• Long weekend observing and photographing the deer rut from a gîte
  • Long weekend observing and photographing the deer rut from a gîte
  • Long weekend observing and photographing the deer rut from a gîte
  • Long weekend observing and photographing the deer rut from a gîte
  • Long weekend observing and photographing the deer rut from a gîte
  • Long weekend observing and photographing the deer rut from a gîte
Lourdes

Long weekend observing and photographing the deer rut from a gîte

5/5 (1 reviews)
Réf : XLCABH

In summary

  • Sports
    Hiking / Trekking
  • Duration
    3 days
  • Level
    Beginner

    Levels

    Hiking / Trekking
    Beginner
    For those wishing to walk for up to 3 hours with minimal elevation gain (max. 300m) along roads, tracks, trails, or rolling terrain. Suitable for everyone.
    Intermediate
    For those wishing to hike for 4 to 5 hours a day, covering an elevation gain of around 600m on trails. You hike occasionally and are in good physical condition.
    Confirmed
    For those wishing to hike for up to 6 hours a day and/or cover an elevation gain of 600 to 800 meters, both on and off-trail. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in a sporting activity once a week, hike regularly, and are in very good physical condition.
    Advanced
    For those wishing to undertake multi-day hikes involving over 6 hours of walking and an elevation gain of 700 to 1,200 meters, off-trail or over rugged terrain. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in endurance sports several times a week, hike regularly, and are in excellent physical condition.
    Expert
    For those who want a challenging hike of 7 to 8 hours per day with over 1200 meters of elevation gain off-trail or on rough terrain. High-altitude sections. You have been practicing high-intensity endurance sports several times a week for several years, and you are training for this event.
  • Destination
    Hautes-Pyrénées / Lourdes
  • Age
    From the age of 18
  • CO₂-Emissions
    61.08 kg CO2
  • Type of stay
    This group trip is perfect for travelers who want to experience a sporting adventure with other enthusiasts and be guided.
    Type of stay
    In a group
  • Languages
    🇬🇧
    English
    🇫🇷
    French

In a few words

The stag rut is an impressive moment to experience, but even more so to capture! Head to the Pyrenees in autumn to enjoy the ideal conditions for witnessing the mating calls of France's largest deer. Accompanied by a qualified guide and nature photographer , you'll receive invaluable advice on observing the flora and fauna and taking stunning photographs. Your accommodation, a comfortable and authentic gîte, immerses you in the heart of nature, providing the perfect setting to connect, share your wildest stories, and create lasting memories !

The highlights

  • An immersion in the heart of Pyrenean nature
  • Accommodation in a comfortable and charming cottage
  • Photography tips and tricks from your guide
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Photos

Sport

Level

Hiking / Trekking

Beginner

Levels

Hiking / Trekking
Beginner
For those wishing to walk for up to 3 hours with minimal elevation gain (max. 300m) along roads, tracks, trails, or rolling terrain. Suitable for everyone.
Intermediate
For those wishing to hike for 4 to 5 hours a day, covering an elevation gain of around 600m on trails. You hike occasionally and are in good physical condition.
Confirmed
For those wishing to hike for up to 6 hours a day and/or cover an elevation gain of 600 to 800 meters, both on and off-trail. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in a sporting activity once a week, hike regularly, and are in very good physical condition.
Advanced
For those wishing to undertake multi-day hikes involving over 6 hours of walking and an elevation gain of 700 to 1,200 meters, off-trail or over rugged terrain. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in endurance sports several times a week, hike regularly, and are in excellent physical condition.
Expert
For those who want a challenging hike of 7 to 8 hours per day with over 1200 meters of elevation gain off-trail or on rough terrain. High-altitude sections. You have been practicing high-intensity endurance sports several times a week for several years, and you are training for this event.
For those wishing to walk for up to 3 hours with minimal elevation gain (max. 300m) along roads, tracks, trails, or rolling terrain. Suitable for everyone.

The expert's opinion

You are able to walk for approximately 3 hours over a maximum of 300m of elevation gain.

In figures

Hiking

  • Average duration/day: 3h
  • Average distance/day: 7 km
  • Average daily elevation gain: 200 m
  • Average daily descent: 200 m
  • Maximum altitude: 1800 m

Management

During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Band : 1 supervisor for 2 to 4 people
Languages ​​spoken:
🇬🇧
English
🇫🇷
French
Hadrien
Hadrien

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

You will be accompanied by a state-certified mountain guide and photographer. Wildlife photography is a delicate subject. The primary objective of this adventure is the observation and discovery of animal species. It is crucial to respect the animals and avoid disturbing them. The animals are free and wild, and sightings are unpredictable.

