The spectacular limestone cirque provides a setting unlike any other in the world.
Here are four routes to help you get up close to this stone colossus, whose heart beats to the rhythm of its mighty waterfall.
PS: If you enjoy listening to tales and legends, you’re on the right side of the mountain!
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220 m elevation gain
20mins from Luz
This is the perfect route for families to explore the mountains, offering views of the most spectacular of the three major glacial cirques in the French and Spanish Pyrenees right from the start of the trail.
We recommend visiting at quieter, less busy times to get up close to the large waterfall and enjoy its natural mist. The protected flora and fauna are incredible right in the heart of the National Park.
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We’ve heard that there are donkeys and horses there, and that you can book a ride to reach the cirque on your own mount!
260 m elevation gain
35 mins from Luz
Here’s the best spot for a picnic, overlooking the Brèche de Roland on a plateau bathed in fresh air.
From the top of this natural promontory along the ridge, have a go at naming the surrounding peaks using the orientation table.
If you try your hand at silent observation with binoculars, you’ll increase your chances of spotting marmots and birds of prey.
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47 m elevation gain
16 mins from Luz
If you enjoy seeking out quiet spots off the beaten track, this is the best way to be truly blown away by the view of the Cirque de Gavarnie.
As you ‘zigzag’ your way around the barns on the plateau’s heights, enjoy a natural vantage point – just like the birds of prey – with a breathtaking bird’s-eye view.
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An interpretive trail offers a striking bird’s-eye view of the Gavarnie Cirque. Amidst the barns, you can use the information boards to make your way to the strange bird waiting for you halfway along the trail.
441 m elevation gain
20 mins from Luz
Explore Gavarnie from a different angle by following the most stunning viewpoints overlooking the Cirque.
Immerse yourself in nature on a trip to a place that truly lives up to its name. This more intimate route, following a path that climbs towards the Bellevue plateau, invites you to explore the cradle of Pyrenean mountaineering, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Do you know Franz Schrader?
This scientist, a leading figure in Pyrenean mountaineering, devoted his life to sketching and mapping the mountains. He invented the holographe, an instrument with which he was the first to draw up a map of the Mont-Perdu massif and Gavarnie. His grave is situated within a monument dedicated to him at Turon de la Courade.
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At 2,877 metres, the Pic du Midi offers you the most breathtaking view of the Pyrenees.
Make your way to the panoramic terraces and on to the ‘ponton dans le ciel’ to enjoy an exceptional astronomical and scientific site.
Here, you’re just a stone’s throw from the Néouvielle Nature Reserve. It’s well worth heading up into the mountains amongst the lakes…
313 m elevation gain
23 mins from Luz
Head to the lake from the Col du Tourmalet to admire the observatory that stands proudly on the heights.
A gentle climb offers you a panoramic view of the Barèges valley and the surrounding peaks before you descend into the depths of Lake Oncet.
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620 m elevation gain
23 mins from Luz
Switch to sport mode to earn the most stunning view of the Pyrenees mountain range.
Keep your feet firmly on the ground as you climb up to the Pic du Midi.
You’ll see the observatory reflected in the waters of Lake Oncet, and once you’re up there, you’ll have plenty of time to photograph the peaks from the panoramic terraces.
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Take a deep breath before stepping out to the end of the sky-high jetty to brush against the clouds, suspended above the void on a glass-bottomed platform.You can also enjoy intimate concerts set against the backdrop of the massif’s most beautiful sunset, and gain access to the observatory by booking an overnight stay at over 3,000 metres to explore the giant telescope.
1,150 m elevation gain
15 mins from Luz
Make your way through the refreshing nature reserve to ascend to the lakeside paradise of Néouvielle.
The Lakes Circuit opens the gates to a protected mountain area that’s well worth the effort.
Don’t forget to take your camera to capture your most beautiful spot by the water’s edge.
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This nature reserve, managed by the Pyrenees National Park, protects the granite massif of Néouvielle and is a haven of beauty, home to 70 lakes and magnificent panoramic views in shades of azure and turquoise.
A wealth of biodiversity and the area’s aquatic habitats are protected here.
Let yourself be captivated by the surging waters of the Pont d’Espagne and admire the emerald reflection of the Vignemale massif on the glacial lake of Gaube.
From up there, the impressive silhouette of the highest peak in the French Pyrenees (3,298 m) comes into view.
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low elevation gain
45 mins from Luz
Choose the quick route to reach the majestic Pont d’Espagne waterfalls in just a 5-minute walk.
The site, which takes its name from the old mule track linking France to Spain, is the ideal spot for a family outing in the mountains.
It’s also the gateway to a host of walks right in the heart of the National Park.
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From the Pont d’Espagne, follow the waterfall trail to the ancient thermal baths at La Raillère.
This invigorating walk is the best way to make your way down to the village of Cauterets.
259 m elevation gain
50 mins from Luz
Lake Gaube reflects the impressive silhouette of the Vignemale in its glacial waters.
Take the GR10 to venture into the tranquillity of the valley and relax with your family near this natural gem, overlooked by the highest peak in the French Pyrenees (3,298 m).
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Look up at the king of the French peaks, a place of conquest and passion for many Pyrenean mountaineers.
Recognisable by its spectacular north face, visible from Lake Gaube, the Vignemale epitomises the high Pyrenean mountains in all their grandeur.
The crossing of the glacier with crampons and an ice axe is a legendary passage that contributes to its fame.
Climbing it proudly takes mountaineers to 3,298 metres, straddling the border between France and Spain, to add to the story of their achievements!
If you’re fit, love sport, hiking and a challenge, don’t wait any longer to book a high-mountain guide who will be able to advise and accompany you.
452 m elevation gain
30 mins from Luz
Do you dream of living like a true mountaineer?
Make your wish come true and spend a night far from it all, in the deafening silence of the mountains.
The Wallon refuge is your reward after a lovely day’s hike in the Mercadau Valley.
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Why is the refuge named after Wallon?
The refuge was named in honour of the Pyrenean mountaineer Paul Edouard Wallon (1821–1895), who helped to map the Pyrenees and created a relief map of the range.
He also authored several major guidebooks on mountain excursions.
If you’re visiting us, it’s to experience the very essence of the Pyrenees from Luz.
And… what could be better than some top tips from the locals to help you reach the heights of excitement?!
As well as some interesting stories, we’ll share our top tips to make your holiday truly memorable.
This handy checklist will help you get fully prepared for a walk in the mountains.
It’s the perfect guide to help you make sure you’ve packed everything you need in your rucksack so you can enjoy the great outdoors to the full.
Make your dreams of sleeping under the stars come true!
Whether in a mountain hut or camping, savour the tranquillity of a night in the mountains and marvel at the stars as if they were raining down… Just a few hours’ walk from Luz, you’ll find several staffed mountain huts.
€5.50 at the Tourist Office
Have fun whilst you hike (quizzes, sketches, poems, selfies, portraits…), explore the authentic villages that give the Pays Toy its charm, and try to win a spa pass by completing 5 trails.
It is recommended that you use the services of a mountain professional (guide or leader) when hiking this summer route (to be undertaken when there is no snow). The information provided on www.luz-tourisme.com and the signposting are for guidance only and do not in any way engage the liability of the French Hiking Federation or the Luz-Saint-Sauveur Tourist Office. The maps are for guidance only and cannot be regarded as official routes. Despite the care taken in producing this website, the content herein does not constitute a contractual document, and the Luz-Saint-Sauveur Tourist Office (SIRET No. 31896425100017) accepts no liability for any changes or errors, and cannot be held liable in the event of any accident or damage suffered.
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