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This 4-day self-guided hiking trip, in the heart of the Gavarnie Cirque, is an invitation to the sublime. The setting is extraordinary, with landscapes of incredible beauty. And after the magnificence of the day, you’ll enjoy the charm and comfort of an exceptional 4-star hotel.
A grand waterfall plunging into the abyss from a height of 423 meters (the tallest waterfall in Europe), rocky cliffs rising 1700 meters above the awestruck hiker's gaze (imagine five Eiffel Towers stacked on top of each other), several peaks stretching their summits over 3000 meters – a few figures that give a taste of the unlimited power of the place.
But the Gavarnie Cirque cannot be reduced to a mathematical model. It is also a major element of Pyreneism, this story that began at the end of the 18th century, passionately narrated by wealthy explorers. A part of this history, where bold conquests were intertwined with poetic contemplation, will be told to you at the Hotel du Cirque et de la Cascade. This exceptional establishment, opened in 1900 and recently renovated, will be your luxury base camp to enjoy three hikes in the Pyrenees National Park.
Along meadows of hay (Saugué, Belle-vue and Pailla Plateaus), crossing ancient Roman bridges or modern footbridges spanning the foamy streams, you will reach the high-altitude lawns where flocks of sheep and cows graze. From there, your gaze will rise towards the snow-capped peaks (Pic Rouge de Pailla, Petit and Grand Astazou, Marboré, Le Casque) that punctuate the southern sky. Then, around a bend in the trail, the Gavarnie Cirque will reveal its welcoming mass, its friendly curves, like two arms opening to embrace the fortunate mountaineers.
- The Gavarnie Cirque
- An exceptional 4-star hotel in an extraordinary natural setting
- At the heart of the Pyrenees National Park
4 days / 3 nights
+ 18 years old
from €995
Day by day
Photos / Videos
Technical informations
When to go
Departure possible from July to September.
Appointments
- No later than 12:00 PM in Lourdes or Argelès-Gazost. However, the earlier, the better to fully enjoy the day.
- Optional, upon request and quote, pickup from another location: Tarbes, Pau, Toulouse (please contact us).
Access
Lourdes is easily accessible by TGV and is located:
- 20 minutes from exit 12 of the A64 motorway
- 20 minutes from Tarbes-Lourdes Airport
Argeles-Gazost is a 15-minute drive from Lourdes.
Parking for your vehicle
Plenty of free (unguarded) parking spaces are available in Lourdes and Argeles-Gazost.
End of stay
In the late afternoon in Argeles-Gazost or Lourdes (or elsewhere as an option).
Shower available (optional) before departure. To be arranged at the time of your registration.
Accommodation
During your stay, you will be hosted for 3 nights in a remarkable 4-star hotel, set in the heart of the Gavarnie Cirque and the Pyrenees National Park. This historic establishment's first stones were laid in the mid-19th century. The rooms are carefully decorated, warm, and cozy, with high-quality bedding.
The price of the stay is based on an average price for a 24m2 room, with a 180 cm bed (twin room options available). Depending on availability, other rooms may be offered, sometimes at a different price (higher or lower).
Meals
Breakfast
Full breakfasts.
Lunch or picnic
Picnics made of fresh products, meat cuts and cheese.
Dinner
Bistronomic dinners, featuring many local products from producers located within 50 km (as the crow flies).
Visits
At the end of the stay, visit (unless not desired) to the Pragneres hydroelectric power station.
Luggage transfer to accommodation
Your luggage will be transported to your hotel. However, due to the difficult access by vehicle, you will need to bring only hand luggage.
Supervision
Self-guided tour (without a guide).
Type of itinerary
Circular (Star-shaped)
Evolution ground
The trails are generally well-marked. The optional ascent of Piméné requires some attention and occasionally use of hands, but it does not present any real difficulties for hikers accustomed to the mountains.
Departures possible from 1 person.
Price includes
3 nights with half-board, 3 picnics, the meetings or visits mentioned, and the travel documents and materials specified.
Price does not include
The picnic on the first day, drinks and other personal expenses, registration fees and insurance.
Contents of travel bag
No later than 15 days before the start of your trip, you will receive:
- A topoguide written by a professional mountain guide
- An IGN Top 25 map
- You will also have personalized access to our digital topoguide app, "SoInspyTopo," which works both online and offline on iOS (iPhone) and Android. The app allows you to view routes on a map, track your position in real time, get audio guidance if you wish, and access most of the information contained in the paper topoguide (provider contacts, meeting points and times, etc.).
For more information
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