Hiking for two in the Ordesa Canyon
The price includes
You will enjoy
Between France and Spain, in the heart of the central Pyrenees, the Gavarnie cirque and the Ordesa canyon offer hikers a variety of landscapes, each with its own unique architecture. Because of their geological origin, they share the same contrasting shades of limestone, exceptional flora and an unparalleled wealth of fauna: chamois, marmots, bearded vultures, vultures…
As well as the unity of Europe’s highest limestone massif , the highlight of this “Gavarnie – Ordesa” hiking tour is undoubtedly the incredible diversity of Pyrenean landscapes, from the hanging glaciers of Gavarnie to the rosemary scents of Torla.
Transfer to the Col des Tentes, above the village of Gavarnie. From here, we reach the Port de Boucharo, the natural boundary between France and Spain and a historic crossing point for the inhabitants of Torla and Gavarnie, beneath the imposing limestone walls of the Gabiétous and Taillon mountains. Descent to the verdant Bujaruelo valley, with its delightful Romanesque bridge over the Río Ara. Transfer to the magnificent mountain village of Torla, at the gateway to Ordesa, for the night (depending on availability, the night can be spent near Torla).
Walking time: 3 to 4 hours. Difference in altitude: + 1000 / – 1000m. Transfer time: 1 hour.
Gavarnie Col Des Tentes Et Taillon
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Hiking in the Ordesa Canyon
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Short transfer to Pradera de Ordesa, the gateway to the Ordesa National Park. From here, we take the steep Hunters’ Path, winding through the woods to reveal an absolutely breathtaking panorama of the Cirque de Cotatuero. This is followed by a beautiful walk along the cliffs, overlooking the Ordesa canyon and its many waterfalls, before reaching the Goriz refuge at 2200m altitude, the base camp for many hikers on their way to Mont Perdu (3335m), the third highest peak in the Pyrenees!
Walking time: 6 hours. Difference in altitude: +1100 / – 450.
From the Goriz refuge, we climb up to an incredible mineral world, flirting with an altitude of 3000m. A veritable geological poem opens up before us, a spectacle of rocks and mineral formations of surprisingly diverse colours, testimony to the succession of layers that have accumulated over the years, for a moment suspended in time. Next, we reach the legendary Brèche de Roland, a spectacular gash in the cliff, and a new frontier on the way to the French side. A short descent takes us to the Sarradets refuge, with its unmissable view of the majestic Brèche, to which the eye is irresistibly drawn… If the weather and snow conditions are good (according to the guide’s judgement), you can climb to the Pic du Taillon (3144m), an accessible summit offering a splendid and complete view of this immense playground.
Walking time: 6h30. Difference in altitude: + 700m or 1000m / – 400m to 700m.
If the weather and snow conditions are good (as judged by the guide), you may climb the Pic du Taillon (3144 m.), which overlooks the Cirque de Gavarnie and other peaks in the region.
Walking time: 5 h to 6h30. Difference in altitude: + 500 m or 800 m / – 800 m to 1100 m.
Descend to the Col des Sarradets, at the foot of the imposing peak of the same name. We pass close to the small Taillon glacier, before gradually leaving this high-mountain world and returning to the glacial valley of Pouey-Aspé, and its lawns at LA BALAGUÈRE I 2 altitude. Further down, we reach the aptly named Plateau de Bellevue, an exceptional vantage point overlooking the majestic Cirque de Gavarnie. More than 1500m of vertical rock face, its incredible geological superimpositions, as if sculpted by a divine architect, stand before our astonished eyes. In the middle is the Grande Cascade, one of the highest in Europe at 422m. It’s one of the most spectacular sights you’ll ever see in the Pyrenees! Descent to the village of Gavarnie for the evening.
Walking time: 5h to 6h00. Difference in altitude: + 100m/ – 1250m
Aerial view of the Cirque de Gavarnie and the Brèche de Roland from the balconies ©CRT Occitanie - Dominique Viet
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Climb to the Espuguettes refuge, with its breathtaking views of the Brèche de Roland and the Vignemale, the highest peak in the French Pyrenees. From here, we cross the Hourquette d’Alans (2430m), at the foot of the Pic du Pimené, to reach the neighbouring valley and the Cirque d’Estaubé. Less well known than its big brothers Troumouse and Gavarnie, the Cirque d’Estaubé has nothing to be ashamed of in comparison. It is a wilder place, home to marmots and isards, which we may be lucky enough to spot! From the Lac des Gloriettes, the route crosses over to the Auberge du Maillet, our stopover for the evening, at the gateway to the majestic Cirque de Troumouse.
Walking time: 6 to 7 hours. Difference in altitude: + 1350m / – 900m. Transfer time.
Le cirque d'Estaubé Gavarnie Lac Des Gloriettes At Vallees De Gavarnie Pierre Meyer
Cirque de Troumouse, Gavarnie valley
After an uphill start to the stage, we reach the immense natural arena of the Cirque de Troumouse. Much larger than its neighbours, it is a veritable invitation to contemplate. Above its inviting high lawns, a dozen or so high peaks proudly rise above the 3000m mark, dominated by the queen of the place, the Munia (3133m). The setting is sublime, and serves as a magnificent conclusion to this week’s itinerary, through a series of landscapes, each more incredible and beautiful than the last, which are, without doubt, one of the most beautiful walks in the Pyrenees! Transfer to Lourdes, and last night in a hotel
Walking time: 4 hours. Difference in altitude: + 400m / – 600m. Transfer time: 1 hour.
End of your stay.
Transfer to Lourdes station after breakfast.
Transfer time: 1 h.
As an adventurer and lover of the great outdoors, I specialise in holidays that are full of emotion! Don’t hesitate to contact me to adapt this holiday. See you soon in the Hautes-Pyrénées.
The estimated budget for this stay is €865 per person.
The team may have to modify the programme for various reasons (weather, group level, logistical problems, etc.). Your safety will always be our priority.
Just give us a call and we’ll organise everything for you: a cosy residence at a good price, a good address for dinner, a snowshoe walk with a guide, a hot bath in the open air, a dog-sledding trip… And we’ll share our tips with you to make sure your holiday is like no other.
