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Gentle Pyrenees Walking Holidays

A gentle Pyrenees walking holiday is a week of guided walking aimed at those wanting to discover the landscape, history, culture, flora, fauna and people of the Haute Pyrenees, without too much exertion. A typical week’s walking holiday will take in some of the more accessible cirques and lakes, some gentle ridges and easy peaks. We will pass through pretty mountain villages and along ancient bergers’ paths to hidden barns, getting a real feel for the mountain way of life. The great thing about walking in the Pyrenees is that only a short wander from a high ski- or col-road, we can find ourselves in a completely unspoiled wilderness. On a gentle Pyrenees walking holiday there will also be plenty of chances to sample the village cafés and buy local produce at a farm shop or market.

A gentle walking holiday is a wonderful introduction to the Pyrenees without too much exertion!

Saturday – free afternoon
Arrive late afternoon. We suggest a leisurely walk around the village and a drink on the terrace before dinner.

Sunday - Croix de St. Justin and the Transarrious Plateau
An interesting introductory walk from the house, giving us a chance to get to know the area and view the stunning setting of Barèges village.

Leaving from the house (1250m), we cross the Bastan river and climb steadily to the Transarrious plateau. This glacial platform is a favourite grazing area for the local Barèges-Gavarnie sheep (brebis). We follow a farmers’ track through the meadows and past a series of ancient stone barns – built into the hillside to protect from avalanches, then contour high above the valley through meadows and hazel coppice. The path stays almost level, while the valley drops away beneath us – soon giving us a great vantage point above the village. Reaching the Croix de St. Justin we can enjoy a traditional French snack and a drink in the sunshine at the St. Justin creperie. The restaurant is on an isolated promontory looking out onto the lovely Bastan valley, the village of Barèges and the towering mountains on every side - it can only be accessed on foot. From the promontory, we look down on the ancient village of Sers, and across to the barns and “estives” (summer pastures), getting an insight into the traditional way of life in this area.

An easy walk through mixed woodland takes us back towards Barèges, with great views of the village and up towards the Col du Tourmalet.

Monday – Cirque de Gavarnie
A visit to one of the most beautiful cirques in Europe. A UNESCO world heritage site; the cirque is a natural amphitheatre of towering cliffs and spectacular waterfalls.

A lovely drive up the steep-sided valley of the Gave de Gavarnie takes us to the small village of Gavarnie (1365m). Once a traditional farming village, Gavarnie is now famous for its cirque – a UNESCO world heritage site, and ski station in the winter.

We start our day with a steep but steady climb through thin woodland towards the Plateau de Pailla. From here we follow a lovely path that traverses through the woods above the valley floor. At 1570m we meet the main path at the centre of the cirque, now completely surrounded by towering 1000m high cliffs. From here there is an optional climb (a furthur 200m ascent) to the foot of the Grande Cascade – a spectacular 400m waterfall.

We complete our circuit with an easy descent to Gavarnie village along the open valley floor, stopping off for a drink and an icecream en-route.

Tuesday – Exploring the valley of Bareges
A fascinating day discovering the history and culture of the valley. Departing on foot from Bareges, we make our way down to Luz-St. Sauvueur, visiting several historic villages and important local landmarks along the way.

A choice of routes either takes us on the South side of the valley, visiting the World War II resistance settlement, Camp Rollot, the flowery meadows of the Plateau de Lumiere and the pretty farming village of Betpouey, or North of Bareges through Sers (the oldest and most sunny village of the valley) and the traditional cobbled streets of Viey. At the bottom of the valley, there is time to share a drink with the mayor of Viella, before walking up the ruins of the Chateau de Ste. Marie. This ancient lookout above Luz-St. Sauveur was originally constructed in the 10th century, but has been adapted many times since, notably by the English in the early 15th century.

Making our way down from the castle, we explore the old centre of Luz, including the fortified Templars church then, if time allows, there is an optional extension to see the chapel of Solferino and the impressive Pont Napoleon - a single-arched bridge spanning 90m above the gorges of Luz.

Wednesday – DAY OFF
Your free day to use as you please. We suggest you try out the thermal spa in the village of Barèges, visit the Pic du Midi observatory or take the bus to Luz-St Sauveur or the pretty spa town of Argelès-Gazost. Here you can stock up on the delicious local sheep’ cheeses and ‘saucissons sec’ (knobbly French salamis). The pilgrimage town of Lourdes is also accessible by public transport (about 1hr by bus). For those who can’t get enough exercise, there are plenty of trails to be explored on foot from Barèges, and we can arrange activities including paragliding, caving, white water rafting, pony trekking, mountain biking, canyoning etc.

Thursday – Cirque de Troumouse
Another visit to the Spanish frontier, and the higher and wilder big brother of the Cirque de Gavarnie. The Cirque de Troumouse is a vast ring of snow-capped limestone peaks, surrounding idyllic green meadows dotted with grazing sheep and cattle, and ice-cold ephemeral lakes.

