Hiking and photography in the Pyrenees National Park
In summary
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Sports
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Duration2 days
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LevelBeginner
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DestinationGavarnie / Néouvielle Massif
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions29.68 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Embark on an unforgettable hike in the High Pyrenees ! Your adventure combines hiking and photography and takes place in the heart of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre International Dark Sky Reserve . On the first day, you'll gain altitude to find the perfect spot and set up camp, facing the majestic Pyrenean peaks. You'll have the entire evening to contemplate and admire the last rays of sunlight: a moment of unparalleled beauty! Once night falls, you'll explore the starry sky and follow your guide's expert advice to capture the celestial wonders in photographs . You'll then spend an unforgettable night in the mountains , either in a tent under the stars or in a charming cabin heated by a wood-burning stove (depending on the time of year). A unique experience that will leave you with lasting memories!
The highlights
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An authentic adventure close to nature
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The diversity of landscapes in the National Park
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Tips and tricks from your photography guide
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
You are able to walk for approximately 1 hour over a maximum of 300m of elevation gain.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 1h
- Average distance/day: 2 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 150 m
- Average daily descent: 148 m
- Maximum altitude: 2320 m
Management
Drawn by the curves of the Pyrenees, I embark on a new journey. The murmur of the mountain stream echoes at the foot of these giants. Time stands still, and my mind wanders. There is a place where seconds vanish: the mountains. Eden, where fragile life confronts the elements. Captivated by the light, I capture every moment. The seasons mark the ephemeral landscape. I admire the silhouettes of this wild world. My gaze lingers on this immensity. Eternally amazed, I contemplate the valley. – Hadrien Brasseur
Program
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Ascent into the heart of the International Dark Sky Reserve
- Transportation Car - 01h - 47km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Distance 2 km
- Positive elevation gain 150 m
- Negative elevation 70 m
- Maximum altitude 2320 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet around 3:30 pm at the Carrefour Market parking lot in Argelès-Gazost. You'll carpool to the starting point of the hike in the Gavarnie Valley. The hike begins at the Col des Tentes pass. You'll hike amidst the high Pyrenean peaks. You'll enjoy an easy ascent of a summit, then set up camp for the night. You'll have dinner as the sun sets. As night falls, you'll follow your guide's advice to capture the starry sky. You'll spend the night bivouacking under a sky full of stars!
Day 1 -
Sunrise over the hills
- Transportation Car - 01h - 47km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Distance 2 km
- Positive elevation gain 150 m
- Negative elevation 226 m
- Maximum altitude 2320 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After a night under the stars, you wake up to watch the sunrise. You capture this magical moment. The high peaks gradually reveal themselves in the first rays of sunlight. You enjoy a delicious breakfast in the hills above Gavarnie. Then, you descend, your mind filled with the spectacle of nature. Return by car to the Carrefour Market parking lot in Argelès-Gazost around noon.
Day 2
Note
The guide reserves the right to modify this program for various reasons such as weather or physical conditions.
The elevation gain and walking time are estimates that may change depending on weather conditions and/or the pace of the participants.
Accommodation
You sleep in a bivouac , in a tent (2 people per tent).
Access
Go to the starting point
Parking available at the Carrefour Market car park in Argelès-Gazost
Price details
The price includes
- Dinner on Day 1 and breakfast on Day 2
- Photography training, tips and tricks
- Transportation to the starting point of the hike from the meeting point (carpooling)
- We can pick you up at Lourdes train station.
- The tent
- The tour is led by a professional photographer holding a State Diploma in Mountaineering.
- Professional liability insurance
The price does not include
- The camera
- The objective(s)
- Camping equipment (sleeping bag, mattress)
- Transportation to the initial meeting point
Options
- Camping equipment rental : CHF22.87 / unit
- 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
- Tent
- Stove with gas
- Popote
Equipment to bring
- A floor mat or inflatable mattress
- Your camera
- A camera lens
- Battery(ies) charged
- A pair of high-top, waterproof hiking boots (preferably with a toe cap)
- A backpack (50L to 70L)
- A large plastic bag to slip into your backpack to protect your belongings from the elements
- A rain cover to protect your backpack from the rain
- A sleeping bag with a comfort temperature of 5°C
- A sleeping bag sheet
- A pair of telescopic hiking poles
- A good quality pair of sunglasses (protection level 3)
- A 1.5L water bottle (1L minimum) or hydration pack with a drinking tube
- A plastic or aluminum cup with an insulated handle
- Hiking cutlery and a folding pocket knife (Opinel type)
- A headlamp
- A survival blanket
- Earplugs
Clothing to bring
- A hat or cap
- A lightweight beanie
- A neck warmer
- A small pair of hiking gloves
- A short-sleeved t-shirt made of breathable material
- A long-sleeved thermal undergarment made of breathable material (ideally merino wool)
- Thermal underwear such as tights (ideally made of merino wool)
- Optional change of clothes depending on the weather conditions
- A fleece jacket
- A lightweight and compressible down jacket
- A waterproof windproof jacket
- Trekking trousers
- Waterproof trousers to brave the elements
- Underwear suitable for sports activities
- Two pairs of hiking socks