Can I make my own way to Luz-Saint-Sauveur and Cauterets?

Yes — you’re welcome to drive or arrange your own transport. We’ll confirm check-in times and parking options. There is free, safe parking at or near both hotels.

Can I switch between the easier and harder walks?

Yes — each morning the guides explain both routes, and you can choose whichever suits you that day.

Guided Walking Holiday

French Pyrenees

Q: Where do you pick up from, and what time are your transfers?

Transfers for all guided trips are included in the cost of your trip. Pick-up is from Tarbes and Lourdes train stations at 3:30 pm and from Lourdes-Tarbes airport at 4:15 pm. Return drop-off is at 1:00 pm at the train station or at the airport at 1:30 pm.

Q: Can I arrive by train instead of flying?

Yes. Gare de Tarbes and Lourdes are key railway hubs in southwestern France and are connected to Toulouse, Bordeaux and Paris. Please ensure that you arrive in Tarbes for the 3:30 pm transfer.

Q: Where will I stay during the holiday?

For the first 4 nights, you’ll stay at Hôtel Tourmalet in Luz-Saint-Sauveur. For the remainder of your trip, you’ll stay at Garden & City Cauterets-Balnéo in Cauterets.

Q: Is there Wi-Fi at the hotel?

Yes — free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.

Q: Which meals are included in the price?

Breakfasts, picnic lunches on walking days, and evening meals are included. The only meal not included is lunch on the rest day.

Q: How difficult are the walks?

Two guided options are offered each day. Lower-level walks are typically 8 to 12 km with 300 to 500 metres of ascent. Higher-level walks are typically 13 to 16 km with 700 to 1500 metres of ascent.

Guided walking holiday in
Gavarnie and the French Pyrenees

Dramatic cirques, high mountain trails and
classic Pyrenean scenery

★★★★★ 8 trusted reviews from our guests

Guided hiking

7 nights

Dual level

Dual centre

Guided walking in Gavarnie and the Hautes-Pyrénées

Explore one of the most iconic landscapes in the Pyrenees on a guided walking holiday based in the beautiful mountain villages of Gavarnie-Gèdre and Cauterets. Surrounded by towering limestone walls, waterfalls and high-mountain pastures, the glacial cirques and valleys offer some of the most dramatic scenery in the range.

Our walks take you to classic viewpoints such as the Cirque de Gavarnie and the neighbouring valleys of the Hautes-Pyrénées, with two guided walking options each day to suit both strong hikers and those who prefer gentler routes. It’s a wonderful way to experience the wild beauty of the French Pyrenees at a relaxed, enjoyable pace.

Read guest reviews of this holiday →

French Pyrenees

7-night guided walking holiday
in the French Pyrenees

€1,999
per person

Single supplement: €199

2027 Dates & availability

Ready to book?

You can book your French Pyrenees holiday online.

Book this trip

Overview

7 night guided walking holiday
Explore the French Pyrenees and the Hautes-Pyrénées
Visit Gavarnie, Troumouse, Estaubé and Pont d’Espagne
Dual-level walking, with two route options offered each day
Two-centre itinerary based in Gavarnie-Gèdre and Cauterets
Stay at welcoming mountain hotels, including Hotel Brèche de Roland

Discover some of the most iconic scenery in the French Pyrenees on this guided walking holiday. This two-centre trip combines four nights in the Gavarnie-Gèdre area with three nights in the charming spa town of Cauterets, giving you a wonderful variety of landscapes across the week.

During the first part of the holiday, we are perfectly placed for exploring the great Pyrenean cirques of Gavarnie, Estaubé and Troumouse. These vast natural amphitheatres were carved by ancient ice and are famous for their dramatic limestone walls, hanging waterfalls, sweeping pastures and big mountain views.

Midweek, we move north to Cauterets, a historic spa town surrounded by deep pine forests and high granite peaks. From here, we explore classic walking areas such as Pont d’Espagne, the Valle de Marcadau and the beautiful lakes and valleys above Cauterets.

