GAVARNIE BALCONIES TREK
Immersion in Nature’s Great Cathedral
Experience the awe-inspiring Gavarnie Cirque up close ! With stunning panoramic views from every angle and diverse landscapes this really is the heart of the Pyrenees. Extend into the neighbouring Estaubé and Troumouse cirques (also wonderful) if you have the time.
Trek details
Our trek utilises local paths and the public bus network (in season) to provide you with the best access to this natural wonder.
You'll discover the unique geology, flora, and fauna of the Pyrenees National Park. Our maps and walk notes, plus GPS tracks, ensure you have all the information you need to hike independently, keeping you on track and informed about what you are seeing along the way.
Gavarnie, Estaubé and Troumouse are all part of both the Mont Perdu World Heritage Area, and the Pyrenees National Park. This trek takes you to the heart of these extraordinary natural wonders.
Budget
2 nights : 295€ per person
3 nights : 400€ per person
4 nights : 505€ per person
5 nights : 615€ per person
6 nights : 775€ per person
7 nights : 925€ per person
This price includes :
- all accommodation in hostels & refuges
- marked maps and walking notes each day
- general assistance during your stay
- all breakfasts, picnic lunches & dinners (except first day picnic)
- full briefing on weather and trail conditions
- return transport from end of itinerary to Luz (6-7 day itineraries)
Options :
- pick-up at Lourdes station (€80 - up to 4 people)
- bag transport (80€-120€ per peson depending on number of nights)
- return transport from Gavarnie to Lourdes (110€ - up to 4 people)
- drinks and snacks
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Luz St Sauveur. We can provide details of the current bus timetable or arrange for collection if the times don't suit. Luz is a lively mountain village with plenty of shops, bars and restaurants. You can buy any last minute gear that is needed and relax into the atmosphere of the Pyrenees. We will brief you on your trek, supply your maps and notes and GPS tracks and answer all last minute questions.
Day 2
Transfer to Pragnère (900m) for the full day walk (along the GR10) or to Gèdre (1000m) for the half day walk option (along the Way of St James path through our valley). Finish at the Saugué Gite (1600m) in both cases. Both paths are lovely introductions to the Pyrenean forests and your accommodation on the Saugué Plateau has a Heidi-like feel – surrounded by the cows and the flower filled high pastures! Bag transfers possible.
Day 3
Day walk up to a high pass above the Saugué Plateau to reach a surprising suspended balcony with wonderful views over the frontier summits and the Brèche de Roland. It's a lovely picnic spot - very satisfying after the short steep climb at the end ! Come down via a different path, exploring old barns and high pastures. A shorter walk is possible to a small mount half way up the plateau. Spend a second night in the Saugué Gite. Possibility of shorter or longer walks.
Day 4
Walk from Saugué down towards Gavarnie with a full view of the Gavarnie Cirque as you descend. This is where the postcards are taken from. When you are beneath the vulture cliffs try and spot the lammergeier (bearded) vultures as they circle above. There is the option of heading deep into the Ossoue Valley (plenty of flowers and wildlife) for a full day’s walk, or straight to the Grange de Holle for a half day walk. Bag transfers possible.
Day 5
Walk right into the heart of the Gavarnie Cirque, for the most part on side paths to avoid the crowds even in high summer. From the Hôtel du Cirque walk to the foot of the “Grand Cascade” or just sit on the terrace of the café and admire the view while others do it. From there you take a balcony path to the Espuguettes Refuge at 2027m for the night. No bag transfer option possible here.
Day 6
For those wanting to extend and bag a peak there is the option of climbing the Piméné (2800m) or the Petit Piméné (2667m) if you set out early. Once up and down the peak cross over the Hourquette d’Alans (2360m) into the Estaubé Cirque. From here you head all the way down the valley to the Gloriettes lake/dam (1681m) and around and down to into the pastoral hamlet of Héas at 1500m.
Day 7
Day walk into the Troumouse Cirque, again using a lesser known balcony path. This gives you a spectacular entrance into the cirque through a natural gateway, and again avoids the more visited section of the cirque accessible by road. It's a spectacular last day, your third glacial cirque and the one with the largest diameter in the Pyrenees, We collect you in the afternoon and return to Luz.
Day 8
Catch the bus out of Luz to Lourdes, or we can organise a taxi for you if the times don't suit. Connect with your ongoing transport there. If you'd like a wander around the pilgrimage city of Lourdes, or simply collect some holy water for someone who will appreciate it, we can suggest a place to store your bags.