• Photograph of a deer rutting during a hike in the Pyrenees
  • Photograph of a deer rutting during a hike in the Pyrenees
  • Photograph of a deer rutting during a hike in the Pyrenees
  • Photograph of a deer rutting during a hike in the Pyrenees
  • Photograph of a deer rutting during a hike in the Pyrenees
  • Photograph of a deer rutting during a hike in the Pyrenees
  • Photograph of a deer rutting during a hike in the Pyrenees
  • Photograph of a deer rutting during a hike in the Pyrenees
Val d'Azun / Hautes-Pyrénées

Photograph of a deer rutting during a hike in the Pyrenees

5/5 (1 reviews)
Réf : DRDETH

In summary

  • Sports
    Hiking / Trekking
  • Duration
    2 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
    Val d'Azun / Hautes-Pyrénées
  • Age
    From the age of 18
  • CO₂-Emissions
    13.03 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
    French
    English

In a few words

Experience the thrill of the stag rut with this unforgettable adventure in the Hautes-Pyrénées ! Between September and October, immerse yourself for two days in the heart of the Pyrenees' autumnal forests to encounter France's largest deer . The hike, enriched by your guide 's insightful observations, offers moments of pure magic. Follow their expert advice and capture memorable photos of the local wildlife . At night, enjoy an unforgettable experience sleeping in a cabin or tent nestled in the mountains. This trip, dedicated to the respectful observation of wildlife, promises lasting memories.

The highlights

  • An immersion in the heart of Pyrenean nature
  • A night in the mountains
  • Wildlife observation
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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 2 hours over a maximum of 300m of elevation gain.

In figures

Hiking

  • Average duration/day: 1h30
  • Average distance/day: 5 km
  • Average daily elevation gain: 150 m
  • Average daily descent: 150 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:
French
English
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

    At the heart of the rut

    • Transportation Car - 00h30 - 16km
    • Activity Hiking
    • Duration of the activity 1h30
    • Distance 5 km
    • Positive elevation gain 150 m
    • Negative elevation 150 m
    • Maximum altitude 1800 m
    • Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
    • Breakfast not included
    • Lunch not included
    • Dinner included

    Meet at 1:00 PM in the Carrefour Market parking lot in Argelès-Gazost. Carpool to the starting point of the hike in the Hautacam massif. Once there, set up camp and gather firewood for the evening. Then, discreetly head out to a rutting ground for a hide. You will wear full camouflage to blend into the vegetation. Observe the deer in their natural habitat and take photos. Return to camp at dusk. Dinner around a campfire, followed by an overnight bivouac.

    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

Depending on the weather, you will sleep either in an unguarded cabin (3 people per cabin, designed for 8 people), or in a tent (2 people per tent).

Access

Departure
Argeles-Gazost
Day 1 : 13h00
End of stay
Argeles-Gazost
Day 2 - 12h00

Meet at the Carrefour Market parking lot in Argelès-Gazost

Go to the starting point

Access by train
Take the train toLourdes
Access by plane
The nearest airport isTarbes-Lourdes
Access by car
Travel to the place of stay with parking available

Carrefour Market parking lot in Argelès-Gazost

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Price details

The price includes

  1. 1 night camping in a shared tent or an unguarded cabin
  2. Dinner on Day 1 and breakfast on Day 2
  3. Wildlife observation and discovery
  4. Photography training, tips and tricks
  5. Transport to the start of the hike from Argelès-Gazost
  6. Transfer from Lourdes train station (on request)
  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. Transport to Argelès-Gazost

Options

You will be able to select these options when booking.
  1. Camping equipment rental : CHF22.87 / unit
  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. Gas stove
  3. Popote
  4. Camouflage outfit

Equipment to bring

  1. Your camera
  2. A camera lens
  3. Battery(ies) charged
  4. A pair of high-top, waterproof hiking boots (preferably with a toe cap)
  5. A backpack (50L to 70L)
  6. A large plastic bag to slip into your backpack to protect your belongings from the elements
  7. A rain cover to protect your backpack from the rain
  8. A sleeping bag with a comfort temperature of 5°C
  9. A sleeping bag sheet
  10. A pair of telescopic hiking poles
  11. A good quality pair of sunglasses (protection level 3)
  12. A 1.5L water bottle (1L minimum) or hydration pack with a drinking tube
  13. A plastic or aluminum cup with an insulated handle
  14. Hiking cutlery and a folding pocket knife (Opinel type)
  15. A headlamp
  16. A survival blanket
  17. Earplugs

Clothing to bring

  1. A hat or cap
  2. A lightweight beanie
  3. A neck warmer
  4. A small pair of hiking gloves
  5. A short-sleeved t-shirt made of breathable material
  6. A long-sleeved thermal base layer 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 activities
  15. Two pairs of hiking socks

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

THOMAS - 42 ans

september 2025 In a group
Translated from French
Great experience and a very friendly guide!
Published on 01/10/2025

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

THOMAS - 42 ans

september 2025 In a group
Translated from French
Great experience and a very friendly guide!
Published on 01/10/2025
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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