Management

Security

The guided trip includes professional liability insurance, rigorous weather monitoring beforehand, and careful preparation of the outing and equipment. In the mountains, safety remains a priority: I have, in particular, a Garmin inReach satellite communication device that allows me to communicate and alert rescue services even in areas without cell phone coverage.
Learn more about supervision

Program

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
  • map

    First immersion

    • Transportation Car - 01h - 50km
    • Activity Hiking
    • Duration of the activity 3h
    • Distance 6 km
    • Positive elevation gain 200 m
    • Negative elevation 200 m
    • Maximum altitude 1800 m
    • Accommodation Cottage
    • Breakfast not included
    • Lunch included
    • Dinner included

    Meet at Lourdes train station at 8:30 am. Then, carpool to Artalens-Souin to reach your accommodation and drop off your luggage. Afterwards, we'll head up into the Hautacam mountain range.

    The morning will be dedicated to a workshop on photographic and camouflage techniques, followed by a presentation on deer. Lunch break on the heights overlooking the valley; picnic provided by the guide.

    In the afternoon, we head to the rutting grounds to observe the king of the forest. We return to the vehicle by headlamp. Arrival at the accommodation between 8:00 and 8:30 pm. Dinner on site.

    Day 1

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.

Wildlife photography is a delicate subject. The primary objective of this adventure is the observation and discovery of animal species. It is very important to respect the animals and avoid disturbing the wildlife.

The animals are free and wild; sightings are random.

Accommodation

🏠 Holiday rental - Days 1 to 2
  • 🏠 Holiday rental - Days 1 to 2
  • 🏠 Holiday rental - Days 1 to 2
  • 🏠 Holiday rental - Days 1 to 2
  • 🏠 Holiday rental - Days 1 to 2
  • 🏠 Holiday rental - Days 1 to 2
🏠 Holiday rental - Days 1 to 2

You will stay in a renovated barn, retaining all its authenticity while providing the necessary comfort for a stay in the heart of nature.

Access

Departure
Gare SNCF Lourdes
Day 1 : 08h30
End of stay
Gare SNCF Lourdes
Day 3 - 16h00

Go to the starting point

Access by train
Take the train toLourdes
Access by car
Travel to the place of stay with parking available

Exit 12 of the A64 near Tarbes. Direction Lourdes via N21.

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Price details

The price includes

  1. Full board from the picnic on Day 1 to lunch on Day 3
  2. Accommodation in a self-catering cottage, in a shared double or triple room
  3. Wildlife observation and discovery
  4. Photography training, tips and tricks
  5. The tour is led by a professional nature photographer, a certified mountain guide (State Diploma in Mountaineering).
  6. The loan of the camouflage outfit
  7. Transport from the meeting point on Day 1 and return to Argelès-Gazost on Day 3
  8. Internal transfers during the stay are provided using the tour guide's vehicle.

The price does not include

  1. Photo equipment
  2. The round trip from your home to the arrival/departure point of the stay
  3. Drinks, snacks, and personal purchases

Options

  1. Flex fare and insurance

Practical information

Specific formalities
Equipment

They traveled with us

Discover the authentic experiences of our travelers
5/5
(1 reviews)
At Decathlon, the reviews are reliable.
Reviews displayed in reverse chronological order
T

Tom

october 2025
Translated from French
Hadrien is a wonderful guide and person. He shows us the wildlife of the Pyrenees with great passion.
Published on 14/10/2025

They traveled with us

Discover the authentic experiences of our travelers
5/5
(1 reviews)
At Decathlon, the reviews are reliable.
Reviews displayed in reverse chronological order
T

Tom

october 2025
Translated from French
Hadrien is a wonderful guide and person. He shows us the wildlife of the Pyrenees with great passion.
Published on 14/10/2025
H
Decathlon Travel Partner

Our partner team

4.8/5 (18 reviews) • 16 stays
Guide de montagne et photographe expert, notre partenaire local convie les voyageurs à une immersion visuelle au cœur des Pyrénées. Il propose des randonnées photographiques pour explorer des étendues sauvages et des panoramas époustouflants, tout en observant la faune et la flore.

Son approche invite à savourer chaque instant et à s'imprégner de la nature. Il accompagne les participants pour une expérience unique de contemplation et de création en haute altitude.
Discover their team and their trips
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