Highlights of the High Pyrenees

On arrival in Lourdes, you’ll be met at the airport, train station, or your hotel for a short transfer to Cauterets – a lively Pyrenean mountain town with a rich history. In the 19th century, Cauterets drew Romantic writers, artists, and well-to-do visitors, all coming to “take the waters” in its naturally warm, mineral-rich springs. Back then, they’d also explore the surrounding landscapes and ride the town’s now-retired funicular railway. Your accommodation is a distinctive three-star hotel whose roots date back to that elegant era. Recently restored at great expense, it combines the charm and character of its 19th-century architecture with modern comforts – think beautifully preserved period details paired with sleek, contemporary bathrooms. The restaurant serves authentic regional cuisine, much like the restorative meals enjoyed by spa-goers then and now. Transfer time: approximately 35 minutes.

Your first walk begins right in Cauterets, following the well-marked red and white trail of the famous GR10, which spans the length of the Pyrenees. The path starts gently through forest to the Benques Bridge, set at the base of the dramatic Lutor Waterfall. From here, the ascent continues at an easy pace toward the Pont d’Espagne (“Spanish Bridge”), once an important trading route between France and Spain. As you climb, you’ll walk beside a rushing mountain stream fed by the melting snow and glacier of Vignemale, the highest peak on the French side of the Pyrenees. The cascades here are spectacular – and very photogenic – but take care not to venture too close to the water’s edge. You can return the same way or opt for the easy way back by taking the 20-minute shuttle bus from the Pont d’Espagne car park to Cauterets. Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles) Elevation gain/loss: +710 m / -140 m (+2,329 ft / -459 ft)

This morning you return to the Pont d’Espagne by the shuttle. The trail climbs through fragrant pine forest to reveal one of the most unforgettable views in the High Pyrenees – the imposing Vignemale and the glacier of Petit Vignemale mirrored in the crystal waters of Gaube Lake. After soaking in this remarkable scene, the path continues alongside a rushing mountain stream, with frequent waterfalls framed by forest and alpine meadows, before reaching the Les Oulettes mountain refuge. This hut is a base for climbers tackling the sheer north face of Vignemale – a 900 m (3,000 ft) wall of either glory or challenge, depending on your perspective. Your return follows charming trails before a 20-minute shuttle bus ride back to Cauterets. Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles) or 15.5 km (9.6 miles) Elevation gain/loss: +300 m / -300 m (+984 ft / -984 ft) or +700 m / -700 m (+2,297 ft / -2,297 ft)

Returning to Pont d’Espagne, your walk begins with a gentle stroll across the Clot Plateau (despite its name, we hope you’re feeling light-footed) and then the Cayan Plateau, where a lively mountain stream weaves between pine trees, creating tiny mid-stream islands. Many of these streams originate from the Embarrat and Pourtet lakes, which you’ll now reach at over 2,130 m (7,000 ft) above sea level – remembering that you began the day already high in the mountains. Towering above are the granite “needles” of Castet-Abarca, sometimes visited by sure-footed Pyrenean chamois. From here, you descend into the Marcadau Valley, which Walkopedia hails as one of the world’s best walks and Cicerone calls a walker’s paradise – but you can decide for yourself. As you lose elevation, the pine forests return and the stream slows into a calm, meandering flow. Near the valley floor sits the strikingly positioned Refuge Wallon, with its charming chapel and, often, drinks and snacks available for walkers. You return to the Pont d’Espagne and then to Cauterets by shuttle bus. Distance: 16 km (9.9 miles) or 19.5 km (12.1 miles) Elevation gain/loss: +400 m / -400 m (+1,312 ft / -1,312 ft) or +960 m / -960 m (+3,150 ft / -3,150 ft)

This morning begins with a one-hour private transfer from Cauterets to Gavarnie, home to what many consider the most breathtaking natural site in the entire Pyrenees. From the village, your walk follows a gentle, wide mountain “balcony” path to the Bellevue Plateau, where you’ll enjoy sweeping views of high mountain peaks and ridges in every direction. From here, you descend into the vast natural amphitheatre of the Cirque du Gavarnie – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – surrounded by towering rock walls and punctuated by dozens of waterfalls. The most famous is the aptly named Grande Cascade, plunging about 422 m (1,385 ft) – over 91 m (300 ft) taller than the Eiffel Tower – making it one of the highest in Europe. The valley floor here is tranquil and pastoral, though those seeking a bit more adventure can take the Espugues route, a scenic rocky balcony path. Both options lead you to the village of Gèdre-Gavarnie, where you’ll spend the night at a traditional Pyrenean hotel. Distance: 9.5 km (5.9 miles) Elevation gain/loss: +500 m / -500 m (+1,640 ft / -1,640 ft) or +750 m / -750 m (+2,461 ft / -2,461 ft)

From legendary Tour de France climbs to soaring cable car rides, today blends mountain landscapes, high-altitude panoramas, and a visit to one of the Pyrenees’ most iconic peaks. Your day begins with a one-hour transfer climbing to the famed Col du Tourmalet, a legendary stage in the Tour de France, before descending into the ski resort village of La Mongie 1829m (6000ft) and continuing to Artigues, the starting point of your walk. Following a peaceful valley trail beside a mountain stream, you’ll pass through pastoral hamlets and alpine meadows, with the mighty Pic du Midi dominating the skyline. The longer route option takes you to a scenic lake before returning toward La Mongie. From here, board the cable car (own expense) for a dramatic ascent of 1219m (4000ft) to the summit of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views stretching for miles across the Pyrenees and a visit to the historic observatory. Built in 1878, it once hosted NASA’s lunar photography for the Apollo missions, and today it offers visitors a fascinating planetarium experience. If the weather makes the cable car ascent impossible this afternoon, you can opt for an alternative morning hike to Gréziolles Lake, following a lush valley to a grassy plateau dotted with smaller lakes. Another option is to walk from Artigues and visit the Pic du Midi the following day, with additional transfers arranged. The day ends with a short 20-minute transfer to your hotel. Distance: 8 km (5 miles) or 12 km (7.5 miles) Elevation gain/loss: +750 m / -350 m (+2,461 ft / -1,148 ft) or +1,100 m / -700 m (+3,609 ft / -2,297 ft)

Step back in time on a scenic loop walk through ancient shepherding landscapes with sweeping views from the high pastures to the plains. Today’s circular walk begins right from your accommodation, leading you through centuries-old pastoral terrain once home to mountain shepherds. You’ll pass abandoned stone huts and pastures that have been grazed for thousands of years, offering a glimpse into the Pyrenees’ enduring rural traditions. From the Ordincède huts, the trail opens to a breathtaking panorama – the Pic du Midi rising above rolling ridges, with views stretching across the verdant Campan Valley all the way to the plains. The striking geological formations here are a highlight of the region. You return to your accommodation for your final night in the Pyrenees, where a hearty dinner and warm hospitality round out the day. Distance: ~10 km (6.2 miles) Elevation gain/loss: +750 m / -750 m (+2,461 ft / -2,461 ft)