Pyrenean viewpoints: a hike from Petit Vignemale to Mont Perdu
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationPyrenees / Hautes-Pyrénées
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AgeFrom 17 - 70 years
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CO₂-Emissions64.5 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Embark on a spectacular trek through the heart of the central Pyrenees , between the granite peaks of the Cauterets massif and the impressive limestone cliffs of Mont Perdu . This varied route immerses you in unspoiled nature, dotted with crystal-clear high-altitude lakes and breathtaking panoramas.
As you progress through the stages, you gain altitude by crossing steep passes and climbing iconic peaks over 3,000 meters high, such as the Petit Vignemale , the Taillon , and Mont Perdu , passing through the legendary Brèche de Roland . A route steeped in history, at the heart of the golden age of Pyrenean mountaineering.
The immersion continues in Ordesa National Park , with the combination of the spectacular Vire de los Fioris (Flower Ledge) and the more secluded Vire de l'Escuzana . These exposed, breathtaking balcony trails offer stunning views of the surrounding valleys.
A sporty and comprehensive stay, ideal for lovers of wild nature , high-altitude challenges and breathtaking landscapes.
The highlights
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Climbing summits accessible by hiking at altitudes of over 3000m
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A rich and varied discovery of the Ordesa Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
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A progressive route to tackle the climbs in the best conditions
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 6h30
- Average daily elevation gain: 893 m
- Average daily descent: 815 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
French
As a mountain guide in the Gave valleys since 1997, I am passionate about sharing these mountains with you, mountains I hold dear. The natural and scenic heritage here is exceptionally diverse, and exploring these routes is always a great joy. Drawing on my extensive field experience, we will discover together some of the hidden gems of these Pyrenean mountains.
Program
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From the fruit farm to the Estom refuge
- Transportation Minibus - 00h45 - 20km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Pick-up at Lourdes train station followed by transfer to the Fruitière car park. Picnic by the Gave river then gentle climb to the valley floor.
Between fir trees and rhododendrons, the trail follows the crystal-clear stream, offering glimpses of beautiful waterfalls. After a few steeper switchbacks through the forest, the path reaches Lake Estom and the refuge of the same name. The turquoise waters of the lake, nestled in its mountain setting, provide a refreshing spot for a break.
Meals and overnight stay at the refuge.
Day 1 -
From the Estom refuge to the Baysselance refuge
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 1260 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Early departure from the refuge to link together a very beautiful succession of high-altitude lakes, Soubiran, Glacé, Gentianes in a very wild environment.
From the Col des Gentianes the landscape opens up and the view of the Vignemale glacier is impressive.
Descent followed by a short climb to reach the Baysselance refuge, starting point for the ascent of the surrounding 3000m peaks.
Meals and overnight stay at the refuge.
Day 2 -
Ascent of Petit Vignemale and descent to Gavarnie village
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 1680 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Ascent of Petit Vignemale (3032m). We may have the opportunity to admire the sunrise from the summit of Petit Vignemale, accessible via a well-marked, though sometimes slightly steep, path. Remarkable view over the Gaube valley and the north face of the massif.
Back at the refuge, we will begin a beautiful and long descent into the Ossou valley to reach the village of Gavarnie.
Overnight stay and meals in a gîte in Gavarnie.
Day 3 -
Ascent of Taillon via the Brèche de Roland then descent to the Goriz refuge
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 15km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Positive elevation gain 1137 m
- Negative elevation 1000 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Transfer to the Col des Tentes.
Starting from the Col des Tentes, we will begin a long traverse under the majestic north face of the Taillon before climbing towards the Brèche de Roland.
A true "gateway" in the cirque's wall, the Brèche de Roland grants us access to the unique, mineral world of Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park. Along the way, we can make a round trip to the summit of Taillon (3144m), a magnificent viewpoint straddling the Franco-Spanish border.
Then a descent through vast mineral landscapes to reach plateaus and small passes leading to the Goriz refuge at the foot of Mont Perdu.
Night and meals at the refuge.
Day 4 -
Ascent of Mont Perdu
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Positive elevation gain 1160 m
- Negative elevation 1160 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Ascent of Mont Perdu starting from the Goriz refuge.
We set off very early to climb the second highest peak in the Pyrenees, at 3349m altitude. Following a well-marked but steep path, we began our steady ascent towards Lac Glacé. A few short rocky sections, sometimes equipped with a chain, presented some easy scrambling moves.
From the Glacial Pond, a final ramp, sometimes through scree, will lead us to the summit of Monte Perdido. A magnificent 360° panorama unfolds over the Ordesa massif, its vertiginous canyons with the Aragonese and French plains as a backdrop (the ascent of Monte Perdido requires the absence of snow to be carried out in good conditions).
Night and meals at the Goriz refuge.
Day 5 -
Vire des Fleurs and Vire de l'Escuzana
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 10km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Positive elevation gain 900 m
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We reach France via a particularly spectacular and original route: the Fajas.
At level ground, on the side of the cliffs forming the walls of the canyon, we will always walk on a path, without technical difficulty, offering spectacular views of the bottom of the Ordesa canyon a thousand meters below.
After the Vire des Fleurs, we'll need to climb back up to the Col de l'Escuzana to tackle another equally spectacular ledge that will take us to the Col de Boucharo and then the Col des Tentes. We'll be picked up by vehicle at the Col des Tentes.
Overnight stay and meals in a gîte in Gavarnie.
Day 6 -
Return to Lourdes and end of stay
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 45km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Transfer by minibus to Lourdes train station and end of stay.
Day 7
Note
The stages and ascents may be modified at the guide's discretion if weather conditions or the group's level require it.
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
- Transfer from the Lourdes train station to the starting point of the hike in the Fruitière Valley. Luggage is transferred to the gîte in Gavarnie for the evening of Day 2.
- Return to the Lourdes care home on Saturday morning from the gîte in Gavarnie.
Price details
The price includes
- Supervision by a state-certified mountain guide
- Accommodation in guesthouses and mountain huts
- Full board from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7
- Luggage transfer
- Transfers to/from Lourdes train station and to hiking locations
The price does not include
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Any showers that cost money
- Transportation to the meeting point
- 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.
