Winter stay: wildlife photography in the Cauterets valley
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationCauterets / Néouvielle Massif
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions37.62 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
This winter, follow in the footsteps of the Pyrenees' wildlife . Your adventure begins in the heart of the Pyrenees National Park . Experience a unique journey, getting up close to nature. From chamois to ibex, marvel at the emblem of these mountains. Observe and photograph the animals in a breathtaking winter setting . Contemplate the highest peak in the French Pyrenees , the Vignemale. You'll be guided step by step through the techniques and tips for capturing stunning images. Unforgettable moments await! You'll spend the night in a staffed mountain refuge within the national park.
The highlights
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An immersion in the heart of Pyrenean nature
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Accommodation in a mountain refuge
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Photography tips and tricks from your guide
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
This trip is designed for intermediate hikers. Daily hikes involve approximately 300 meters of elevation gain, a distance of around 7km, and an average of 3 hours of actual walking time. The guide will adapt the itinerary on-site to the group's level and your preferences .
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 3h
- Average distance/day: 7 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 300 m
- Average daily descent: 300 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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Wildlife Discovery
- Transportation Car - 00h50 - 38km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
In the morning, we meet at Lourdes train station at 9:00 AM, then carpool to the Cauterets Valley. After putting on our snowshoes, we set off from the Pont d'Espagne parking lot towards the Gaube Valley. The trail leads us into the heart of an old-growth coniferous forest. We find the first tracks of mountain ungulates. We observe and photograph the Pyrenean wildlife. Arriving near Lake Gaube, we have lunch with a view of the highest peak in the French Pyrenees. Then we begin our return journey and settle into the Clot refuge. Dinner is enjoyed in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Day 1 -
Marcadau Valley
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast at the refuge, we set off towards the Marcadau Valley. The day is dedicated to observing the Pyrenean ibex. We follow the river upstream and watch dippers ("water thrushes") hunting for aquatic larvae. We also look for signs of otter presence. Depending on the distance to the wildlife, it may be possible to take photos. We enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the valley peaks. In the afternoon, there's the option of setting up a hide along the riverbank. Then we begin our return journey to the Clot refuge. Dinner is enjoyed in a convivial atmosphere.
Day 2 -
Gaube Valley
- Transportation Car - 00h50 - 38km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast at the refuge, we set off towards the Gaube Valley. We find the chamois we spotted on the first day. Depending on conditions, it's possible to see ibex. We have lunch in a beautiful setting. Then, in the early afternoon, we return to the vehicle and begin the journey back towards Lourdes train station. The trip ends around 5:00-5:30 PM (Lourdes station).
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 be accommodated for 2 nights at the Clot refuge, in a dormitory.
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Full board from dinner on Day 1 to lunch on Day 3
- Dormitory-style refuge accommodation
- 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, return on Day 3
- Internal transfers during the stay
The price does not include
- Photo equipment
- Day 1 picnic
- Rental of the snowshoe and pole package
- Travel to the meeting point
- Drinks and snacks
- Personal expenses
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
Our partner provides you with the camouflage outfit.
Equipment to bring
- Camera
- Zoom or fixed focal length camera lens (400mm)
- Battery(ies) charged
- A sleeping bag liner (in addition to the blankets in the dormitory)
- A pair of high-top, waterproof hiking boots
- A pair of hiking gaiters
- A pair of snowshoes
- A pair of slippers
- A backpack (40L-50L for days in the field)
- A pair of binoculars
- A large plastic bag to slip into your backpack to protect your belongings from the elements
- A rain cover to protect your backpack from the rain
- A pair of telescopic trekking poles with large baskets
- A good quality pair of sunglasses
- Sunscreen with a good protection factor
- A 1-liter (minimum) water bottle
- A small thermos
- A plastic or aluminum cup with an insulated handle
- Hiking cutlery and a folding pocket knife
- A headlamp (red light)
- A survival blanket
- Your personal little pharmacy
- Earplugs
- A picnic box
Clothing to bring
- A warm hat
- A neck warmer
- A pair of hiking gloves
- A pair of inner gloves
- A short-sleeved t-shirt made of breathable material
- A long-sleeved t-shirt
- A long-sleeved thermal undergarment made of breathable material
- Thermal underwear such as tights
- Optional change of clothes depending on the weather conditions
- A fleece jacket
- A down jacket
- A waterproof windproof jacket
- Warm and waterproof trousers
- Underwear suitable for sports activities
- Two pairs of warm socks
- Clothing in natural colors
- Spare clothes
- Toiletries
