Guided hiking
7 nights
Dual level
Dual centre
The French Pyrenees – Gavarnie and the great cirques
7 night guided walking holiday
- 7 night guided walking holiday
- Hike in the French Pyrenees
- Explore Gavarnie, Troumouse and Pont d’Espagne
- Dual level hiking – two routes offered each day
- Two centre itinerary
Discover some of the most iconic scenery in the French Pyrenees on this guided walking holiday. Explore the wonderful cirques of Gavarnie, Troumouse and Estaube. A two centre trip combining four nights in Luz-Saint-Sauveur with three nights in the charming spa town of 
Cauterets. From wide glacial cirques and high panoramic ridges to peaceful forest valleys dotted with lakes, this holiday shows you the region’s classic walks.
Our first base, Luz-Saint-Sauveur, lies perfectly placed for exploring the great Pyrenean cirques. Over these four days we visit Gavarnie, Estaubé and Troumouse—three vast amphitheatres carved by ancient ice and renowned for their dramatic rock walls, hanging waterfalls and sweeping grassy pastures. These are some of the most celebrated landscapes in the entire range and offer wonderfully varied, moderately graded walking. From Luz we also have the chance to approach the legendary Brèche de Roland, a natural gateway on the French–Spanish frontier with exceptional views on both sides of the divide.
One Wednesday we move north to spend three nights in Cauterets, a historic spa town surrounded by deep pine forests and high granite peaks. From here we explore the Valle de Marcadau, a favourite among regular walkers for its peaceful lakes, gentle meadows and classic wooden bridges. The change of scenery complements our earlier days perfectly—quieter, greener and with a distinctly alpine feel.
With comfortable hotels in both valleys and a carefully chosen selection of hikes, this holiday offers a wonderful introduction to some of the most beautiful corners of the French Pyrenees. Expect rewarding days on the trail, excellent views at every turn and plenty of time to unwind each evening in friendly mountain towns.
During the week we visit several of the most beautiful areas in the region, each with their own charm. This is a sample itinerary – the exact routes will depend on the weather and what the group would like to achieve. Each day we offer a choice of two guided hikes – a longer and a shorter option. Each day you can decide which walk to join and it’s no problem to switch between the options during the week.
The shorter hikes are at a relaxed pace, with plenty of time to stop and take in the views, take photographs and enjoy the nature.
Expect to hike between 8 to 12 km (5 to 7.5 miles) and climb 300 to 500 metres (1000 – 1600 ft) during the day. Paths are generally good underfoot with only a few short steeper sections.
The longer hikes are on steeper rougher paths and venture into high-mountain, more alpine terrain. Hikes are between 13 to 16 km (8 to 13.5 miles) with between 700 to 1500 metres (2300 to 3850 ft) of ascent each day.
We’ve included the routes, distances and ascents that we expect to do, but please bear in mind that the itinerary is flexible and may change due to weather or conditions. On some routes, there is a range of distances due to there being different options – usually the guide will decide during the day which option you’ll do, depending on how the group is doing.
Saturday – Luz-Saint-Sauveur
Pick up from Lourdes-Tarbes airport (Ryan Air flights from Stansted) or Tarbes train station (trains from Toulouse and also London via Paris) and transfer to Hôtel Tourmalet in Luz-Saint-Sauveur. On arrival, we’ll have a briefing about the week ahead, followed by our evening meal.
Sunday – Estaube Valley and Cirque
Today’s routes explore the Estaubé valley and cirque – a peaceful setting but with beautiful glacial scenery. The routes begin at the lovely Lac des Gloriettes and follow the Estaube river into the cirque. Meadows and gentle riverbanks lead to the high limestone cliffs of the Cirque de Estaube. The shorter route follows the Estauve river and then does a circuit around the cirque. The longer route also follows the river into the cirque, but continues up to the Puerto de Lera on the French/Spanish border with views into the Pineta valley and north face of Monte Perdido – the third highest peak in the Pyrenees.
