Gavarnie walks

A beautiful site in summer, with its majestic waterfall. Please note that it is very busy in summer.In winter, you will appreciate the magnificent, peaceful landscape with the ice waterfalls at the bottom of the cirque.This circuit can be done very easily at any time of year:- in 3 hours in summer, including breaks and lunch.- but in 3 to 4 hours in winter.

(!) (September 2024). Following recent bad weather, the footbridge at point (6) has been swept away by the floodwaters. Fording the Gave de Pau is tricky and strongly advised against. (!) Updated 25/06/2025, Gavarnie Valleys Tourist Office. => The footbridge at (6) has been repaired and will reopen to the public from 25/06/2025.However, the footbridge located upstream of the Hôtellerie du Cirque (9) is still not in place, and fording the Gave de Pau is tricky depending on the current water level. The Tourist Office advises: ‘Please note, however, that the footbridge will be dismantled every late autumn and reassembled in late spring as it is situated in an avalanche path.’ A different approach to the Gavarnie Cirque. The plateau offers a panoramic view, allowing you to take it all in at a glance. A little later, you’ll wander through the cirque to fully appreciate its majesty. To quote Victor Hugo, the Colosseum of nature.

Starting from Gavarnie, enjoy a change of scenery by escaping to the wild plateaus at the foot of the Grand and Petit Piméné (2,801m and 2,667m). The Refuge des Espuguettes is a beautiful stop along the way. If you push on a little further to the Plateau des Cardous, you can admire the entire border range, the peaks of the Cirque, just for you, from the Tour du Marboré (3009m) to the Mailh Arrouy (2965m), passing by the majestic Vignemale (3,298 m). A change of scenery and tranquillity guaranteed!

This beautiful day’s hike in the high mountains offers breathtaking views of the Cirque de Gavarnie, with its peaks over 3,000 metres towering above it, the Mont-Perdu massif, the Cirque d’Estaubé, as well as a 360° panorama of the entire Pyrenees mountain range, the border, the Spanish peaks and the whole of the French Piedmont region of the Hautes-Pyrénées. On the return leg, this circular walk follows the ridge leading up to the Hourquette d’Alans, offering a fun and airy, yet un exposed, section. Please read the recommendations regarding the (5) on both the outward and return journeys.

This magnificent hike takes you off the beaten track for more than half of the route, passing through splendid, varied and uncrowded landscapes. Forests, small waterfalls, passages under cornices and breathtaking panoramas, before arriving at the highlight of the show, the foot of the Grande Cascade de Gavarnie.

A four-day route of the three cirques of Gavarnie, Estaubé and Troumouse, including the ascent of the Piméné. A self-guided route with nights spent in bivouacs.

Start from Gavarnie and climb towards the Plateau de Bellevue, then descend to the Grande Waterfall. From the Hôtellerie du Cirque, climb via the ledges to the Refuge des Espuguettes, with a campsite nearby.

This trail is much less frequented than the main path and offers more views of the cirque along most of its length. ⚠️From 1 November to 30 April, and as soon as the quiet zone is established, using the route between 4 and 5 constitutes an offence under the National Park regulations: a 4th category offence under: R.331-65 3° — "Deliberate disturbance of the peace in the core area of the National Park" (€750 fine)." ⚠️ DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED between 2-3-4 and 5. Please check with the Gavarnie Tourist Office before setting off: +33 (0)5 62 92 49 10.

A magnificent circular hike that allows you to climb to a high altitude without too much difficulty and arrive at a refuge guarded by very friendly people. The return journey takes you along a path carved into the rock, offering splendid views.

The summit of the Taillon as seen from Gavarnie, via the Brèche de Roland refuge.

The Cirque de Gavarnie needs no introduction, it's a monument! The passage through the Plateau de Bellevue offers a wonderful viewpoint. Without snow, the path running along the side of the Bosquet Long heights adds an extra element of excitement, allowing you to appreciate it in all its splendour and tranquillity, which is not possible on the more well-known variants. The more classic return route allows you to cross the very pleasant La Prade plateau, as well as meeting other people. ⚠️ Hiking is prohibited from 1 November to 30 April. Once the quiet zone is in place, using this route between (4) and (5) constitutes a violation of National Park regulations. This is a category 4 offence under: R.331-65 3° — "Deliberate disturbance of the peace in the core area of the National Park" (€750 fine). ⚠️ DOGS PROHIBITED See other prohibitions in the practical information section. Please check with the Gavarnie Tourist Office before setting off: +33 (0)5 62 92 49 10.

Hike in the most famous cirque in the Pyrenees. Return via the path leading to the Cirque du Pailla, which allows you to avoid the crowds and gain height to enjoy this magnificent place from a different perspective.

Day 1 The Cirque de Gavarnie needs no introduction; it is a monument, a cathedral, a colossus. The route via the Plateau de Bellevue allows you to discover it from this remarkable viewpoint. The path running along the slopes of the Bosquet Long adds an extra dimension, allowing you to appreciate it in all its splendour and enjoy a tranquillity not found on the more well-known routes. The return route along the ledge on the right bank takes you back to the Refuge des Espuguettes, where you’ll spend the first night.

