Long weekend observing and photographing the deer rut from a gîte
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelBeginner
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DestinationHautes-Pyrénées / Lourdes
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions61.08 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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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
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An immersion in the heart of Pyrenean nature
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Accommodation in a comfortable and charming cottage
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Photography tips and tricks from your guide
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
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: 184 m
- Average daily descent: 184 m
- Maximum altitude: 1800 m
Management
English
French
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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First immersion
- Transportation Car - 01h - 50km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 150 m
- Negative elevation 150 m
- Maximum altitude 1800 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Meet at Lourdes train station at 9:30 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 -
At the heart of the rut
- Transportation Car - 00h30 - 20km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 250 m
- Negative elevation 250 m
- Maximum altitude 1800 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, you will depart from your accommodation at 5:30 am to reach the Hautacam massif by car. After a short hike with headlamps, you will return to the rutting ground from the previous day. Weather permitting, you will witness the sunrise. Lunch will be provided on the heights of the massif.
The afternoon will be dedicated to viewing your images and discussing everyone's shots. From 3 pm, return to the rutting grounds. Arrival at the accommodation between 8 pm and 8:30 pm. Dinner on site.
Day 2 -
Last day and end of the stay
- Transportation Car - 01h - 50km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 150 m
- Negative elevation 150 m
- Maximum altitude 1800 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, we'll depart from our accommodation at 5:30 am to drive to the Hautacam massif. You'll then hike with headlamps to reach the rutting grounds. Weather permitting, you'll witness the sunrise.
After this morning, you will go to an inn to enjoy a lunch featuring local flavors. In the afternoon, return to the gîte to collect your luggage before departing. Arrival at Lourdes train station around 4 pm, end of the trip.
Day 3
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
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
The train is a practical solution for reaching the Hautes-Pyrénées while limiting the carbon footprint of your journey.
- From Paris: rail connections allow you to reach Lourdes, notably by TGV INOUI. Depending on the dates, the night train can also be an attractive option for overnight travel.
- From Bordeaux: prioritize searching for a route via Dax and Pau, depending on the available connections.
- From Toulouse: rail links allow you to reach Lourdes, either directly or with a connection depending on the timetable.
- From other regions: search for your route to Lourdes, favouring, where possible, routes with few transfers.
Tip: Book in advance, especially for weekends and school holidays. Remember to check return train times and any connecting services on SNCF Connect.
Go to the starting point
Exit 12 of the A64 near Tarbes. Direction Lourdes via N21.
Price details
The price includes
- Full board from the picnic on Day 1 to lunch on Day 3
- Accommodation in a self-catering cottage, in a shared double or triple room
- Wildlife observation and discovery
- Photography training, tips and tricks
- The tour is led by a professional nature photographer, a certified mountain guide (State Diploma in Mountaineering).
- The loan of the camouflage outfit
- Transport from the meeting point on Day 1 and return to Argelès-Gazost on Day 3
- Internal transfers during the stay are provided using the tour guide's vehicle.
The price does not include
- Photo equipment
- The round trip from your home to the arrival/departure point of the stay
- Drinks, snacks, and personal purchases
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.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Camouflage outfit
- Towels (bath linen)
- Bed linen
Equipment to bring
- Camera
- Zoom or fixed focal length camera lens (400mm)
- Battery(ies) charged
- A pair of high-top, waterproof hiking boots (preferably with a toe cap)
- Pair of hiking gaiters
- A pair of slippers
- Backpack (50L to 70L)
- Travel bag
- Pair of binoculars
- Large plastic bag to slip into your backpack to protect your belongings from the elements
- Rain cover to protect your backpack from the rain
- Pair of telescopic hiking poles
- Pair of good quality sunglasses (protection level 3)
- 1.5L water bottle or hydration bladder with drinking tube
- Plastic or aluminum cup with insulated handle
- Hiking cutlery and a folding pocket knife (Opinel type)
- Headlamp
- Survival blanket
- Toiletries and your personal belongings
- Slippers
Clothing to bring
- Hat, or cap
- Cap
- Neck warmer
- Pair of hiking gloves
- Short-sleeved T-shirt made of breathable fabric
- Long-sleeved thermal underwear made of breathable material (ideally merino wool)
- Thermal underwear such as tights (ideally made of merino wool)
- Change of clothes
- Fleece jacket
- Lightweight and compressible down jacket
- Waterproof windproof jacket
- Trekking trousers
- Waterproof trousers to brave the elements
- Underwear suitable for sports
- Two pairs of hiking socks
- Clothing to be comfortable in the gîte
