Pyrenees National Park: Gavarnie and the Cirques
Hikes in the Pyrenees National Park, between the UNESCO-listed Gavarnie cirque, high-altitude lakes, and 3000 m peaks.
Five days of hiking in the Pyrenees National Park, discovering the great glacial cirques. The route links Cauterets, Lake Gaube at the foot of the Vignemale, the UNESCO-listed Gavarnie cirque with its 400 m waterfall, and the wilder Troumouse cirque. It's a high-mountain immersion: 3,000 m peaks, altitude lakes, marmots and izards. The trails are demanding but accessible to fit walkers; the safe season runs June to September, once the snow has melted. Bring warm clothes, sun protection and a reliable forecast — storms build fast in the afternoon. Set off early to enjoy the calm and the morning light.
Practical info
- Stops
- 6
- Duration
- 5 days
- Transport
- 🥾 On foot
- Distance
- ≈ 60 km
- Best time
- Spring and summer
Itinerary
- 1
Cauterets
Station thermale et de ski, pont d'Espagne et cascade du Lutour.
- 2
Lac de Gaube
Lac glaciaire a 1725 m au pied du Vignemale, reflets emeraude.
- 3
Cirque de Gavarnie
Amphitheatre naturel de 1500 m de haut, Grande Cascade de 423 m.
- 4
Cirque de Troumouse
Le plus vaste des cirques pyreneens, route carrossable et pelouses d'altitude.
- 5
Cirque d'Estaube
Cirque sauvage et preserve, barrage des Gloriettes et isards.
- 6
Pic du Midi de Bigorre (acces)
Observatoire astronomique a 2877 m, panorama a 360 degres sur la chaine.
