THE CIRCUS OF GAVARNIE AND ITS BIG WATERFALL..
2024
The mountain closes in on a glacial valley to create a splendid natural site easily accessible in 2 hours of walking.
The three glacial cirques of the valley, Gavarnie, Estaubé and Troumouse, are part of the Franco-Spanish site Pyrenees-Mont Perdu inscribed in 1997 on the list of World Heritage by UNESCO. Of these three jewels, Gavarnie is the most famous. The jewel of the department, it is one of the most spectacular and touristic sites of the country. Indeed, its splendor is breathtaking and its volumes are impressive: 6.5 km in circumference, a wall 1,500 m high, and in its center, like an impetuous heart, 427 m high, gushes one of the largest waterfalls in Europe. This sumptuous decor is the result of geological movements. Gavarnie reigns as a true monument that extends over 30,000 hectares of landscape, natural wealth and biodiversity. It is registered and on the green list of the Commission of protected areas. The site has been a source of admiration for several centuries and has been the source of many legends. It keeps its mysteries and has long inspired artists, fascinated scientists and seduced mountain lovers, challenging climbers who have explored this wall of stone, a Mecca of Pyreneanism. When Victor Hugo went there, he was ecstatic: "it is the colosseum of nature, it is Gavarnie! The classic hike to the beginning of the cirque takes 3 hours, but if you climb to the waterfall, count 4 hours. It is possible to prolong the pleasure and to branch off to many other hikes.
Further information
Opening time and information on THE CIRCUS OF GAVARNIE AND ITS BIG WATERFALL..
Open all year round. Between 3h and 4h walk to the waterfall. Avalanche risk in winter and spring.
Members' reviews on THE CIRCUS OF GAVARNIE AND ITS BIG WATERFALL..
Dans le village, de nombreuses boutiques pour ramener des produits locaux, et des restaurants-bars sympathiques pour boire un verre ou manger une glace tout en admirant le paysage.
Pour se garer, il faut laisser sa voiture sur le parking à l'entrée du village (5 euros).