The change of scenery works beautifully: from the open cirques and limestone landscapes around Gavarnie-Gèdre to the greener, more alpine-feeling valleys around Cauterets. With comfortable hotels in both valleys and two guided walking options on most days, this holiday is a lovely way to experience the wild beauty of the French Pyrenees at an enjoyable pace.

Itinerary

During the week we visit several of the most beautiful areas in the French Pyrenees, each with their own character. This is a sample itinerary — the exact routes may change depending on the weather, trail conditions and the ability of the group.

Each day we offer a choice of two guided walks: a shorter option at a relaxed pace, and a longer option for stronger walkers who would like a more demanding day in the mountains. You can decide each day which walk to join, and it’s no problem to switch between the options during the week.

The shorter walks are usually around 8–12 km (5.0–7.5 miles), with 300–500 metres (980–1,640 ft) of ascent. The longer walks are generally around 13–18 km (8.1–11.2 miles), with 700–1,280 metres (2,300–4,200 ft) of ascent on steeper and rougher mountain paths.

Saturday – Arrival in Gavarnie-Gèdre

We’ll pick you up from Lourdes-Tarbes Airport or Tarbes train station and transfer to Hotel Brèche de Roland in Gavarnie-Gèdre, our base for the first part of the holiday.

On arrival, we’ll settle into the hotel and meet for a welcome briefing, where your guides will talk through the week ahead, followed by our evening meal.

Sunday – Estaubé Valley and Cirque

Our first walk explores the peaceful Estaubé Valley, a beautiful glacial valley surrounded by high limestone cliffs. The routes begin near Lac des Gloriettes and follow the Estaubé river into the cirque, with meadows, riverbanks and big mountain scenery along the way.

The shorter route follows the valley into the cirque and makes a lovely circuit beneath the cliffs. The longer route continues higher towards the French-Spanish border, with superb views towards the Pineta Valley and Monte Perdido.

Shorter route: 10 km (6.2 miles) · Ascent: 450 m (1,480 ft)
Longer route: 18 km (11.2 miles) · Ascent: 900 m (2,950 ft)

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 shorter option takes a beautiful circular route through woodland and into the heart of the cirque, with magnificent views of the cliffs and waterfall. We return along the valley floor, with time to enjoy the atmosphere of this famous mountain setting.

The longer option climbs to the Refuge des Espuguettes, set in beautiful high meadows above the valley. From here, we follow a lovely path through woodland and beneath the cliffs, eventually emerging right in the cirque itself, with superb views of the waterfalls and the great limestone walls towering above us.

Shorter route: 9 km (5.6 miles) · Ascent: 450 m (1,480 ft)
Longer route: 14.5 km (9.0 miles) · Ascent: 1,280 m (4,200 ft)

Tuesday – Troumouse Valley

Troumouse is the largest of the great Pyrenean cirques, with a circumference of nearly 11 km. Traditional mountain farming is still part of the landscape here, and we often find herds of sheep and cows grazing in the high pastures.

The grandeur of the cirque, combined with its peaceful and open atmosphere, makes this a very special place to walk. The shorter option makes a beautiful circuit through the meadows beneath the cliffs, while the longer option climbs higher towards the Col de la Sède, with the possibility of extending the route depending on the group and conditions.

Shorter route: 8 km (5.0 miles) · Ascent: 320 m (1,050 ft)
Longer route: 13 km (8.1 miles) · Ascent: 850 m (2,790 ft)

Wednesday – Pic du Midi de Bigorre, rest and transfer day

Today is a chance to rest the legs and enjoy something a little different. There is the option to visit the spectacular Pic du Midi de Bigorre, taking the cable car to the observatory at 2,877 metres.

From the summit there are superb panoramic views across the Pyrenees, as well as exhibitions, viewing platforms and the observatory itself. Those who prefer not to visit Pic du Midi can enjoy a free morning in Gavarnie-Gèdre.

In the afternoon, we transfer to Cauterets, our base for the second half of the holiday.

Thursday – Pont d’Espagne, Lac de Gaube and Vignemale views

Today’s routes start from the famous Pont d’Espagne, one of the classic walking areas above Cauterets. The scenery changes here, with pine forests, waterfalls, granite peaks and beautiful mountain lakes.

