Gèdre walks

A beautiful, long hike through large areas of summer pastures, starting from a small village.A sense of direction is necessary. The return journey described here is for when there is no snow, bad weather or fog.Old yellow markings are still visible in places.Part of the climb via the Campbieil barns is in the Pyrenees National Park. Special regulations apply.To get to the start of the hike, see the directions in the practical information section. Please note: the Gavarnie Valleys Tourist Office reports that on 8 May 2025 > that access restrictions for hiking in the Campbieilh valley may be lifted.> Thank you very much.

A beautiful walk in the Vallon des Granges de Bué, which can be done with children provided they are fit.

A short but exotic hike in the wild Barrada valley, accessible in summer and winter (with snowshoes), leading to the small Cirque d'Érès Lits through woods and mountain pastures.

This easy hike leads to the foot of the Cirque d'Estaubé. Although less famous than its neighbour Gavarnie, the Cirque d'Estaubé is a magnificent sight, with many waterfalls. Great picnic opportunities in a superb mountain setting.

This lovely day hike in the mid- and high-mountain range takes you first through the magnificent setting of the Cirque d’Estaubé (the smallest of the three cirques in the area). The highlight is the gruelling ascent of the Couloir de Tuquerouye to reach the highest unmanned refuge in the Pyrenees, with a view of the stunning Lac Glacé du Marboré. The ascent of the Pic de Pinède adds an extra touch, revealing the Mont-Perdu massif. Thishike is reserved for experienced hikers.

This ‘hourquette’, defined by Wikipedia as a common name in Pyrenean toponymy referring to passes shaped like a fork, separates the two cirques of Estaubé and Gavarnie. The round-trip route through the Cirque d’Estaubé offers a remarkable view of it.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

(!) (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.

The Central Pyrenees boast three superb cirques, the best known of which is Gavarnie. However, the other two, Troumouse and Estaubé, are also well worth a visit. Troumouse, situated furthest to the east, features stunning rock faces that mark the border with Spain.Important note: following discussions with the Gavarnie-Gèvre Tourist Office, here is some information about this hike:Road access to Héas and the Maillet plateau has been restored, and the road is considered to be open again. Works will resume in the spring and may occasionally affect traffic.However, the access road to the chapel at Héas is closed every winter and in early spring due to snow and avalanche risks. The road reopens gradually from March–April and then in late May–early June. To find out when the road is open, please visit the website.

Circular trail starting from the Chapelle de Héas to explore the magnificent Cirque de Troumouse. The trail offers panoramic views of the entire cirque, passing by the Lac des Aires, before continuing towards La Vierge and the Cabane de la Vierge.A varied hike with superb scenery, which returns gently to the Chapelle de Héas to complete a circular route. ⚠️ Following a discussion with the Gavarnie-Gèvre Tourist Office, here is some information about this hike:Road access to Héas and the Maillet plateau has been restored, and the road is considered to be open again. Works will resume in the spring and may occasionally affect traffic.However, the access road to the Chapelle de Héas is closed every winter and early spring due to snow and avalanche risks. The road reopens gradually from March–April and then in late May–early June.To find out when the road is open , pleasevisit the website.

A circular hike, much of which follows old shepherds' paths. A good sense of direction is necessary on the climb up the left bank of the stream. The GPX track can be very useful from (S/E) to (4). This circular can also be done in the opposite direction. Please close electric fences and cabin doors. Thank you.

This is a must-see hike for fishermen and mountain lake enthusiasts, offering a quiet, unspoilt spot that is rarely visited. Lake Maucapéra is nestled in a basin at the foot of the Maucapéra peak (2,589 m), Cumadiére peak (2,623 m) and Lettious peak (2,589 m).

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.

You will be captivated by this short route, which leads to a breathtaking panorama of the Estaubé and Gavarnie cirques, the Pic de Cestrède and the Ardiden and Pic du Midi massifs.

Set off from the Cirque d’Estaubé, passing by the Lac des Gloriettes, to the Cirque de Troumouse for a completely self-catering bivouac.

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.

From the Cirque de Troumouse to the Chapel of Héas, via Fontaine and the Oratory of the Holy Family.

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!

It was following Napoleon III's visit that this small town in the Pyrenees began to flourish. This route highlights the buildings that the Emperor was directly or indirectly responsible for. Firstly, there is the spa district of Saint-Sauveur, then the bridge that bears his name and spans the Gavarnie river, and finally the small Solférino chapel, a reminder of his victory over the Prussians.

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

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.

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.

Panoramic view of Luz-Saint-Sauveur, situated at the confluence of three valleys. From the site, which has been developed as a viewing point, you can see the whole of the Central Pyrenees.

Pic de Campbieil and Pic de Lentilla, two peaks over 3,000 m, a round trip starting from the Cap de Long Lake car park. Fabulous views from the top of both peaks. Caution: a demanding mountain hike, suitable only for experienced hikers.

On this route, there are five 11th- and 12th-century churches to see:- The 12th-century Church of Saint-Julien in Sazos.- The churches of Saint John the Baptist and Saint Nicholas in Esquièze-Sère: listed historic monuments from the 11th century. One is in the basilica style, whilst the other houses ancient chapels. Visits in July/August, 4pm–6pm.- The 12th-century Saint-Michel Church in Vizos.- The Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Saligos, dating from the 12th century.

An unmissable hike, visiting five villages that look like something out of a mountain ecology textbook. The men and women have tamed the slopes, working tenaciously to make a year-round living from livestock farming, which now boasts an appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) designation. It is thanks to this activity that we have these charming landscapes of high-altitude gardens, flower-filled meadows meticulously bordered by ash hedges, balcony paths and terraces on retaining walls.

A long time ago, a group of young people spent a memorable week at the Bolou stopover lodge, between Luz-St-Sauveur and Barèges. Although the accommodation no longer exists, the building is still as it was when we found it during a beautiful walk under, in, and almost above the clouds. I invite you to follow us into one of the valleys that leads to the Néouvielle Massif.

This is a hike not to be missed for lovers of mountain lakes and wide open spaces. Moderator's addition on 23/08/2021: The start of the circuit has changed. It is now at the Chez Louisette restaurant and the hike is therefore longer. See the comments at the bottom of this page

Follow old paths hidden under beech and hazel trees to discover three villages with a rich traditional architectural heritage.

This is a fairly uncrowded hike leading to magnificent lakes below the Pic d'Ardiden, crossing small mountain pastures and ending in a fairly rocky area.

This is a demanding hike requiring sure-footedness, especially after the Porteau des Agudes, where you have to enjoy scrambling over large boulders, but it offers a unique panorama at the summit of Pic d'Ardiden overlooking the Lutour Valley and a beautiful view of the Gavarnie mountains and the Brèche de Roland. It also overlooks the lakes of the same name and Lac de Badet, adding an extra touch of splendour.

The hike becomes very challenging as soon as you leave the wide path that leads to the Estom refuge. The hike is classified as difficult due to its steep gradient, with an average slope of more than 35% from (2).

A beautiful walk that takes us across the Lutour valley along the Gave river of the same name, ending at the refuge and Lac d'Estom in a magnificent setting, ideal for a first break.

A beautiful hike in the Lutour Valley, which is a magnificent place.