• Wildlife photography hike in the Pyrenees
  • Wildlife photography hike in the Pyrenees
  • Wildlife photography hike in the Pyrenees
  • Wildlife photography hike in the Pyrenees
  • Wildlife photography hike in the Pyrenees
Hautes-Pyrénées / Val d'Azun

Wildlife photography hike in the Pyrenees

Réf : DECAMV

In summary

  • Sports
    Hiking / Trekking
  • Duration
    2 days
  • Level
    Intermediate

    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 / Val d'Azun
  • Age
    From 18 - 80 years
  • CO₂-Emissions
    28.28 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

Embark on a truly immersive experience in the heart of the Pyrenees National Park , encountering the region's iconic wildlife . In this majestic setting sculpted by glaciers, between vertiginous cliffs and alpine meadows , keep your eyes and ears wide open: the call of the marmot echoes through the valleys, while the shadow of a bird of prey glides along the slopes, guiding your gaze towards the elusive wallcreeper . Lower down, on the scree slopes, the stoat plays the curious observer. Accompanied by a passionate guide, you'll set off on two days of hiking punctuated by nature observations and photography tips to capture these magical moments. Nights are spent in tents , surrounded by nature, for an immersive and respectful experience of wildlife . A meaningful trip, both educational and contemplative , to better understand and protect the richness of life.

The highlights

  • An authentic adventure close to nature
  • Wildlife observation
  • Photo tips and tricks
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Photos

Sport

Level

Hiking / Trekking

Intermediate

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 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.

The expert's opinion

You are capable of walking for approximately 2.5 hours over approximately 600m of elevation gain (the route may be adapted depending on various factors).

In figures

Hiking

  • Average duration/day: 2h30
  • Average distance/day: 6 km
  • Average daily elevation gain: 305 m
  • Average daily descent: 313 m
  • Exposed Passages: Yes

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
  • map

    The mountain peaks

    • Transportation Car - 01h07 - 47km
    • Activity Hiking
    • Duration of the activity 2h20
    • Distance 5 km
    • Positive elevation gain 400 m
    • Negative elevation 26 m
    • Exposed passages Yes
    • Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
    • Breakfast not included
    • Lunch not included
    • Dinner included

    Meet at 8:00 AM in the Carrefour Market parking lot in Argelès-Gazost. We'll carpool from the meeting point towards the Gavarnie mountain range. The hike begins at a high mountain pass. The trail winds its way at the foot of the iconic peaks of the Pyrenees. The Brèche de Roland (Roland's Breach) comes into view. Throughout the hike, we'll take the opportunity to observe the local wildlife (alpine accentor, snowfinch, marmot, etc.) and capture our first photos. We'll have a picnic lunch in the heart of nature, perfect for photographing scenes of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled near the refuge—the stoat isn't far away! We'll set up camp near the refuge and spend the night in tents.

    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

⛺️ Bivouac / Tent - Day 1

Night in a 2-person tent

Access

Departure
Argelès-Gazost, France
Day 1 : 08h00
End of stay
Argelès-Gazost, France
Day 2 - 17h00

Appointment and end times may vary depending on several factors

Go to the starting point

Access by train
Take the train toLourdes

There are shuttle buses to Argelès-Gazost. If necessary, depending on the organizer's arrangements, they might pick you up in Lourdes.

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

Exit 12 of the A64 near Tarbes. Direction Lourdes via N21. Direction Argelès-Gazost via D821.

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Price details

The price includes

  1. Dinner on Day 1 and breakfast on Day 2
  2. Night in a tent
  3. Wildlife observation and discovery
  4. Photography training, tips and tricks
  5. Transportation to the starting point of the hike from the meeting point (carpooling)
  6. A tent (2-person) available for loan
  7. The tour is led by a professional nature photographer with a State Diploma in Mountaineering.
  8. Professional liability insurance

The price does not include

  1. The camera
  2. The telephoto lens
  3. Camping equipment (sleeping bag, mattress)
  4. Transportation to the initial meeting point
  5. Picnic Day 1 and picnic Day 2

Options

You will be able to select these options when booking.
  1. Camping equipment rental : CHF22.87 / reservation
  2. 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

  1. Tents
  2. Stove with gas
  3. Popote


Equipment to bring

  1. camera
  2. zoom or fixed focal length camera lens (400mm)
  3. Battery(ies) charged
  4. a pair of high-top, waterproof hiking boots (preferably with a toe cap)
  5. a pair of hiking gaiters
  6. backpack (50L to 70L)
  7. a pair of binoculars
  8. a large plastic bag to slip into your backpack to protect your belongings from the elements
  9. a rain cover to protect your backpack from the rain
  10. a sleeping bag with a comfort temperature of 0°C
  11. sleeping bag sheet
  12. a pair of telescopic hiking poles
  13. a pair of good quality sunglasses (protection level 3)
  14. sunscreen with a good protection factor
  15. a 1.5 liter water bottle (1 liter minimum) or hydration pack with a drinking tube
  16. a plastic or aluminum cup with an insulated handle
  17. hiking cutlery and a folding pocket knife (Opinel type)
  18. a headlamp
  19. a survival blanket
  20. your personal little pharmacy
  21. earplugs
  22. a large rubbish bag to put your belongings in in case of bad weather


Clothing to bring

  1. a hat, or cap
  2. a hat
  3. a neck warmer
  4. a pair of hiking gloves
  5. a short-sleeved t-shirt made of breathable material
  6. a long-sleeved thermal undergarment made of breathable material (ideally merino wool)
  7. thermal underwear such as tights (ideally made of merino wool)
  8. Optional change of clothes depending on the weather conditions
  9. a fleece jacket
  10. a lightweight and compressible down jacket
  11. a waterproof windproof jacket
  12. trekking trousers
  13. Waterproof trousers to brave the elements
  14. underwear suitable for sports
  15. two pairs of hiking socks


H
Decathlon Travel Partner

Our partner team

4.8/5 (11 reviews) • 8 stays
A mountain guide and expert photographer, our local partner invites travelers to a visual immersion in the heart of the Pyrenees. He offers photographic hikes to explore wild landscapes and breathtaking panoramas, while observing the local flora and fauna. His approach encourages savoring every moment and connecting with nature. He accompanies participants on a unique experience of contemplation and creation at high altitude.
Discover their team and their trips
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