The shorter route heads to the lovely Lac de Gaube, with options to extend depending on the group. The longer route continues towards the Refuge des Oulettes de Gaube, which sits beneath the magnificent north face of Vignemale, the highest peak in the French Pyrenees.

Shorter route: 7 km (4.3 miles) · Ascent: 350 m (1,150 ft), with options to extend
Longer route: 16 km (9.9 miles) · Ascent: 750 m (2,460 ft)

Friday – Estom Valley

Running parallel to the Gaube Valley, the Estom Valley is steep-sided and beautifully wild, with high peaks rising on either side. Both routes follow the valley towards Lac d’Estom, a lovely mountain lake set beneath the surrounding summits.

The shorter route returns from the lake, while the longer option continues higher towards the lake of Hount Hérède, beneath the jagged peaks of Cestrède and Culaus.

Shorter route: 12 km (7.5 miles) · Ascent: 450 m (1,480 ft)
Longer route: 14 km (8.7 miles) · Ascent: 720 m (2,360 ft)

Saturday – Departure

After breakfast, we transfer back to Lourdes-Tarbes Airport or Tarbes train station for your onward journey.

French Pyrenees
Dates & Prices

2027

Saturday 22 – 29 May 2027
Saturday 11 – 18 September 2027

If you are interested in a private group, please drop us an email and we’ll be happy to help.

Price

1999 € per person, based on two people sharing a double or twin room.
299 € single room supplement.

Included

7 nights accommodation: 4 nights at Hotel Brèche de Roland in Gavarnie-Gèdre and 3 nights at Garden & City Cauterets
Breakfast each morning
Picnic lunches on each walking day
Three-course evening meals each night, taken at the hotel restaurants
Transfers to and from Lourdes-Tarbes Airport or Lourdes train station
Transport to and from the walks each day

Not included

Flights, insurance, drinks with evening meals, lunch on the rest day, and the Pic du Midi cable car/observatory ticket.

Transfers

Transfers are included from Lourdes-Tarbes Airport or Lourdes train station on the arrival and departure days.

There are direct flights with Ryanair from London Stansted to Lourdes-Tarbes Airport, and our transfers are arranged to meet this flight. The transfer from the airport to Hotel Brèche de Roland in Gavarnie-Gèdre takes around 45 minutes.

We also pick up from Lourdes train station, which is on the Toulouse–Pau railway line. Toulouse has flights from many international destinations, including services from the UK and Canada.

From London, you can travel to Lourdes by Eurostar and TGV, changing in Paris. The journey takes around 8½ hours, with various trains each day.
Read more about the journey here.

Hotels

Hotel Brèche de Roland, Gavarnie-Gèdre

For the first part of the holiday, we stay at Hotel Brèche de Roland, a charming three-star mountain hotel and restaurant in Gavarnie-Gèdre, around ten minutes from the village of Gavarnie. It’s a superb base for exploring the great glacial cirques of Gavarnie, Troumouse and Estaubé, with dramatic limestone scenery close at hand.

The hotel has a lovely mountain character, combining traditional Pyrenean charm with comfortable, contemporary rooms. It has the feel of a proper walkers’ hotel: welcoming, relaxed and very well placed for days in the high valleys and cirques that make this part of the French Pyrenees so special.

After a day on the trails, there are plenty of places to unwind. The hotel has a lounge and bar, as well as a terrace and garden where you can enjoy the mountain setting. One of the real highlights is the wellness area, with a sauna and Nordic bath — perfect for easing tired legs after a good day’s walking.

Evening meals are taken at the hotel restaurant, which focuses on regional mountain cooking and local produce. It’s a comfortable and atmospheric first base for the holiday, putting us right in the heart of the Gavarnie-Gèdre area.

Garden & City Cauterets

For the second part of the holiday, we move to Garden & City Cauterets, located in the heart of the historic spa town of Cauterets. This gives the second half of the week a different feel, with greener valleys, pine forests, waterfalls, granite peaks and classic walking routes above the town.

