Gavarnie
/ Pyrenees
Trail running course in Gavarnie: running towards the Brèche de Roland
Réf : GHBZKM
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationGavarnie / Pyrenees
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions34.81 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages🇫🇷French
In a few words
Discover the majesty of the Western Pyrenees through an intensive trail running course in the heart of an exceptional region. For 4 days , your base camp located at the Chalet de la Grange de Holle will allow you to explore varied and technical terrain, ideal for perfecting your high-mountain skills.
This trip is specially designed for runners looking to optimize their effort management on elevation changes and refine their stride in alpine terrain. The program combines progressive outings and technical workshops led by a professional, covering uphill running technique, downhill confidence, and the use of poles. You'll run amidst spectacular scenery, from border ridges and wild waterfalls to panoramic viewpoints overlooking the famous Cirque de Gavarnie , a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The highlight of this experience will take you, at the first light of dawn, to the legendary Brèche de Roland at 2,807 meters altitude. A total immersion, demanding but profoundly enriching, ideal for gaining confidence, acquiring greater autonomy in trail running , and approaching your next physical challenges with maximum serenity.
The highlights
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Reach the Brèche de Roland at sunrise, at an altitude of 2807m
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Trail in the heart of the Cirque de Gavarnie, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
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Improve your trail running skills: downhill running, effort management, and terrain reading
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Photos
Sport
Level
Trail running
For those with an UTMB Index of 450 or higher (as a guideline), you will run 2 to 3 times a week, including at least one long run. You will complete 4- to 6-hour outings covering approximately 25 km and 1,500 m of elevation gain per day, traversing runnable trails, alpine pastures, and narrow paths.
The expert's opinion
- You are capable of covering 20 km with a positive elevation gain of +1,200 m to +1,400 m in a single day.
- You have the necessary physical condition to complete several consecutive days of trail running in a mountain environment.
- You are comfortable on technical terrain and the difficulties of the terrain (scree slopes, passages on ridges or long irregular descents) do not hinder your progress.
- You regularly practice trail running or strenuous hiking.
🎯 Trip Profile: This program is for experienced trail runners who aim to gain confidence, refine their preparation and perfect their technical skills.
In figures
Trail and road running
- Average distance/day: 17 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 1038 m
- Average daily descent: 1038 m
Management
During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Band :
1 supervisor for 4 to 8 people
Languages spoken:
🇫🇷
French
Florian
Florian
My name is Florian, I'm a mountain guide and former agronomy researcher. Passionate about trail running and trekking, I lead immersive, athletic, or contemplative outings from the Alps to the Pyrenees. I tailor each experience to offer a true adventure in nature, with an authentic approach for both the adventurous and beginners, rooted in a strong ethic of respect for the environment. See you on the trails!
Program
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Day 1
- Activity Trail and road running
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 700 m
- Accommodation Shared chalet
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet in the early afternoon at the Chalet de la Grange de Holle, above Gavarnie. After settling in, the group will enjoy a friendly meal together, then take some time to review the program, check equipment, and lay the groundwork for the trip. The afternoon will be dedicated to an initial hike on the alpine trails around the Cirque de Gavarnie. This warm-up will allow everyone to acclimatize to the terrain, review basic safety instructions, and receive initial technical advice. The day will conclude with stretching exercises, dinner at the chalet, and, depending on the group's wishes, a short hike at sunset.
Day 1 -
Day 2
- Activity Trail and road running
- Distance 20 km
- Positive elevation gain 1550 m
- Negative elevation 1550 m
- Accommodation Shared chalet
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This second day delves deeper into the heart of the training camp. The group traverses varied trails, from alpine pastures to more rocky sections, offering spectacular views of the Gavarnie cirque's cliffs. The goal is not just to run, but also to learn how to move more effectively in the mountains: adapting pace, managing breathing, conserving energy, and gaining fluidity both uphill and downhill. Dedicated time for observation also allows participants to discover the richness of the Pyrenees National Park, its flora, fauna, and unique glacial landscapes.
Day 2 -
Day 3
- Activity Trail and road running
- Distance 23 km
- Positive elevation gain 1500 m
- Negative elevation 1500 m
- Accommodation Shared chalet
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A highlight of the trip: the early morning departure for the Brèche de Roland. The group sets off before sunrise to reach this immense natural opening in the Pyrenean wall, at an altitude of 2,807 meters. The route demands endurance, good pacing, and careful attention on technical terrain. Up there, the reward is immense: the morning light, the border landscape, views towards Mont Perdu, and the rare sensation of being in the heart of the high mountains. The descent allows participants to put into practice the advice received since the beginning of the course, particularly regarding foot placement, posture, and reading the terrain.
Day 3 -
Day 4
- Activity Trail and road running
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
On the final morning, a last outing allows participants to consolidate the lessons learned during the trip. The route is adapted to the group's fatigue level and the conditions, with the aim of putting key points into practice: pace management, safety, anticipation, descent, route selection, and autonomy on mountain terrain. It's also a time to review the training camp, identify progress, and leave with concrete tools for future trail runs. The trip concludes at the Chalet de la Grange de Holle in the early afternoon, after four days of effort, breathtaking scenery, and collective progress.
Day 4
Note
Walking and activity times are given as a guide and may vary depending on the weather and the pace of the group.
Accommodation
🏠 Shared chalet - Days 1 to 3
Chalet de la Grange du Holle.
Access
Departure
Chalet la Grange de Holle, Route de Boucharo, Gavarnie-Gèdre, France
Day 1
: 15h00
End of stay
Chalet la Grange de Holle, Route de Boucharo, Gavarnie-Gèdre, France
Day 4
- 13h00
Go to the starting point
Take the train toLourdes
From the train station to the accommodation:
- By bus (liO Occitanie network - Line 965 / Lourdes-Gavarnie connection): Regular liO buses run between Lourdes train station and the Gavarnie-Gèdre Tourist Office. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes (tickets cost €2 ). Please note that schedules are often subject to change depending on the tourist season.
- From the village of Gavarnie to the Chalet: The Grange de Holle chalet is located approximately 1.5 km above the village, on the road leading up to the Col des Tentes (Route de Boucharo). Allow approximately 15 to 20 minutes on foot via a very pleasant footpath from the village center if you do not have a vehicle.
- By taxi: Allow approximately 50 minutes for a direct journey from Lourdes train station to the chalet (estimated fare between €90 and €120 ).
Travel to the place of stay
with parking
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Price details
The price includes
- The trip was led by Florian Leplat, a dedicated and attentive high-mountain guide.
- Accommodation in rustic chalets and dormitories with mountain views
- All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 to the picnic lunch on Day 4.
The price does not include
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Decathlon Travel Partner
The Marie team
4.4/5
(24 reviews)
• 145 stays
Specializing in wilderness immersion, our local partner is a leading agency offering over 100 guided adventure trips throughout Europe. The agency distinguishes itself with a rich and varied offering, designed to place nature at the heart of the travel experience. Whether it's mountain expeditions, treks through primeval forests, or explorations of pristine coastlines, the agency leverages its logistical expertise to create authentic and safe itineraries.
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