Timothy Blackstone says...
All very good, excellent introduction to the Pyrenees itinerary.
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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.
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*** (Breakfast and evening meal included)
Short transfer 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 Cauterets.
You stay at Hotel Lion d'Or***(Breakfast and evening meal included)
After a short transfer, 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). {BREAKK} 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.
You stay at Hotel Lion d'Or*** (Breakfast and evening meal included)
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. Then transfer to your hotel.
You stay at Hotel de la Breche de Roland *** (Breakfast and evening meal included)
A beautiful walk from the hamlet of Heas, passing herds of summer pasturing long horned cattle and up to the incredible glacially created 'arena' that is the Cirque de Troumouse (rising to almost 10,000 feet all around you). There can be no doubts about why this whole area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You walk across the plateau in the middle of the Cirque with its wildflower meadows and streams before arriving at the Aires lake where there is also a refuge cabin. Having spent plenty of time taking it all in, you now descend down good footpaths back to Heas. Don't forget to visit the 16th century pilgrimage chapel built to house a wooden Black Madonna found by local shepherds, and which miraculously (say some) survived an avalanche. Then transfer to your hotel.
You stay at Hotel de la Breche de Roland *** (Breakfast and evening meal included)
Today you walk mainly in the wonderful Ets Coubous valley, which offers a succession of lovely lakes where the colour of the water and the reflections change as you walk by. It is an altogether enjoyable walk that enables you to really immerse yourselves in the endless panoramas and beauties of the High Pyrenees. Thoughts of home and work seem a million miles away, and you will hopefully fully appreciate the tranquillity that comes from being among, and almost part of, these magnificent mountains.
Transfer to your hotel
You stay at Maison d'Hoursentut ** (Breakfast and evening meal included)
Transfer to the village of La Mongie, where start your the cable car journey 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 of the observatory. On your descent of the Pic du Midi, via the historical 'Chemin des Muletiers' (the 'Muleteers' Path'), originally taken by the men who built the observatory. Continue through a gorgeous valley, high-altitude grazing areas and shepherds' huts. Transfer to your hotel.
You stay at Maison d'Hoursentut ** (Breakfast and evening meal included)
Transfer from your hotel to Lourdes.
During your holiday you stay at the following hotels. If you'd like to extend your time at any of these or, if you'd like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking.
To find out more call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199, use our live webchat or email sales@headwater.com
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra nights at the start or end, or if you'd like to arrange a stop off point en-route, then we recommend the following hotels.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
Find out more on the hotel website.
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NEARBY:
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Everyone who goes on a Headwater holiday will be emailed a link to our post-holiday questionnaire where they can give us an honest assessment of all aspects of their holiday - everything from how quickly we answer the phone to how clean the hotels were - plus an overall rating and comments about their holiday.
Any feedback collected is posted to our website, so that people can make an informed decision based on past experiences before heading off on holiday. We don’t edit the reviews, the only thing we do is proofread them and alter any typos, where necessary, to ensure they are easy to read for everyone. All reviews will be published (except in certain extreme circumstances), and a member of the Headwater team will respond to any constructive criticisms/comments under the reviews, at their discretion. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of our holidays, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.
All very good, excellent introduction to the Pyrenees itinerary.
You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.
This 7 night self-guided walking holiday includes:
Hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of and hotels
All breakfasts and evening meals
Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
Comprehensive route directions provided prior to departure
Luggage transfers between hotels
Walking transfers
GPX files
How to book:
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' or 'check availability' button below.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'check availability' button below.
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29th Sep 2023 | US$2379 | US$412 | Tour only: US$2379 Single supp: US$412 |
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30th Sep 2023 | US$2379 | US$412 | Tour only: US$2379 Single supp: US$412 |
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15th Jun 2024 | US$2549 | US$412 | Tour only: US$2549 Single supp: US$412 |
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1st Jul 2024 | US$2649 | US$412 | Tour only: US$2649 Single supp: US$412 |
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1st Sep 2024 | US$2549 | US$412 | Tour only: US$2549 Single supp: US$412 |
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2nd Sep 2024 | US$2549 | US$412 | Tour only: US$2549 Single supp: US$412 |
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23rd Sep 2024 | US$2549 | US$412 | Tour only: US$2549 Single supp: US$412 |
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The prices quoted for each individual departure supercede those published in our current brochures. Air prices are subject to change and we advise early booking to obtain the best prices. Please see our Planning your holiday and What's included in the price? pages for additional information.
Solo travellers
Please call for details and prices
Children
Please contact us for child prices.
Holiday type
Self-guided walking Managed locally by Headwater appointed agent.
Departures
Daily departure from 15 June to 30 September from 29th Sep 2023 to 23rd Sep 2024, for 7 nights. All dates are subject to availability, please contact us to check.
Meals
All breakfasts and evening meals
This holiday does not include any flights or rail.
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' button above.
If you need further information before you book simply complete our Holiday Enquiry Form and a member of our sales team will get back to you.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'Check availability' button below.