Weekend immersion in photography and nature with ibex
In summary
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Sports
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Duration2 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationVal d'Azun / Hautes-Pyrénées
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions10.4 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Embark on an adventure in search of ibex in the wild Pyrenees! During this 2-day trip, you'll benefit from the guidance of a mountain guide and wildlife photographer, who will offer invaluable advice to help you improve your wildlife photography skills. To find the best spots, you'll explore hiking trails punctuated by wildlife sightings (golden eagle, bearded vulture, etc.). To complete the adventure, you'll sleep close to nature in an unguarded cabin or tent, depending on the conditions.
The highlights
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An authentic adventure close to nature
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Wildlife observation
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Photo tips and tricks
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
You are able to walk for approximately 2 hours over a maximum elevation gain of approximately 500m.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 3h
- Average distance/day: 7 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 250 m
- Average daily descent: 250 m
- Maximum altitude: 1900 m
Management
French
English
"Drawn to 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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Ascent towards the valley of the ibex
- Transportation Car - 00h20 - 11km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Maximum altitude 1700 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet at 8:30 am in front of the Arrens-Marsous tourist office. You'll carpool to the starting point of the hike in a neighboring valley. The hike begins at the edge of a beautiful lake. Throughout the walk, the landscape changes (pastoral area, old-growth forest, etc.). You'll have time to observe nature and take photos, including your first sightings of ibex. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the heart of nature. You'll reach the cabin for the night, located beside a small lake, where you'll dine by a campfire.
Day 1 -
Morning ibex and return
- Transportation Car - 00h20 - 11km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 7 km
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Maximum altitude 1900 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After a night in the cabin (or tent), breakfast will be prepared for you. In the morning, you can admire the ibex. Depending on their location, a 200-meter ascent may be offered. Lunch will be a picnic in the open countryside. Afterwards, you will gradually descend back to the previous day's starting point, punctuating the walk with observations and photography opportunities. Return between 4:30 and 5:00 PM.
Day 2
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
Depending on the weather, you will sleep either in an unguarded cabin (5 people per cabin, designed for 8 people), or in a tent (2 people per tent).
Access
Go to the starting point
Parking in the village of Arrens-Marsous
Price details
The price includes
- Dinner on Day 1 and breakfast on Day 2
- 1 night camping in a shared double tent or in an unguarded cabin in a communal dormitory
- Wildlife observation and discovery
- Photography training, tips and tricks
- Transportation to the starting point of the hike from the meeting point (carpooling)
- Transfer from Lourdes train station (on request)
- The tour is led by a professional nature photographer with a State Diploma in Mountaineering.
- Professional liability insurance
The price does not include
- The camera
- The telephoto lens
- Camping equipment (sleeping bag, mattress)
- Transportation to the initial meeting point
- The picnic on Day 1 and Day 2
Options
- Camping equipment rental : CHF22.87 / unit
- 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
- Tents
- Stove with gas
- Popote
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
- Backpack (50L to 70L)
- 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
- Sleeping bag, comfort temperature 0°C
- Sleeping bag sheet
- Pair of telescopic hiking poles
- Pair of good quality sunglasses (protection level 3)
- 1.5 liter water bottle (1 liter minimum) or hydration pack with drinking tube
- Plastic or aluminum cup with insulated handle
- Hiking cutlery and a folding pocket knife (Opinel type)
- Headlamp
- Survival blanket
Clothing to bring
- Hat, or cap
- Cap
- Neck warmer
- Pair of hiking gloves
- Short-sleeved T-shirt made of breathable material
- 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
