4.8
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2,323
hikers
The cirque de Gavarnie
04:38
11.8km
670m
Hiking
The Gavarnie cirque is one of the most remarkable sites in the Pyrenees and France. Victor Hugo described it thus: “It is a mountain and a wall at the same time; it is the most mysterious building from the most mysterious of architects; it is the colossus of nature; it’s Gavarnie.” Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, it is home to the largest waterfall in mainland France which flows over 422 meters!
This hike starting from Gavarnie has the advantage of being accessible to as many people as possible. This route includes a variant which takes a little height to approach a balcony path which winds along the circus. However, if you wish, you can follow the classic path which is confined to the bottom of the valley.
From the car park, you cross Gavarnie and its many small shops which dot the start of the route. After a little over a kilometer, follow the signs for the Haute Route Pyrénéenne (HRP) which goes up towards the Chalet du Pailla. When you reach this small shelter, you are done with the climb. You then take the “balcony trail” which runs towards the Gavarnie cirque on a pleasant section which gradually descends.
The path leads to the circus hotel. Ideal for a short break, it is only a few hundred meters from the foot of the Gavarnie waterfall. Take the time to visit him before retracing your steps. Back at the hotel, follow the HRP signs again which take you back to Gavarnie.
Last updated: June 13, 2024
Waypoints
Start point
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3.06 km
East ledge of the Cirque de Gavarnie
Highlight (Segment) • Other
Translated by Google •
Tip by
5.43 km
Cirque de Gavarnie
Highlight • Gorge
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Tip by
6.60 km
Great cascade
Highlight • Viewpoint
The many waterfalls of the circus are notably fed by the glaciers which rest under the ridge line: glaciers of the Brèche, the Helmet, the Shoulder, the Cascade, or the western glacier called the Marboré.
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Tip by
11.8 km
End point
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
3.85 km
3.30 km
2.59 km
2.03 km
Surfaces
4.41 km
3.67 km
2.02 km
1.67 km
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Elevation
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Weather
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Friday 10 July
24°C
11°C
16 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Comments
I didn't want to do like many, many people: take the central path, via the meadow. Too many people for me and there are better things to do.
So I took a route that goes up the mountain on the left (the climb is steep), then we arrive at …
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January 26, 2024
The Gavarnie cirque is one of the most remarkable sites in the Pyrenees and France. Victor Hugo described it thus: “It is a mountain and a wall at the same time; it is the most mysterious building from the most mysterious of architects; it is the colossus of nature; it’s Gavarnie.” Listed as a UNESCO
Translated by Google •
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