Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
18.0Kg CO2e
Printed route
directions
Discover all the top highlights of the High Pyrenees - turquoise lakes, innumerable waterfalls, and the UNESCO Site of the Cirque du Gavarnie. Enjoy great walking on ancient footpaths, regional cuisine, and an unforgettable visit at the Summit Observatory of the Pic du Midi. A wonderful walk through beautiful valleys and foothills before arriving at the amazing UNESCO Site of the Cirque de Gavarnie, the absolute must-see natural feature of the High Pyrenees.
In the heart of the Pyrenees National Park, be amazed by the emblematic animals and plants, as well as breath-taking landscapes Stop a moment and admire herds of cattle, the marmots and the birds of prey.
Later, other breath-taking sceneries are waiting for you. With views that extend across the entire Pyrenean Mountain range and far beyond, the Pic Du Midi is one of the most majestic summits. The mountain is renowned for its beautiful landscapes, and a world famous observatory.
End your tour in the mystic town of Lourdes : whether you have religious beliefs or not, it certainly is a fascinating place to explore with a very rich cultural and natural heritage.
Although this is in the High Pyrenees, anyone who is reasonably fit and used to walking will find that this is one of their most memorable walking holidays.
This holiday features mainly comfortable, but some challenging walking, so is suitable for people who are reasonably fit, and used to walking (albeit 'gently') for much of the day. The whole summer season is recommended but there might be some snow left in June.
Cauterets is an attractive and vibrant Pyrenean mountain town, which in the 19th century was packed with Romantic authors and artists as well as the affluent bourgeoisie all 'taking the waters' (what the French call 'the cure') thanks to its natural, health-giving thermal springs. They would also explore the other natural wonders of the region and have a go on the funicular railway (unfortunately no longer running).
You stay at Hotel Lion d'Or.
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Since 1913, the Lasserre-Morel family has been welcoming guests with the desire to make their stay in the Pyrenees the prettiest of memories. Homemade recipes, warmth and authenticity find all the ingredients of a traditional family hotel. The names of the 17 rooms evoke the mountains, lakes and flowers of the valley. Located in the heart of the village, close to shops and restaurants and 150 m from the cable cars of the ski resort and opposite the Bains du Rocher thermal spa.
Your first walk starts at Cauteret and you'll easily follow the red and white markings of the famous GR10 that is going across the Pyrenees. It's a good path in the forest up to the Benques bridge at the foot of the impressive Lutor waterfall. From here you'll continue the gentle ascent to the 'Pont d'Espagne'. The 'spanish bridge' used to be an important route to reach Spain in ancient times. On the way up you'll walk along the stream and the waterfalls with whirling cold waters from the snow and glacier of Vignemal. Short transfer to go to your hotel (local bus to pay locally).
Short transfer (local bus to pay locally) so you can start from the photogenic stone bridge called the Pont d'Espagne with its impressive waterfalls. From there, you walk up through pine forests to appreciate one of the most memorable views in the High Pyrenees: the massive Vignemale mountain and the glacier of Petit Vignemale reflected in Gaube lake.
After breaking the spell of that view, you follow a path alongside a tumbling torrent with frequent waterfalls surrounded by forests and alpine type meadows before arriving at the mountain refuge of Les Oulettes from where climbers often launch their attempts on the north face of Vignemale (3,000 feet of climbing heaven or hell, depending on your point of view). You then descend by delightful paths for the short transfer back to (local bus to pay locally).
After a short transfer (local bus to pay locally), you stroll quietly across the Clot plateau (but not feeling like one, we hope), and then the Cayan plateau where the torrent from the slopes above snakes its way between pine trees, and forms small islands in mid-stream. The source of some of the streams you pass are the impressive Embarrat and Pourtet lakes you now reach at well over 7,000 feet (remembering that you did not start at sea level, but were already at many thousands of feet up).
Rising even higher are the granite 'needles' of Castet-Abarca walked on only, but not infrequently, by Pyrenean chamois. You now have the privilege of walking down the Marcadau valley, which Walkopedia says is one of the world's best walks, and Cicerone describes as a walkers' paradise, but you can decide for yourselves what you call it. As you get lower, so the pine forests reappear, and the stream gets rather more calm, cool and collected.
Its here you will see the large and impressive Refuge Wallon on its literally outstanding site (drinks and snacks usually available) close to a lovely little chapel. You return to the Pont d'Espagne then transfer back to Cauterets (local bus to pay locally).
