Cirque de Gavarnie walks

(!) (September 2024). Following recent bad weather, the footbridge at point (6) has been swept away by the floodwaters. Fording the Gave de Pau is tricky and strongly advised against. (!) Updated 25/06/2025, Gavarnie Valleys Tourist Office. => The footbridge at (6) has been repaired and will reopen to the public from 25/06/2025.However, the footbridge located upstream of the Hôtellerie du Cirque (9) is still not in place, and fording the Gave de Pau is tricky depending on the current water level. The Tourist Office advises: ‘Please note, however, that the footbridge will be dismantled every late autumn and reassembled in late spring as it is situated in an avalanche path.’ A different approach to the Gavarnie Cirque. The plateau offers a panoramic view, allowing you to take it all in at a glance. A little later, you’ll wander through the cirque to fully appreciate its majesty. To quote Victor Hugo, the Colosseum of nature.

Landscapes “rich in nature” on this hike in the area of Gavarnie, accompany your steps towards the peak of Taillon, through the legendary Roland breach. Taillon, a summit that at the top of its 3144 m, offers a stunning panorama and striking views as far as the eye can see.

Hike above the Cirque de Gavarnie to visit a mountain pass made famous by its name.

This trail is much less frequented than the main path and offers more views of the cirque along most of its length. ⚠️From 1 November to 30 April, and as soon as the quiet zone is established, using the route between 4 and 5 constitutes an offence under the National Park regulations: a 4th category offence under: R.331-65 3° — "Deliberate disturbance of the peace in the core area of the National Park" (€750 fine)." ⚠️ DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED between 2-3-4 and 5. Please check with the Gavarnie Tourist Office before setting off: +33 (0)5 62 92 49 10.

Hike in the most famous cirque in the Pyrenees. Return via the path leading to the Cirque du Pailla, which allows you to avoid the crowds and gain height to enjoy this magnificent place from a different perspective.

Starting from Gavarnie, enjoy a change of scenery by escaping to the wild plateaus at the foot of the Grand and Petit Piméné (2,801m and 2,667m). The Refuge des Espuguettes is a beautiful stop along the way. If you push on a little further to the Plateau des Cardous, you can admire the entire border range, the peaks of the Cirque, just for you, from the Tour du Marboré (3009m) to the Mailh Arrouy (2965m), passing by the majestic Vignemale (3,298 m). A change of scenery and tranquillity guaranteed!

The Cirque de Gavarnie needs no introduction, it's a monument! The passage through the Plateau de Bellevue offers a wonderful viewpoint. Without snow, the path running along the side of the Bosquet Long heights adds an extra element of excitement, allowing you to appreciate it in all its splendour and tranquillity, which is not possible on the more well-known variants. The more classic return route allows you to cross the very pleasant La Prade plateau, as well as meeting other people. ⚠️ Hiking is prohibited from 1 November to 30 April. Once the quiet zone is in place, using this route between (4) and (5) constitutes a violation of National Park regulations. This is a category 4 offence under: R.331-65 3° — "Deliberate disturbance of the peace in the core area of the National Park" (€750 fine). ⚠️ DOGS PROHIBITED See other prohibitions in the practical information section. Please check with the Gavarnie Tourist Office before setting off: +33 (0)5 62 92 49 10.

A magnificent circular hike that allows you to climb to a high altitude without too much difficulty and arrive at a refuge guarded by very friendly people. The return journey takes you along a path carved into the rock, offering splendid views.

A beautiful site in summer, with its majestic waterfall. Please note that it is very busy in summer.In winter, you will appreciate the magnificent, peaceful landscape with the ice waterfalls at the bottom of the cirque.This circuit can be done very easily at any time of year:- in 3 hours in summer, including breaks and lunch.- but in 3 to 4 hours in winter.

Walk to the Cirque de Gavarnie, staying above the Plateau de Bellevue, aptly named. ⚠️ Hiking is prohibited from 1 November to 30 April. Once the quiet zone is in place, using this route between (4) and (7) constitutes a violation of National Park regulations. This is a category 4 offence under: R.331-65 3° — "Deliberate disturbance of the peace in the core area of the National Park" (€750 fine). ⚠️ DOGS PROHIBITED See other prohibitions in the practical information section. Please check with the Gavarnie Tourist Office before setting off: +33 (0)5 62 92 49 10.

This magnificent hike takes you off the beaten track for more than half of the route, passing through splendid, varied and uncrowded landscapes. Forests, small waterfalls, passages under cornices and breathtaking panoramas, before arriving at the highlight of the show, the foot of the Grande Cascade de Gavarnie.

Day 1 The Cirque de Gavarnie needs no introduction; it is a monument, a cathedral, a colossus. The route via the Plateau de Bellevue allows you to discover it from this remarkable viewpoint. The path running along the slopes of the Bosquet Long adds an extra dimension, allowing you to appreciate it in all its splendour and enjoy a tranquillity not found on the more well-known routes. The return route along the ledge on the right bank takes you back to the Refuge des Espuguettes, where you’ll spend the first night.