Pyrenees; Pure Hiking and Wild Swimming
Experience the magnificant Cirques, balcony trails, incredible wild swimming opportunities, all making unforgettable memories.
The Pyrenees National Park and the Neouvielle Nature Reserve offers some of the finest hiking and wild swimming around. Including the UNESCO World heritage site of the Cirque de Gavarnie and the Cirque de Troumouse, and the wild and unspoilt granitic massif of the Neouvielle Nature Reserve – known as the Lake District of the Pyrenees. This trip is based from the mountain town of Luz Saint Saveur, situated in the Pays Toy region of the Hautes Pyrenees and known for its high number of fabulous little local restaurants and friendly vibe. This area has a particularly interesting history and culture, with its own unique “patois” language, local traditions and hearty cuisine. Surrounded by some of the highest and most dramatic 3000m+ peaks of the Pyrenees, the valleys have lush pasture, stone barns and picturesque perched villages. This trip combines visits to the most dramatic high peaks and passes, with the chance to see the valleys, villages and farmers’ trails.
June 14th – 21st 2025
June 22nd – 29th 2025
Duration: 7 days
cost: €2500 pp / single supplement €300 pp
Grading: Challenging
Nearest Airport: Toulouse or Lourdes
A photographers dream, taking in spectacular vistas and alpine locations
Charming 2 * Hotel in the centre of Luz Saint Sauveur
Private vehicle support
We also offer PRIVATE Group Departures
Prefer SELF-GUIDED – €1500 pp click here to BOOK
Days 1 - 2
Hiking both the Cirque de Gavarnie and the Cirque de Troumouse you witness the spectacular natural ampitheatre carved from limestone cliffs of the Spanish – French frontier. The Gavarnie is home to the highest free hanging waterfall in Europe, with an approach balcony trail offering sweeping views and lots of incredible flora and fauna. Fact: Heas hamlet at 1519m, where we start Day 2 hike from was a stop of point on the escape route to freedom of escaped prisoners smuggled through Spain during WWII. Each evening you return to our wonderful hotel with lots of amazing small restuarnts a short walk away.
Days 3
A rest day, giving you the chance to explore the beautiful village of Luz Saint Saveur, perhaps shop for a picnic at the local boulangeries and delicatessens before visiting Lac des Gloriettes for a short hike, stopping alongside the river for incredible natural pools and of course a delicious picnic! The famous town of Lourdes is only 30 mins away so this could also be explored later in the afternoon.
Day 4 - 7
This is our mini expedition; a 3 day 2 night journey and an opporunity to explore the incredible Neouvielle Nature Reserve. So many sparkling lakes for wild swimming amongst the wild granite landscape following parts of the GR10. Staying in truely unique locations nestled beside lakes or in the wilds of the mountains. Connecting with nature and exploreing the Pyrenean natural beauty is a true delight. Our return hike follows the rushing Aygues Cluses torrent, as we return to our favorite town, Luz Saint Sauveur and time to celebrate with a wonderful farewell meal!
Need To Know
Accommodation
5 x nights in a charming centrally located hotel
1 x night in a mountain hotel lodge
1 x night in a mountain refuge
What’s included
All accommodation.
All breakfasts, lunches and 4 dinners, drinks on first and last night.
We can provide private vehicle support.
Guides
Our guides are exceptionally experienced with a passion for sharing the mountains, flora and fauna with you. All qualified and licensed International Mountain Leaders they will bring the trip alive. For the Pyrennees adventure we are thrilled you have local experts Rob & Emma Mason who specialise in this region.
We adopt an excellent guiding ratio meaning we can cater for differing levels within the group and offer extra add-ons where appropriate, such as taking in a side peak or giving two different trail choices.
One Guide – 1 – 9 clients.
Two Guides – 10 – 14 clients.