
Accommodation
Baysselance Refuge.
Access
Go to the starting point
- Bus (liO Network - Line 965): This is the most economical option ( €2 ). The liO 965 bus departs directly from Lourdes SNCF train station. It first stops at the center of Gèdre (Tourist Office) and then continues to Gavarnie (Tourist Office). The journey takes between 1 and 1.25 hours. Please note: direct connections to Gavarnie are more frequent during peak season (summer/winter), so be sure to check the timetables.
- Taxi / Private Hire Vehicle: Allow approximately 45 minutes to Gèdre and 55 minutes to Gavarnie (estimated fare between €80 and €120 depending on the exact destination and time).
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be supervised by a state-certified mountain guide.
- Accommodation in mountain huts and dormitories
- Full board from dinner on Day 1 to picnic lunch on Day 2
The price does not include
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Personal equipment
- Drinks and personal expenses
- 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.