Walk to the Cirque de Gavarnie, staying above the Plateau de Bellevue, aptly named. ⚠️ Hiking is prohibited from 1 November to 30 April. Once the quiet zone is in place, using this route between (4) and (7) constitutes a violation of National Park regulations. This is a category 4 offence under: R.331-65 3° — "Deliberate disturbance of the peace in the core area of the National Park" (€750 fine). ⚠️ DOGS PROHIBITED See other prohibitions in the practical information section. Please check with the Gavarnie Tourist Office before setting off: +33 (0)5 62 92 49 10.

Route from the Espuguettes refuge to the Cirque d’Estaubé, including the ascent of the Petit and Grand Piméné (2,801 m) via the Hourquette d’Alans. Bivouac in the cirque, entirely self-sufficient.

This is an easy, short hike starting from the Col des Tentes in Gavarnie, offering views of Spain, the Plana de Sandaruelo, the peaks of the Spanish foothills, and the border ridge as far as Vignemale, climbing to the summit of a peak at almost 2,500 m, the Pic entre les Ports (the Port de Boucharo and the Port des Espécières). The return via the Col des Espécières and the lake of the same name offers views over the Vallée des Espécières and the ski resort. Please note: Pic Entre les Ports has a bivouac area sheltered by low walls and may be a good option for those who want to set off early the next morning for Brèche de Roland, Taillon or the Spanish ledges, and who want to sleep there the night before, as camping outside, in tents or cars, is strictly prohibited (and often fined) at the Col de Tentes.

First day of the trek to Mont Perdu. Departure from Col de Tentes, passage through Brèche de Roland, at the foot of Pic du Marboré, and ascent of Mont Perdu. The first day is the most technical. You quickly reach the high mountain ranges of the Gavarnie massif.

There’s no need to describe the Cirque de Gavarnie, this ‘colosseum’ of stone, snow and water cascading in countless waterfalls… But let’s describe here the hike across its peaks, all those legendary summits over 3,000 metres high overlooking the cirque on the French side and the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park on the Spanish side. It is a demanding route, at times somewhat technical and quite long (though it can be shortened by skipping a few peaks or by spending the night before or the night of the return journey at the Refuge des Sarradets). This hike can, however, be completed in a single day, which makes it all the more exceptional!

The ridge bordering the Cirque de Gavarnie and its immediate surroundings feature several legendary ‘3,000-metre’ peaks. This route to the west of the Cirque allows you to tackle four of them in a single day whilst following a stunning ridge! The ascent to the Taillon via the south-western ridge of the Gabiétous – a climb requiring no equipment other than your hands – is fun and exposed, but presents no major difficulties. The route remains at PD level (slightly difficult), making it accessible to many experienced mountaineers. The entire hike takes place in the high mountains in a marvellous setting, on both the French and Spanish sides, and is sure to leave you with memories to last a lifetime!

Landscapes “rich in nature” on this hike in the area of Gavarnie, accompany your steps towards the peak of Taillon, through the legendary Roland breach. Taillon, a summit that at the top of its 3144 m, offers a stunning panorama and striking views as far as the eye can see.

Want to climb one of the legendary "3000" peaks of the Cirque de Gavarnie with breathtaking views? The Casque du Marboré could be your next goal! The entire route offers magnificent views of the surrounding mountains: Vignemale, Néouvielle, Mont Perdu, Canyon d'Ordesa. However, it is important to bear in mind that part of this hike takes place in a high mountain environment, with sometimes unstable scree and passages where you will need to use your hands.

A border route featuring two lovely lakes and the ascent of a peak offering a breathtaking panoramic view.

A border ridge walk with magnificent views down over the blue lakes of Les Espécières and Lapazosa, leading to a summit offering a panoramic view of the stunning high peaks.

This hike will take you around the Taillon and the Gabiétous, passing through the legendary Brèche de Roland and the Escuzana ledge. Good weather will allow you to admire the Cirque de Gavarnie, as well as the 3,000-metre peaks of Ordesa National Park, such as Mont Perdu. Please take careful note of the practical information and read the route description before setting out on the full circular route.

Hike above the Cirque de Gavarnie to visit a mountain pass made famous by its name.

A hike that allows you to discover a magnificent deep-blue lake nestled in its crater and to reach a peak offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the high summits. You’ll see plenty of marmots and perhaps a few chamois and griffon vultures.

Two 3,000-metre peaks often overlooked by hikers, who tend to prefer the nearby Vignemale, even though the panoramic views from the summit are well worth the detour. With summer pastures, lakes and a final stretch along the ridge, these two peaks have everything to offer.

Gazing out over the Pyrenees from the Vignemale is a highly sought-after experience. But taking in the full expanse of the Vignemale massif from the Pic de Labas viewpoint (2,947 m) is a spectacle that no lover of the High Pyrenees mountains can afford to miss!The climb to reach it is reasonable and from up there the 360° view is exceptional.Adding an extra touch of wilderness to this summit by completing the circular route around the lakes at its feet is a challenging feat, but one that brings unrivalled satisfaction!

Pure beauty! A hike that will take your breath away, surrounded by cows, marmots and chamois!