Old Hall Walking Club
French Pyrenees

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. We'll offer three guided walking options each day, and you can switch between them during the week.

Please note, below we have only listed the easier and harder options, but there will also be a mid-length route offered. We'll adjust routes depending on how the group is going during the week, and we can always offer shorter or longer options than are listed here - there's no shortage of options in this area!

Day 1 – Arrival in Luz-Saint-Sauveur

We’ll pick you up from Carcassonne Airport or Lourdes train station and transfer to Hotel Tourmalet in Luz-Saint-Sauveur, 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.

Read more about Pic du Midi de Bigorre

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

Around lunchtime, we'll depart Cautarets for your transfer to Toulouse Airport or Lourdes train station for your onward journey. Please note, lunch is not included on the final day - there are lots of cafe's and bakeries in cautarets where you can have lunch.