Cauterets has long been known as a mountain spa town, and the hotel reflects that atmosphere. It is well located for exploring the town on foot, with cafés, shops and local facilities close by, while also giving us excellent access to walking areas such as Pont d’Espagne, Lac de Gaube, the Marcadau Valley and the Estom Valley.

The hotel offers comfortable accommodation and has a generous wellness area, including an indoor heated pool, spa facilities, steam room, sauna, sensory corridor and ice fountain. It’s a good place to relax after walking, particularly during the second half of the holiday when the scenery becomes more wooded, watery and alpine in character.

Staying in two different valleys gives this holiday much of its appeal. The first part of the week focuses on the vast limestone cirques around Gavarnie-Gèdre, while the second explores the forests, lakes and waterfalls above Cauterets. Together, the two hotels allow us to experience a wonderful variety of landscapes without long daily transfers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hike Pyrenees Trip Guarantee

Are your trips guaranteed to run?

Yes — all Hike Pyrenees holidays are guaranteed to run. Once you book, your trip is confirmed.

Travel & Transfers

Where do you pick up from, and what time are your transfers?

Transfers are included from Lourdes-Tarbes Airport and Lourdes train station on the arrival and departure days. We pick up from Lourdes train station at 15:30 and from Lourdes-Tarbes Airport at 16:15, timed to meet the Ryanair flight from London Stansted. Return drop-off is at Lourdes train station at 13:00 or Lourdes-Tarbes Airport at 13:30, timed for the return flight to London Stansted. The transfer to Hotel Brèche de Roland in Gavarnie-Gèdre takes around 45 minutes.

Can I arrive by train instead of flying?

Yes. Lourdes train station is well connected by rail, with routes from Toulouse, Bordeaux and Paris. Please make sure you arrive in time for the 15:30 group transfer from Lourdes train station. You can also travel from London to Lourdes by train via Eurostar and TGV, changing in Paris. Read our article about arriving in the French Pyrenees by train.

Can I make my own way to Gavarnie-Gèdre or Cauterets?

Yes — you’re welcome to drive or arrange your own transport. We’ll confirm check-in times and parking details before your holiday. There is free, safe parking at or near both hotels.

Accommodation

Where will I stay during the holiday?

For the first four nights, you’ll stay at Hotel Brèche de Roland in Gavarnie-Gèdre, a charming mountain hotel and restaurant well placed for exploring Gavarnie, Troumouse and Estaubé. One of the highlights is its wellness area, with a sauna and Nordic bath — perfect after a day on the trails. For the final three nights, you’ll stay at Garden & City Cauterets, in the historic spa town of Cauterets, with access to wellness facilities including an indoor heated pool, steam room and sauna.

Can I book a single room?

Yes. Single rooms are available for a supplement.

Is there Wi-Fi at the hotels?

Yes — Wi-Fi is available at both hotels.

Meals & Dietary Requirements

Which meals are included in the price?

Breakfast each morning, picnic lunches on walking days, and evening meals each night are included. The only meal not included is lunch on the rest day.

Can you cater for dietary requirements?

Yes — vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other dietary needs can be catered for with advance notice.

What are the evening meals like?

Evening meals are taken at the hotel restaurants and are usually three-course meals featuring local and regional dishes. Both hotels offer a comfortable place to relax after a day in the mountains.

Walking Levels & Fitness

How difficult are the walks?

This is a dual-level guided walking holiday, with two walking options offered on most days. The shorter walks are usually around 8–12 km (5.0–7.5 miles), with 300–500 metres (980–1,640 ft) of ascent, and are taken at a relaxed pace on generally good paths. The longer walks are generally around 13–18 km (8.1–11.2 miles), with 700–900 metres (2,300–2,950 ft) of ascent, on steeper and rougher mountain paths.

Can I switch between the shorter and longer walks?

Yes. Each evening or morning, the guides will explain the walking options, and you can choose whichever route suits you best that day. It’s no problem to switch between the shorter and longer options during the week.

How fit do I need to be?

