Pyrenees National Park (Cauterets)
€820
per person
The Pyrenees National Park offers the walkers the possibility to cross wonderful sites and discover an exceptional natural heritage. Birthplace of Pyreneism, paradise for the mountaineers and the nature lovers, Cauterets and Gavarnie will tell you the story of famous mountain guides, of high mountains and wild valleys. At the beginning of your stay you will discover two magnificent valleys: the Gaube Valley and the impressive North Face of Vignemale and the Marcadau Valley with its high mountain lakes. Then, after having reached the valley of Luz in “Pays Toy”, the Cirque of Estaubé and Gavarnie will offer to the hiker eager for sensations, grandiose panoramas. All along your walk, chamois, marmots, bearded vultures, eagles will follow you in the silence of these wild spaces.
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Destination
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Duration7 Days I Level: 4 (of 5)
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What is includedAccommodation in gite/guesthouses/2* hotels (en-suite rooms throughout) incl. breakfast and dinner; luggage transfers between the inns; people transfers as per program; detailed route notes in English and maps (1 set per group of 1-4 pax); GPS tracks if required; emergency support
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What is not includedDrinks and other meals; entry fees; drinks;
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Best periodmid-June, July, August, September
FROM OUR GALLERY
Pyrenees National Park self-guided hiking tour in France.
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Day 1: Arrival in Cauterets (8-10km; 3-4,00hrs;+570-730m/-570-730m)
Your self-guided hiking tour starts in Cauterets, known for its exquisite thermal spas. Time permitting, you can out to do: 1) a forest walk to Turon des Oules (1380m) - a thermal station with curious old hotels from the turn of the last century, or 2) trek to the Lisey plateau, a glacial valley with the possibility of continuing to a mountain pass that promises you a magnificent panorama.
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Day 2: From Cauterets to the Oulettes de Gaube refuge, at the foot of the North face of Vignemale (3298m) (16-24km; 5,45-7,30hrs; +700-800m/-700-1310m)
Today you begin your journey at the marvelous Pont d’Espagne, just a short transfer away from Cauterets. As you climb to the Oulettes de Gaube refuge you will be rewarded for the efforts with spectacular views of the surrounding landscape - the Gaube lake and the surrounding glaciated valley. As you arrive in the Oulettes de Gaube, a great sight reveals itself - the Pique Longue vertical rock face, iconic for the French Pyrénées. There are different options to return to Cauterets, incl. a trek along the Chemin des Cascades or by public shuttle. Overnight in Cauterets.
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Day 3: Marcadau Valley, Embarrat, Pourtet and Nère lakes from the Pont d’Espagne (20km; 7hrs;+990m/-990m)
Morning transfer to the trail head at Pont d’Espagne. Still in the heart of the Pyrenees National Park, this hike takes you to the neighbor of the Gaube valley: the Marcadau valley. A superb loop hike will allow you to discover many beautiful turquoise lakes at an altitude of more than 2400m: Embarrat, Pourtet and Nère lakes among them. Then you will descend towards the famous Wallon refuge and then further down to Pont d'Espagne through forests and waterfalls. In the afternoon you will return to Cauterets by public shuttle. Overnight in Cauterets.
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Day 4: Cauterets to Luz Saint Sauveur (19-22km; 7,30-8hrs; +1100-1200m/-1300-1410m)
Today you will walk along the legendary "GR 10-Transpyrenean" to another infamous thermal gem of France - the amazing Luz-Saint-Sauveur. First, you need to conquer the Col de Riou pass between the valley of Cauterets and the valley of Luz. It will be worthwhile, as the panorama across the valley of Barèges, Néouvielle massif, and the Cirque of Troumouse from there will take your breath away. Overnight in Luz Saint Sauveur.
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Day 5: From Lac des Gloriettes to Gavarnie (13-20km; 4-7,30hrs; +350-1210m/-640-1500m)
Start the day with a short transfer to the trailhead. Today’s self-guided walking route takes you to two other glaciated cirques - Estaubé and Gavarnie. You head back to the Gloriettes Lake and follow a trail up the Estaube valley and climb to Hourquette d’Alans for an astonishing panoramic view. Then you descend to the valley of Gavarnie. The next two overnights will be in the village of Gavarnie.
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Day 6: Pic des Tentes, Gavarnie and its great waterfall (20km; 7hrs; +650m/-1480m)
Morning transfer to the Col des Tentes. From there you have the possibility to climb two fantastic belvederes on the Gavarnie Cirque: Le Pic des Tentes (2322m) and Le Pic de Pahule (2292m). Once back to the passl, the route starts descending towards the heart of the circus via the Port of Boucharo on the French-Spanish border, the Pouey Aspé valley and the Bellevue plateau, allowing you to admire the wall of the Gavarnie Cirque in all its mineral immensity - an impressive and world-famous limestone amphitheater.At the end of the walk you can make a short round trip to the foot of the Gavarnie waterfall, one of the highest in Europe (423m).
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Day 7: Departure day.
Transfer back from Gavarnie to Pierrefitte-Nestalas station and end of your stay. From Pierrefitte-Nestalas, catch a SNCF bus to Lourdes station. It is also possible to arrange a return transfer to Cauterets (without supplement), especially if you have left your car there.
TOUR LOCATION
Price
820 Euros/person in twin/dbl room
Single room & Solo Traveler supplement
Single room supplement: 145 Euros
Solo traveler supplement: N/A (min. group size: 2 pax)
Tips
Daily departures between mid-June and the end of September. The walks are on good footpaths and trails, the terrain is varied but often rocky. Walks on mostly waymarked paths. How to get there: Toulouse or Lourdes airports. Tran to Lourdes railway station, then bus from Lourdes to Cauterets by bus SNCF (1hr ride) (buses depart in front of Lourdes station).
Accommodation
Accommodation in gite/guesthouses/2* hotels (en-suite rooms) incl. breakfast and dinner. Picnic lunches can be ordered through the inns where you stay. Sleeping bag liner is necessary for all nights spent in the gites (blankets are provided).
Send an enquiry about this tour
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