Transfer in the morning (private transfer 1hour drive) . Today we visit what most people regard as the most exceptional and memorable site in the whole of the Pyrenees. We drop you off in the village of Gavarnie from where you walk fairly gently up a wide path on a mountain 'balcony' to the Bellevue plateau with privileged panoramas of the high mountain scenery all around you.
From the top, you descend into the centre of the enormous natural 'amphitheatre' that is the Cirque du Gavarnie with its myriad waterfalls - many impressively long and powerful - sheer bare rock cliffs, and contrasting peaceful valley bottom.
The appropriately named Grande Cascade at about 1,300 feet is over 300 feet higher than the Eiffel Tower (300 feet!), and one of the highest in Europe. The bucolic final section is along the valley bottom, or, more challengingly, by the Espugues route, which follows an attractive rocky balcony path. Either way you arrive at Gedre-Gavarnie village. Truly memorable, we are confident you will agree.
You stay at Le Marbore.
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Nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Pyrenees National Park, at the base of the awe-inspiring Cirque de Gavarnie – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Gavarnie Le Marboré Hotel offers an unforgettable stay. Set in the picturesque village of Gavarnie, this charming 2-star hotel boasts an exceptional location, surrounded by nature’s grandeur. Guests can unwind in comfortable, well-appointed rooms and indulge in delicious regional and home-style dishes at the hotel’s inviting restaurant. For a relaxed evening, head to 'Le Swan' bar-pub, where you can enjoy a lively atmosphere and catch the latest games on the giant screen. Stay active in the fitness area, have fun in the games room, or get some work done in the seminar room. For those seeking quiet moments, there's a cosy library corner and a peaceful reading nook by the crackling fireplace. Whether you’re here for adventure or relaxation, the Gavarnie Le Marboré Hotel promises a memorable and unique experience in one of the most stunning corners of France.
In the morning, your 1 hour private transfer climbs to the 'Col du Tourmalet', famous from the Tour de France, before winding down to the village of La Mongie, itself a ski resort at 6,000 feet, and a little further on to Artigues where your walk starts.
Walking up the valley you'll follow the little river that passes pastoral settlements among pastures. Dominated by the Pic du Midi you'll have some beautiful views of the Valley of Arizes. The harder option leads to a nice lake. The walk ends at La Mongie where you take the cable car up and up and up another 4,000 feet to the summit of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre for views across what feels like endless miles of the mountains and a visit to the observatory.
After the visit you'll go down again with the cable car and will be transferred (private transfer) to your accommodation.
You stay at Hotel Le Chalet.
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The hotel has been freshened up to bring you a contemporary and functional setting alongside quality services including accommodation in cosy rooms and delicious dinners at the restaurant! In terms of relaxation, you’ll love the 1ha grounds where squirrels live in leafy fir trees, the summer pool, tennis court and outdoor terraces. Step inside and soak up the bar area, dining room with a fireplace and the lounge where you can get together and chat or read by the fire after your walks.
Today's circle walk starts at your accommodation and will bring you to ancient pastoral settlements, today abandoned and to pastures used by shepherds for several millennia, which will evoke the bygone life in the Pyrenees. From the Ordincede huts, a breathtaking panorama awaits you, with a view of the Pic du Midi to the plains, highlighting the extraordinary geological formations of the verdant Campan valley.
Transfer from your hotel to Lourdes.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Hotel Beau Sejour, Lourdes; Hotel Lion d'Or, Les Cauterets.
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In the heart of the busy city centre of Lourdes and close to the sanctuary, the Best Western Hotel Beauséjour, is a beautiful house of the nineteenth completely renovated. Its 45 rooms with a cozy and personalized decoration offer, for some, a breath-taking view of the Pyrenees. To relax, the Best Western Hotel Beauséjour offers the calm of its garden, solarium and heated outdoor summer pool.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
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Since 1913, the Lasserre-Morel family has been welcoming guests with the desire to make their stay in the Pyrenees the prettiest of memories. Homemade recipes, warmth and authenticity find all the ingredients of a traditional family hotel. The names of the 17 rooms evoke the mountains, lakes and flowers of the valley. Located in the heart of the village, close to shops and restaurants and 150 m from the cable cars of the ski resort and opposite the Bains du Rocher thermal spa.
These tour prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £369.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Toulouse airport.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
18.0Kg CO2e
Printed route
directions