Short route: distance 10 km, ascent 450 metres
Longer route: 18 km, ascent 900 metres
Monday – Gavarnie
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gavarnie is one of the most iconic places in the Pyrenees. The huge cirque rises in tiered walls above green pastures, with one of Europe’s highest waterfalls tumbling from its upper rim. The scale of the landscape here is truly impressive and gives every walk a breathtaking finish.
Shorter option: A circular hike, climbing through the woods getting every closer to the impressive cirque at the end of the valley. We then drop down right into the cirque for magnificent views of the cliffs and waterfall. We hike back along the valley floor, passing by the famous Hotel Gavarnie where we can stop for a refreshement before heading back to the village of Gavarnie.
Distance: 9 km, ascent 450 metres
Longer option: We have two options this day, depending on conditions. If there isn’t snow in the higher mountains and temperatures aren’t cold, we’ll drive up to a high car park at 2200 metres. From here we’ll hike up to the famous Breche de Roland – the famous pass between France and Spain with a legend as impressive as the scenery! A wonderful day of truly high mountain alpine scenery. Please note there is the icy remains of a glacier to cross just underneath the Breche – this route will only be undertaken if conditions are suitable.
Alternative option: Another beautiful route exploring the Cirque de Gavarnie. First we head up to the Refuge de Espuguettes sitting in lovely high meadows above the valley. From here we take a lovely path through woods and under cliffs that comes out right in the cirque for views of the waterfalls and cliffs towering above us.
Tuesday – Troumouse Valley
Troumouse is the largest of the three cirques with a circumference of nearly 11km. Traditional mountain farming is still undertaken here and we’ll find herds of sheep and cows grazing in the cirques meadows. The grandeur combined with a peaceful and green atmosphere give this cirque a very special charm. This wonderful amphitheatre gives us a lot of hiking options with several circuits of varying lengths we can choose from. The shorter option is a beautiful circuit sticking to the meadows under the high cliffs. The longer option will head up to the Col de la Sede (optional side trip to the 2694 metre peak of the same name).
Short option: distance 8 km, ascent 320 metres
Longer option: distance 13 km, ascent 850 metres
Wednesday – Pic du Midi Bigorre, rest and transfer day
A chance to relax and rest the legs. Today you’ve the option to do a high peak – but in a cable car! We’ll take the cable car up to visit the observatory on top of the summit of Pic du Midi Bigorre (2877 metres). Here there is a solar observatory, a planetarium, a restauran, viewing platform and a scientific exhibition about the galaxy and universe. Those who don’t want to visit the observatory can spend a free day in Luz-Saint-Sauveur. In the afternoon, we’ll take the short journey to our base for the second half of the week in Cautarets.
Read more about Pic du Midi Bigorre
Please note the cable car and observatory tickets are not included in the price of the holiday.
Thursday – Pont d’Espagne – Gaube Valley – North face of Vignemale
Our routes today start at the famous road head of Pont d’Espagne and explore the Marcadau valley that leads to Vignemale – the highest peak in the French Pyrenees. The shorter route heads to the Lac de Gaube. The longer route continues to the Refuge des Oulettes de gaube which lies right under the magnificent north face of Vignemale. This has to one of the most spectacular mountain faces in the Pyrenees!
Short route: distance 7 km, ascent 350 metres (options to extend)
Longer route: distance 16 km, ascent 750 metres
Friday – Estom Valley
Running parallel to Gaube, the steep sided valley of Estom has peaks towering above on each side of it. Both routes will head up this lovely valley to the Lac d’Estom nestled under the high summits. The shorter route heads back from here, while the longer option will continue up to the lake of Hount Herede that lies under the spiky peaks of Cestrede (2947m) and Culuas (2806m).
Shorter route: distance 12 km, ascent 450 metres
Longer route: distance 14 km, ascent 720 metres
Saturday – Departure
Morning departure for your transfer back to Lourdes-Tarbes airport or Tarbes train station.
