The Meridian Way: Heart of the Pyrenees

  • Best price guaranteed
  • No booking fees
4 Based on 2 Reviews
  • duration 8 days
  • tour type Private
  • age requirement 18-99 yrs
  • max group size 20
  • guiding method Self-guided
  • Tour Code BM-16504
  • Footprint Carbonneutral CO2 emissions resulting from all trips on Bookmundi will be offset via investments in carbon reduction projects.
  • Operated in English
map
  • Starts Argeles Gazost, France
  • Ends Gavarnie, France
HIGHLIGHTS Download trip notes
  • Hike part of the famous GR10, the 700 kms footpath from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean
  • Walk into the heart of the Pyrénées
  • Visit the World Heritage site of the Cirque de Gavarnie
  • Optional walk to the Breche de Roland
The Meridian Way: Heart of the Pyrenees tour starts in Argeles Gazost and ends in Gavarnie. The Meridian Way: Heart of the Pyrenees is a trekking and hiking tour that takes 8 days taking you from Argeles Gazost to Gavarnie and through other destinations in France.

Walk along the Meridian Way and part of the famous GR10 to the high Pyrenees. A fascinating trip following the Meridian Way, a route that closely follows the International Greenwich Meridian through the French département of the Hautes Pyrénées. Starting in the attractive foothills the route builds up to a climax at Gavarnie in the heart of the mountains with a visit to the dramatic Cirque de Gavarnie, a World Heritage site. Some of the route follows part of the famous long distance trail GR10, a 700kms route from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. When the Greenwich Meridian was agreed upon as the international standard in 1884 the fact that it passed through some of the most impressive scenery in the French Pyrénées was probably not a major consideration. However the new Meridian Way allows us to explore this spectacular area. Our trip starts at the attractive spa town of Argelès-Gazost for two nights. The first walk is a circular trek to the summit of the Mont de Gez with amazing views over the Gave de Pau valley. The following day we climb old shepherds' tracks to the picturesque village of St Savin where there is a 12th Century abbey church. We continue along the valley side before dropping down to Pierrefitte Nestalas where a bus ride takes us up through the narrow gorge to Luz St. Sauveur with time to visit the town and fortified "Templar" church. Two nights are spent here giving the option of a rest day and time to visit the local spa facilities or take a short bus ride to the village of Barèges for a delightful walk down the Bastan valley back to Luz St. Sauveur mainly following the GR10. The next day we again follow the GR10 to Gèdre, a small village in a magnificent location with soaring mountains on three sides. Heading south from Gèdre we approach Gavarnie via footpaths crossing high summer pastures before descending into the village. Two nights at Gavarnie give time for a visit to the Cirque de Gavarnie, a natural amphitheatre some 1400 metres from top to bottom, and the Grande Cascade with a 423 metre drop – the longest in Europe. Local transport can be arranged to the Col des Tentes for the fitter to visit the famous Brêche de Roland (2807m) a 100 metre by 40 metre "doorway" into Spain and then walk down to the Cirque de Gavarnie.
ITINERARY Expand All
  • Day 1 : Arrive Argelès-Gazost
  • Day 2 : Argelès-Gazost - Mont de Gez Circuit 16kms/10 miles, 5.5h or 13kms/8 miles, 4.75h
  • Day 3 : Argelès-Gazost to Luz St. Sauveur 14 km/8.7 miles, 4.5h, +650m
  • Day 4 : Explore Luz St. Sauveur 15 km/9.3 miles, 4.5h, +250m/-800m
  • Day 5 : Luz St. Sauveur to Gèdre 15 km/9.3 miles, 4.5h, +650m
  • Day 6 : Gèdre to Gavarnie 20 km/12.5 miles, 6h, +930m or 13km/8 miles, 4h, +650m
  • Day 7 : Explore Gavarnie
  • Day 8 : Arrangements end after breakfast
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Accommodation
  • 7 nights accommodation in 2-3 star hotels on a twin share basis
Meals
  • 7 breakfasts, 7 dinners
Others
  • Luggage transfer
  • Information pack including notes, map & GPX files
  • Emergency hotline
WHAT'S EXCLUDED
  • Lunches & beverages
  • Entrance fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip
  • Transport within the tour approx. €55-70, bus/transfer to Argelès Gazost ,bus to Luz & Bareges, taxi day 7
  • Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
  • Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
4 - Very Good
Based on 2 reviews
  • Anonymous
  • On Jun 11 2019
4 - Very Good
Very Good
Great trip due to the scenery, the walks, the people, food and accomodation. But take a gps along for security to assist sometimes with directions.
  • Anonymous
  • On Oct 02 2018
4 - Very Good
Very Good
My Highlights - Cirque de Gavarnie and the views on the next to last day... after the painful ascent (but it was worth it). Day 2 was nice when we walked through several small villages and passed by various medieval... Read more
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GOOD TO KNOW Download trip notes
CANCELLATION

No additional cancellation fees apply for this The Meridian Way: Heart of the Pyrenees tour. You can cancel the tour up to 70 days prior departure and avoid paying the full amount, but your deposit paid is non-refundable. No refund applies for cancellations within 69 days of departure.

Payment

For any tour departures within 06 June 2024, full payment is required. For tours that depart later than 06 June 2024, a deposit of 189 USD is required to confirm the tour, and the remaining balance will be charged 69 days before trip departure.

Travel Insurance

The Meridian Way: Heart of the Pyrenees tour requires that you have adequate and valid travel insurance covering medical and personal accidents, including repatriation costs and emergency evacuation. World Nomads offers travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families.

Visa

For this The Meridian Way: Heart of the Pyrenees tour getting the required visa(s) is the responsibility for each individual traveller, as visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. We recommend to check with your local embassies representing the countries that you are traveling to, as part of this itinerary.

For Solo Travelers

A twin share room may not always be available for solo travelers as it depends on the final number of people on the tour. If you have picked twin share room while booking, and that option is not available, we will get back to you after booking. A single room might then be available against an additional fee.

COVID-19 Safety Measures

This trip incorporates the following COVID-19 measures:

  • This tour has received the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Safe Travels stamp, which provides travellers with assurance that COVID-19 health and hygiene global standardised protocols have been adopted.
  • Rigorous hygiene safety measures will be followed in transportation, accommodation and meal venues.
  • All travellers 18 years and older will be required to be fully vaccinated atleast 14 days prior to departure.
NEED HELP OR HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT THIS TOUR?
If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We're ready to help.
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