Pyrenees National Park (Cauterets)
€915
per person
The Pyrenees National Park offers the walkers the possibility to cross wonderful sites and discover an exceptional natural heritage – one of the best high areas in France for high altitude self-guided hiking tours. 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 independent trekking tour 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 “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: 3/4 (of 5)
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What is includedAccommodation in gite/guesthouses/2* hotels (en-suite rooms throughout) incl. breakfast and dinner (check the Rates&Remarks tab for details); luggage transfers between the inns (1 piece per person, max. 15kg); people transfers as per program; detailed route notes and maps (1 set per booking); access to GPS tracks; 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.
1
Day 1: Arrival in Cauterets (8km; 3hrs;+750m/-200m)
Your self-guided hiking tour starts in Cauterets (France), known for its exquisite thermal spas. Time permitting, you can out to do a short introductory walk along the Le chemin des Cascades - a beautiful hike enlivened by the bubbling waterfalls of the Gave du Jéret. You will discover 6 magnificent waterfalls along the way. Overnight in Cauterets.
*Easiest arrival via Pau (30min train ride from Pau to Lourdes), Biarritz (1,45hrs train ride from Biarritz to Lourdes) and Toulouse airports (2hrs train ride from Toulouse to Lourdes). From Lourdes to Cauterets you can board a local bus (1hr ride) or take a taxi (30min drive; we offer private transfers too - contact us for details). Some clients prefer to arrive with their own/rental car and leave it in Cauterets (options for free/paid parking; check with the local tourist office before leaving the car if there will be any events (festivals, markets, etc.) taking place in your parking area).
**If you wish to book a pre-tour night in Cauterets please contact us for details.
2
Day 2: Pont d’Espagne - Gaube Valley and Vignemale Massif (17km; 6hrs; +700m/-700m)
Today you begin your trekking 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. Return to Cauterets by public shuttle. Overnight in Cauterets.
3
Day 3: Pont d’Espagne - Marcadau Valley (16-20km; 5,30-7hrs;+450-990m/-450-990m)
Morning transfer to the trailhead 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.
4
Day 4: Troumouse Cirque (14km; 5,30hrs; +750m/-750m)
A morning transfer from Cauterets will take you to today's trailhead - the Plateau du Maillet. The walking trail will cross the cirque de Troumouse - much less frequented than that of Gavarnie and with much more authentic charm. From the Maillet Plateau you will climb up to a large plateau in the heart of this vast and magnificent cirque, with its high walls culminating at over 3000m. Then your walking trail proceeds above the valley, and eventually you will descend to the charming hamlet of Heas, before a final climb back up to your accommodation. Overnight in Plateau du Maillet.
5
Day 5: Plateau du Maillet to Gavarnie via Estaubé Cirque (18-20km; 6-7hrs; +500-850m/-950-1300m)
From the cirque de Troumouse, the walking route first will take you to the Gloriettes Lake. Then, in the heart of high-altitude meadows inhabited by marmots and numerous herds, you will reach the heights of the cirque d'Estaubé up to the superb Hourquette d'Alans lookout (2430m) with a beautiful view of the Gavarnie Cirque, the Vignemale and the Ossoue Glacier. The descent to the village of Gavarnie is then made via the Espuguettes refuge, again combined with an astonishing panoramic view of the Gavarnie Cirque. In case of bad weather conditions or at the beginning of the season (i.e. late snow on the route), or simply if you find the main route too difficult, an easier option is possible too.
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Day 6: Gavarnie Cirque (12km; 5hrs; +750m/-750m)
Your last day of this Pyrenean self-guided walking adventure is dedicated to the exploration of the Gavarnie Cirque and the Bellevue Plateau. As its name suggests, the Bellevue Plateau offers an exceptional panorama of the Cirque de Gavarnie, its impressive and world-famous limestone amphitheater, and its huge 423-metre waterfall (one of the highest in Europe). Its historic paths have been shaped by herdsmen on transhumance as well as merchants and smugglers who transited between France and Spain. Return back to Gavarnie for overnight.
7
Day 7: Departure day (+ option for а short walk)
Services end after breakfast. You may opt for one more short hike to Tési belvedere (7km, 3hrs: +450m/-450m). You can return back from Gavarnie to Cauterets (bus, one change in Pierrefitte Nestalas) or to Lourdes train station (bus). Check the SNCF website for train connections from Lourdes to all major cities around in order to continue your holiday. We offer private transfers to Cauterets/Lourdes train station too (check details with us).
TOUR LOCATION
Price (2026)
915 Euros/person in twin/dbl room
Single room & Solo Traveler supplement
Single room supplement: 260 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. Train 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). Samples of the inns we would normally book (subject to availability), or similar category: Days 1/2/3: Cauterets - Gite le Beau Soleil; Day 4: Plateau du Maillet - Auberge du Maillet; Day 5/6: Gavarnie - Hôtel le Compostelle;
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