French Pyrenees
Dates
Saturday 27 June – 4 July 2026 (fully booked)
* We will be running two French Pyrenees guided holidays in 2027 – one in June/July and one in September.
If you are interested in a private group, please drop us an email.
Price
1899 € per person (based on two sharing a double or twin room)
299 € single room supplement
Included
7 nights accommodation: 4 x Hôtel Tourmalet & 3 x Hôtel Garden & City Cauterets.
Breakfast each morning.
Picnic lunches each walking day.
3 course evening meals each night, taken at hotel restaurants.
Transfers to and from either Lourdes-Tarbes airport or train station.
Transport to the walks each day.
Not included
Flights and insurance
Drinks with evening meal
Lunch and cable car/observatory on the rest day
Transfers
Lourdes-Tarbes Airport
There are direct flights with Ryan Air from London Stansted to Lourdes-Tarbes airport and our transfers meet this flight. It is a 45 minute transfer from the airport to the hotel.
The flight times are as follows:
27th June:
Depart Stansted 12:45
Arrive Lourdes-Tarbes 15:40
4th July
Depart Lourdes-Tarbes 16:10
Arrive Stansted 17:05
Lourdes Train Station
We will also be picking up from Lordes train station. This is on the line Toulouse-Pau line.
Toulouse has flights from many international desinations. Easyjet flies from both Bristol and Gatwick, Air Canada has a direct flight from Montreal.
From London by rail
From London, you can travel to Lourdes-Tarbes train station by Eurostar and TGV with a change in Paris. The journey takes approx. 8 1/2 hrs and there are various trains each day. Read more about the journey here
Garden & City Cauterets
Nestled in the heart of the charming spa town of Cauterets in the French Pyrenees, the Garden & City Cauterets-Balnéo offers a refined base for a hiking or wellness holiday. With just 26 rooms, the hotel presents a comfortable and relaxed pace, perfect for mature travellers seeking a blend of mountain activity and gentle luxury.
Cauterets is a classic 19th-century resort town, famed both for its thermal springs and its snow-sport offerings. Located in the heart of the Parc National des Pyrénées, it provides direct access to alpine trails, scenic viewpoints and the ski lifts. The hotel lies just two hundred metres from the cable car that climbs toward the slopes, so you’re right on the doorstep of outdoor adventure.
The superior rooms feature extras such as a private balcony facing the Pyrenees and a ‘balnéo kit’ (bathrobes, slippers, towel) included — ideal for an indulgent stay. For wellness and relaxation, the hotel features its “Spa Aiga” — offering a sensory corridor, ice fountain, indoor heated pool, steam bath and sauna — a nice complement to the active mountain environment.
Hôtel Tourmalet
Nestled in the heart of traditional Luz-Saint-Sauveur, Hôtel Tourmalet is a charming, family-run three-star hotel set in a beautifully restored Belle Époque building. With sweeping views over the River Bastan and the surrounding peaks, it’s the perfect Alpine-style base for walkers exploring the iconic cirques of the French Pyrenees.
The rooms combine modern comfort with classic mountain character, with free Wi-Fi and many with balconies overlooking the mountains. After a day on the trails, you can relax on the riverside terrace or in the cosy lounge.
The hotel’s restaurant serves hearty regional cuisine made with local products, and breakfast is served buffet-style.
Frequently asked questions
Where are your transfers from?
Which meals are included in the price?
What is the maximum group size?
French Pyrenees
Guided walking holiday
2026 Dates:
27 June – 4 July (fully booked)
* We will be running two French Pyrenees guided holidays in 2027 (June/July and September)
1899 € per person
Photos from our French Pyrenees holiday
Check availability or book your holiday:
Location:
Hotel Garden & City
Hôtel Tourmalet
Lourdes train station
Tarbes-Lourdes airport
Contact Hike Pyrenees
Phone:
Spain: +34 974 495 401
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