A reasonable level of fitness is recommended. The shorter walks are suitable for regular walkers who enjoy steady mountain days, while the longer routes require good stamina and confidence on uneven or rougher mountain paths.

What distances and ascents should I expect?

The shorter walks are typically around 8–12 km (5.0–7.5 miles), with 300–500 metres (980–1,640 ft) of ascent. The longer walks are usually around 13–18 km (8.1–11.2 miles), with 700–900 metres (2,300–2,950 ft) of ascent. Walking times vary depending on the route, conditions and group pace, but are usually around 5–8 hours.

Are the walks technical?

This is a walking holiday, not a climbing or technical scrambling trip. Most routes follow mountain paths, but some longer options may include rougher terrain, steeper climbs, rocky sections and occasional easy scrambling. Your guides will choose routes carefully according to conditions and the group.

Group & Guiding

How big are the groups?

Groups are small and friendly, usually around 12–16 people in total. These are split between the two walking options each day, so walking groups are usually around 6–9 people, depending on how the group divides.

Who leads the walks?

All walks are led by one of the Hike Pyrenees guiding team. They are experienced, fully qualified, English-speaking guides who know the Pyrenees, their wildlife, landscapes, legends and history.

Is this holiday suitable for solo travellers?

Yes — many guests come alone, and the small-group format makes it very sociable.

Packing & Equipment

What should I bring?

Sturdy, comfortable hiking boots, a waterproof jacket, warm layers, sun protection, a daypack and a refillable water bottle are essential. The water at the hotels is safe to drink.

Can I borrow trekking poles?

Yes. We can lend you trekking poles for no extra cost.

Booking & Practicalities

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes — insurance to cover accidents in the mountains and illness is compulsory. Your insurance must cover mountainous terrain and hiking. We also recommend general travel insurance to cover flight delays, lost luggage and cancellation due to injury or illness before you travel.

What is your cancellation policy?

If you need to cancel your trip, the deposit of 125 € per person is non-refundable. If you have paid your balance and cancel with 7 weeks’ notice or more, we will refund 50%. If you cancel with less than 7 weeks’ notice, no refund will be made. Most travel insurance policies will cover this cost if you need to cancel due to injury or illness.

Can I extend my stay?

Yes — let us know when booking and we can help arrange extra nights, or advise on options in Lourdes, Cauterets or elsewhere in the French Pyrenees before or after your holiday.

Trip-Specific Questions

What makes the French Pyrenees walking holiday special?

This holiday explores some of the most dramatic scenery in the Pyrenees, including the great glacial cirques of Gavarnie, Troumouse and Estaubé, as well as the forests, lakes and waterfalls around Cauterets. The Cirque de Gavarnie is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the range.

Which routes might we walk?

Depending on conditions, routes may include the Cirque de Gavarnie and its famous waterfall, the quieter Cirque d’Estaubé, the vast Cirque de Troumouse, Pont d’Espagne, Lac de Gaube, the Marcadau Valley, the Estom Valley and viewpoints towards Vignemale. Exact routes will depend on weather, trail conditions and the group.

Do we walk to the Brèche de Roland?

No. Although we stay at Hotel Brèche de Roland, the walk to the actual Brèche de Roland is not included in this holiday. It is a much bigger high-mountain day than is suitable for most guests on this itinerary. Instead, we focus on beautiful and varied walks in Gavarnie, Troumouse, Estaubé and Cauterets.

How long are the transfers to each walk?

Most walks are within a 20–40 minute drive of the hotels. A few days may involve a slightly longer transfer, depending on the route chosen and local conditions.

Will we see wildlife in the French Pyrenees?

The French Pyrenees are home to griffon vultures, bearded vultures, marmots, isards, recently reintroduced ibex and a wide variety of alpine flowers. Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, but this is a wonderful area for nature and mountain scenery.

Private Group Bookings

Can you run this itinerary for a private group?

Yes, we can run this itinerary as a bespoke trip for private groups with dates to suit the group. Drop us an email with approximate numbers and dates if you are interested in a private group trip.

Read guest reviews of this holiday →