From Luz-St. Sauveur, we drive up to the village of Gèdre, then take a winding mountain road all the way up to the Cirque de Troumouse, above 2000m in altitude. We begin the day with a hike up to a statue of the Virgin Mary, standing watch over the cirque. From here we follow the ridge down to a superb lookout point across the classic glacial U-valley of Heas. Now meandering across the meadows, we make our way across the cirque to find a perfect picnic spot beside the Troumouse lakes. These ephemeral lakes are fed by melt water from the small glaciers that still cling to the North wall of the cirque, so they are too cold for swimming, but great for a refreshing foot-dip!

Returning towards the minibus, we pick a route through fallen limestone blocks. Away from the main path we have a good chance of spotting marmots or Pyrenean chamois, isards, and the wildflowers are truly spectacular in the Spring, from late May to early July.

Friday – Pont d’Espagne to Lac de Gaube and the Chemin de Cascades
A climb or ride on the chairlift up to the famous Lac de Gaube and a stroll around the lake, then a pretty walk down to the Pont d’Espagne through shady woodland. In the afternoon we take the Chemin de Cascades – following the Gave du Marcadau as it crashes to the valley bottom in a series of waterfalls.

An impressive drive through deep, narrow gorges takes us to our neighbouring valley of Cauterets, from where we drive up to the cross-country ski station of the Pont d’Espagne (1496m). From here we climb 250m to the Lac de Gaube (1725m), with the option of taking the chairlift for those who prefer a more relaxed pace. The Lac de Gaube is one of the most famous sights of the Pyrenees – an enormous blue glacial lake fed by meltwater from the glacier on the North Face of the Vignemale (the highest mountain in the French Pyrenees).

After a relaxing stroll beside the lake, we return to the Pont d’Espagne via a zig-zag path through pretty woodland. Now we make our way back towards the town of Cauterets, along the Chemin de Cascades. This 4km path follows the rushing Gave de Marcadau as it plummets over at least five waterfalls. The landscape is one of rounded granite boulders, clear waters and sandy beaches beneath gnarled pine trees.

We meet the bus at La Raillère and drive into the lively spa town of Cauterets, where we take an hour to explore the town and sample the cakes at (possibly) the best/only tea-shop in the South of France.


Saturday – Free morning

Free morning to pick up some souvenirs and get your postcards sent off. There’s plenty of time for a rejuvenating dip in the thermal spa or a short local walk and lunch in a village restaurant. We depart for the airport around 1pm.

Where and when?

Our Pyrenees walking holidays are based from our fully-renovated house in the mountain village of Barèges. The accommodation is of a very high standard, and guests have access to our heated equipment room, sauna, dining room and large lounge with a wood burning stove, bar, music centre and computer with DVD player. Gentle Pyrenees walking holidays are priced at 695 euros, which includes seven nights accommodation in a twin or double en-suite room, continental breakfasts, picnic lunches on walking days, afternoon tea and three course evening meals with after dinner coffee. Also included are five days guided walking and all local minibus transfers.

Bareges is a great base from which to explore the Pyrenees, being situated just on the edge of the Pyrenees National Park and the Neouvielle Nature Reserve - the Pyrenean Lake District. There are lovely walking routes directly from the village, and we are just a short drive from the spectacular Cirque de Gavarnie and the Pont d'Espagne above Cauterets. Bareges is also just below the Col du Tourmalet, so it is perfect for both road cycling and mountain biking, and there are lots of mountain activities such as rafting, paragliding, canyoning and caving available in the local area to try on your day off!

Gentle walking holidays are available throughout the Summer season from late May to October. Early and late in the walking season, the mountains are quiet. The Spring meadows are strewn with wild flowers, and in Autumn the woods are bright with coloured leaves while the mountain tops are dusted white with new snow.

WALKING HOLIDAYS, PYRENEES - SOME OTHER IDEAS

	Wandering high and low … intermediate walking holidays Pyrenees Explore the Pyrenees, on our most varied walking itinerary, with 5-8 hour days and 500-1000m of ascent. Discover idyllic flower-filled meadows, shimmering lakes, ridges and peaks with breathtaking views. Stand beneath the towering cliffs of the frontier cirques and dip your toes in an icy mountain stream (keeping an eye out for nibbling trout!). An unforgettable week amongst some of the most beautiful scenery in the Pyrenees.
	“I’m just going for a short walk. I may be some time”...adventurous walking holidays Pyrenees Long walks and scrambles of 8-10 hours. Bag some of the highest mountains of the Pyrenees. This area has dozens of 3000m+ peaks (that’s why it’s called the High Pyrenees!). Go way off the beaten track, traverse inaccessible ridges and see places that very few have seen before. Stay in remote mountain refuges and feel the sun’s first morning rays, while the valleys rest in the deep shade of dawn.
	“With a knapsack on my back”....trekking on the HRP Intermediate to advanced level walking, with 5-8 hour day length and 1000m+ ascending. Follow the Pyrenean Haute Route in 1, 2 or 3-week stages, overnighting in mountain refuges. Challenging hut-to-hut trekking on the highest and most remote trails of the Pyrenees.

We have a selection of photos from some of our Pyrenees walking holidays in the Photo Gallery

Those looking for independent Pyrenees walking are also welcome at our accommodation in Barèges, and we are always happy to pass on our local knowledge and suggest walking routes.

BOOKING walking holidays Pyrenees: Please contact us for more information.