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Refuge des Espuguettes walks
Gavarnie waterfall with return via the Cirque du Pailla
Visorando Member
7.27 mi
+2,156 ft
-2,142 ft
5h 15
Moderate
Departure from Gavarnie (Hautes-Pyrénées)
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.
Refuge des Espuguettes, Plateau des Cardous and Plateau d'Alans
4.68 mi
+2,362 ft
-2,352 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Gavarnie (Hautes-Pyrénées)
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!
Route of the three cirques: Gavarnie, Estaubé and Troumouse
29.94 mi
+9,777 ft
-9,252 ft
4 days
Moderate
Departure from Gavarnie (Hautes-Pyrénées)
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.
The Pimené, an exceptional viewpoint over the Cirque de Gavarnie
10.48 mi
+5,174 ft
-5,148 ft
7 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Gavarnie (Hautes-Pyrénées)
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.
Refuge des Espugettes – Cirque d’Estaubé.
7.61 mi
+3,235 ft
-3,740 ft
6h 20
Difficult
Departure from Gavarnie (Hautes-Pyrénées)
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.
Gavarnie – Refuge des Espuguettes
7.36 mi
+3,901 ft
-1,759 ft
6h 45
Difficult
Departure from Gavarnie (Hautes-Pyrénées)
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.
Walks near Refuge des Espuguettes
Gavarnie to the Espuguettes Refuge
7.16 mi
+3,868 ft
-1,677 ft
6h 40
Difficult
Departure from Gavarnie (Hautes-Pyrénées)
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.
Estaubé Cirque – Troumouse Cirque
9.52 mi
+2,106 ft
-1,237 ft
6h 15
Moderate
Departure from Gèdre (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Set off from the Cirque d’Estaubé, passing by the Lac des Gloriettes, to the Cirque de Troumouse for a completely self-catering bivouac.
Col de Tentes - Goritz Refuge
9.92 mi
+4,829 ft
-4,265 ft
8h 45
Very difficult
Departure from Gavarnie (Hautes-Pyrénées)
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.
The Spanish ledges
13.20 mi
+4,432 ft
-5,043 ft
9h 55
Difficult
Departure from Fanlo (Huesca)
Second day of the trek between the Mont Perdu massif and the ledges overlooking the Ordesa Canyon: Faja Luenga, Faja de las Flores, Faja Tardiador and Faja Escuzana, with a passage via Pico Mondarruego. This hike leaves the mineral landscape of the high mountains for a succession of vertiginous ledges and grassy sections between the peaks. A long route offering thrilling experiences on the ledges and spectacular views of the mountains around Ordesa. Not recommended for those who suffer from vertigo.
Troumouse Cirque – Héas Chapel
5.19 mi
+535 ft
-2,451 ft
2h 50
Moderate
Departure from Gèdre (Hautes-Pyrénées)
From the Cirque de Troumouse to the Chapel of Héas, via Fontaine and the Oratory of the Holy Family.
Refugio San Vicenda - San Urbez
9.79 mi
+2,799 ft
-5,331 ft
6h 55
Difficult
Departure from Puértolas (Huesca)
Second day of this superb two-day trip with a bivouac at the Refugio de San Vicenda. It is possible to go as far as Fuenblanca for the bivouac. In the Añisclo Canyon, bivouacking is permitted from 1,650 metres.
If you plan to sleep in your van the night before the hike, it is best to park 5-8 km before the canyon car park. The road to the car park is one-way, and crossing the canyon during the day must be magnificent (night crossing for the hike).
Chalet Hôtel d'Orédon - Tournaboup
9.05 mi
+2,096 ft
-3,494 ft
6h 00
Moderate
Departure from Aragnouet (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Third stage of the Three Days in the Néouvielle Reserve and its lakesFrom the Chalet-Hôtel d'Orédon to the Tournaboup car park.The multi-day hike is coming to an end, but the beauty of the 20 lakes remains.You are entering the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve, which is protected by regulations. Please respect these regulations (see practical information).
Lac de Gaube - Cabane des Tousaus
13.88 mi
+3,950 ft
-3,638 ft
9h 50
Difficult
Departure from Cauterets (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Second stage of the four-day adventure from Cauterets to Luz-Saint-Sauveur via Petit Vignemale and Gavarnie. It can be done in one day, but I think it would be more enjoyable to split it into two days to take the time to appreciate the magnificent scenery!
San Urbez - Sestrales - Refugio San Vicenda
9.04 mi
+5,043 ft
-2,608 ft
8h 35
Difficult
Departure from Fanlo (Huesca)
A superb two-day hike with a bivouac at the Refugio de San Vicenda. It is possible to go as far as Fuenblanca for the bivouac. In the Añisclo Canyon, bivouacking is permitted from 1,650 m.
Pont d'Espagne - Bayssellance Refuge
7.06 mi
+4,147 ft
-279 ft
6h 50
Difficult
Departure from Cauterets (Hautes-Pyrénées)
Approach walk starting from Pont d'Espagne, passing by the magnificent Lac de Gaube, the Oulettes de Gaube and the refuge of the same name. The stage continues with a steeper climb to the Lacs d'Arraillé, then the Hourquette d'Ossoue pass before descending to the Refuge de Bayssellance.