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: Can you cater for dietary requirements?

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

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: €299

2027 Dates & availability

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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 guided walking options offered each day
Two-centre itinerary based in Gavarnie-Gèdre and Cauterets
Stay at welcoming mountain hotels; Hotel Brèche de Roland & Garden & City Cauterets

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 Vallée du 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 valleys around Cauterets. With comfortable hotels in both areas and two guided walking options on most days, this is a wonderful way to experience the variety and wild beauty of the French Pyrenees.

Two guided walking options each day

Each walking day we offer a lower-level and a higher-level route. The lower-level walks are generally shorter, with more moderate ascents and a relaxed pace, while still taking you into some superb mountain scenery.

The higher-level options are longer and more demanding, with bigger climbs, rougher mountain paths and more sustained days in the hills. The guides will explain both routes each morning, so you can choose whichever option best suits you on the day.

Itinerary

During the week we visit several of the most beautiful areas in the French Pyrenees, each with their own character.

The lower-level walks are generally around 7–12 km (4.3–7.5 miles), with approximately 300–500 metres (980–1,640 ft) of ascent, and are taken at a relaxed pace with plenty of time to enjoy the scenery.

The higher-level routes are generally around 13–18 km (8.1–11.2 miles), with approximately 700–1,280 metres (2,300–4,200 ft) of ascent. These are longer and more demanding mountain days, often on steeper and rougher paths.

This is a sample itinerary. The exact walks may change depending on weather, trail conditions and the preferences of the group. On most walking days we offer two guided options, and you can switch between them during the week.

Day 1 – Arrival in Gavarnie-Gèdre

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

Once everyone is settled in, we’ll meet for a welcome briefing where your guides will talk through the week ahead, followed by our evening meal.

Day 2 – Estaubé Valley and Cirque

Our first walking day explores the peaceful Estaubé Valley, a beautiful glacial valley surrounded by high limestone cliffs. Both routes begin near Lac des Gloriettes and follow the Estaubé river through meadows and open mountain scenery into the cirque.

Lower-level option: Estaubé Valley

The lower-level route follows the valley into the cirque and makes a beautiful circuit beneath the cliffs, with plenty of time to enjoy the waterfalls, river and mountain views.

Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles) · Ascent: 450 m (1,480 ft)

Higher-level option: Estaubé and the Spanish Border

The higher-level route continues beyond the main cirque and climbs further towards the French-Spanish border, with superb views towards the Pineta Valley and Monte Perdido.

Distance: 18 km (11.2 miles) · Ascent: 900 m (2,950 ft)

Day 3 – Gavarnie

Gavarnie forms part of the Pyrénées–Mont Perdu UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most iconic landscapes in the Pyrenees. The huge cirque rises in tiered limestone walls above green pastures, with an immense waterfall dropping from its upper rim.

Lower-level option: Cirque de Gavarnie

A beautiful circular walk takes us through woodland and into the heart of the cirque, with magnificent views of the cliffs and waterfalls. We return along the valley floor, with plenty of time to enjoy this extraordinary mountain setting.

Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles) · Ascent: 450 m (1,480 ft)

Higher-level option: Refuge des Espuguettes and Gavarnie

The higher route climbs to the Refuge des Espuguettes, set in high meadows above the valley. From here we continue through superb mountain scenery before descending towards the cirque itself, with dramatic views of the limestone walls and waterfalls.

Distance: 14.5 km (9 miles) · Ascent: 1,280 m (4,200 ft)

Day 4 – Cirque de Troumouse

Troumouse is the largest of the great Pyrenean cirques, with a circumference of nearly 11 km. Traditional mountain farming is still very much part of the landscape, and sheep and cattle graze the high pastures beneath the enormous cliffs.

Lower-level option: Troumouse Cirque

The lower-level walk makes a beautiful circuit through the open meadows of the cirque, surrounded by high mountain scenery and waterfalls.

Distance: 8 km (5 miles) · Ascent: 320 m (1,050 ft)

Higher-level option: Col de la Sède

The higher-level route climbs above the cirque towards the Col de la Sède, gaining extensive views across Troumouse and the surrounding peaks. Depending on conditions and the group, there may be the option to extend the route.

Distance: 13 km (8.1 miles) · Ascent: 850 m (2,790 ft)

Day 5 – 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.

Day 6 – Pont d’Espagne, Lac de Gaube and Vignemale

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.

Lower-level option: Lac de Gaube

The lower-level route heads to the beautiful Lac de Gaube, with superb views towards the surrounding peaks. Depending on the group and conditions, there are options to extend the walk further into the valley.

Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles) · Ascent: 350 m (1,150 ft), with options to extend

Higher-level option: Refuge des Oulettes de Gaube

The higher-level route continues beyond Lac de Gaube towards the Refuge des Oulettes de Gaube, which sits beneath the magnificent north face of Vignemale, the highest peak in the French Pyrenees.

Distance: 16 km (9.9 miles) · Ascent: 750 m (2,460 ft)

Day 7 – 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.

Lower-level option: Lac d’Estom

The lower-level walk follows the valley to Lac d’Estom before returning along the same beautiful mountain route.

Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles) · Ascent: 450 m (1,480 ft)

Higher-level option: Hount Hérède

The higher-level route continues beyond Lac d’Estom towards Hount Hérède, beneath the jagged peaks of Cestrède and Culaus, taking us deeper into this wild mountain landscape.

Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles) · Ascent: 720 m (2,360 ft)

Day 8 – Departure

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

French Pyrenees
2027 Dates & Prices

This holiday runs from Friday to Friday.
21 – 28 May 2027
10 – 17 September 2027

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
5 days of fully guided walking, with two guided walking options on most days
Picnic lunches on each walking day
Three-course evening meals each night, taken at the hotel restaurants
Arrival and departure transfers 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 and observatory ticket.

Getting to the Pyrenees

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

By air – London Stansted to Lourdes-Tarbes

There are direct Ryanair flights 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.

By train – Lourdes

We also pick up from Lourdes train station, which is on the Toulouse–Pau railway line. Toulouse has flights from many international destinations, making it another useful option for reaching the French Pyrenees.

From London, you can travel to Lourdes by Eurostar and TGV, changing in Paris. The journey takes around 8½ hours, with several services available each day.

Hotels

Hotel Brèche de Roland, Gavarnie-Gèdre

For the first four nights, we stay at Hotel Brèche de Roland, a charming three-star mountain hotel 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 plenty of mountain character, combining traditional Pyrenean style 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 highlights is the wellness area, with a sauna and Nordic bath — ideal 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 final three nights, we move to Garden & City Cauterets, in the heart of the historic spa town of Cauterets. The second half of the holiday has a distinctly 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 is well placed for exploring the centre on foot, with cafés, shops and local facilities nearby. It also gives us excellent access to walking areas such as Pont d’Espagne, Lac de Gaube, the Vallée du Marcadau and the Estom Valley.

The hotel offers comfortable accommodation and a generous wellness area, including an indoor heated pool, spa facilities, steam room, sauna, sensory corridor and ice fountain. It’s a great place to relax after walking and works particularly well for the second half of the holiday.

Staying in two different valleys gives this trip 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 bases give us a wonderful variety of landscapes without the need for 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. On the final day, we drop off at Lourdes train station at 13:00 and 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 travelling to 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.

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 welcoming mountain hotel well placed for exploring Gavarnie, Troumouse and Estaubé. One of the highlights is its wellness area, with a sauna and Nordic bath. For the final three nights, you’ll stay at Garden & City Cauterets, in the historic spa town of Cauterets, with 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. The 2027 single supplement is 299 €.

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 is included each morning, together with picnic lunches on the five walking days and evening meals each night. 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 requirements can usually be catered for with advance notice. Please let us know when you book.

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 lower-level walks are usually around 7–12 km (4.3–7.5 miles), with approximately 300–500 metres (980–1,640 ft) of ascent, and are taken at a relaxed pace on generally good mountain paths. The higher-level walks are generally around 13–18 km (8.1–11.2 miles), with approximately 700–1,280 metres (2,300–4,200 ft) of ascent, on steeper and rougher mountain terrain.

Can I switch between the lower-level and higher-level walks?

Yes. The guides will explain both walking options each day, and you can choose whichever route suits you best. It’s no problem to switch between the lower-level and higher-level walks during the week.

How fit do I need to be?

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

What distances and ascents should I expect?

Lower-level walks are typically around 7–12 km (4.3–7.5 miles), with approximately 300–500 metres (980–1,640 ft) of ascent. Higher-level walks are generally around 13–18 km (8.1–11.2 miles), with approximately 700–1,280 metres (2,300–4,200 ft) of ascent. Walking times vary depending on the route, conditions and group pace, but are generally around 5–8 hours.

Are the walks technical?

This is a walking holiday rather than a climbing or technical scrambling trip. Most routes follow established mountain paths, although some higher-level options may include rougher terrain, steeper climbs, rocky sections and occasional easy scrambling. Your guides will explain the routes and conditions before each walk.

Group & Guiding

How big are the groups?

Groups are small and friendly, usually around 12–16 people in total. The group divides between the two walking options each day, so the individual walking groups are normally smaller depending on how everyone chooses to split.

Who leads the walks?

All walks are led by members 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 of our guests travel alone, and the small-group format makes the holiday very sociable.

Packing & Equipment

What should I bring?

Sturdy, comfortable walking boots, a waterproof jacket, warm layers, sun protection, a daypack and a refillable water bottle are essential.

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 covering accidents in the mountains and illness is compulsory. Your policy must cover hiking in mountainous terrain. We also strongly recommend general travel insurance covering 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. Travel insurance will often cover cancellation costs when you need to cancel because of illness or injury.

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, together with the forests, lakes and waterfalls around Cauterets. Gavarnie forms part of the Pyrénées–Mont Perdu UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most iconic mountain landscapes in the range.

Which routes might we walk?

Depending on weather and trail 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 Estom Valley and viewpoints towards Vignemale. The exact itinerary remains flexible so the guides can choose the best routes for the group and conditions.

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 varied walks around Gavarnie, Troumouse, Estaubé and Cauterets.

How long are the transfers to each walk?

Most walks are reached within around 20–40 minutes 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, 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 the French Pyrenees itinerary as a bespoke holiday for private groups, with dates arranged to suit the group. Please contact us with approximate numbers and preferred dates if you are interested.

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