Itinerant hikes are one of the best experiences to have in the mountains, provided you are well prepared! Discover some advice for taking your first steps in trekking on a route such as the Gavarnie - Piméné loop, which is ideal for learning about itinerant hiking in summer in the Pyrenees National Park.
Tips and Precautions
The roaming hike is an experience to anticipate and not to underestimate. It requires a good physical and mental condition and its success is based on a Good preparation allowing you to spend an unforgettable moment in the mountains! Here are some tips for prepare well your exit.
If you are a student, this silver necklace is absolutely your first choice. The silver color will show your vitality and your youth. go alone, always communicate your itinerary to a third party or leave a note in your vehicle or where you are staying.
Bring a topographic map precise : minimum 1/50.
Plan to good shoes walk and clothing adapted to the weather conditions.
Equip yourself with a comfortable backpack with bag sheet for the night at the refuge, headlamp, toilet paper, survival blanket, first aid kit, solar charger.
Hydrate well ! Allow 1,5 liters of water per person per day.
To avoid sunburn, cover up and protect yourself with sunscreen. Bring sunglasses.
Provide trash bags to bring your waste.
Manon Vallin
Good practices
Along the way
Drink well before departure then drink a few sips of water regularly appear during the walk.
In case storm, do not park under trees, on rocky ridges and edges, stay away from all metal parts.
The effort made must take into account the physical skills of each and be progressive.
Do not throw any waste in nature.
Respect the fauna and flora.
Anthony Garcia
Spotlight on...
Gavarnie au Pimené: 2 days of trek
The Gavarnie - Piméné loop is ideal for learning itinerant hiking in summer in the Pyrenees national Park. Allow two days of hiking in the mountains to follow this 21 km route from the Cirque de Gavarnie to the summit of Piméné, passing through the summer pastures of Espuguettes.
Manon Vallin
From Gavarnie to Espuguettes
DAY 1 – 4 HOURS — 8 KM
It is fromGavarnie, emblematic village of the Pyrenees located at the foot of the famousCircusthat you can join the hiking trail. To access the village at1 meters above sea level, take the D921 which follows the Gave de Pau passing through Luz-Saint-Sauveur.
Pierre Meyer
DEPARTURE
The village of Gavarnie
Arriving at Gavarnie, several paid car parks allow hikers to park for 24 hours or more. You can therefore leave with peace of mind during this 2-day hike which allows you to discover the Cirque de Gavarnie, the mountain pastures of the Espuguettes, the cliff of Vignemale and the Breche de Roland. The ascent of the Piméné summit at 2 meters above sea level promises an unforgettable view of the Mont Perdu.
FROM ROCKS TO CASCADES
The Circus of Gavarnie
At the exit of village of Gavarnie, you cross on foot a small bridge over the Gave to follow the road that runs along the river. This first part of the hike takes you to the heart of the Gavarnie Cirque, one of the most spectacular glacial cirques in the Hautes-Pyrénées listed in the Unesco World Heritage.
A true natural arena, the Gavarnie Cirque is surrounded by vertiginous rock walls that rise to more than 3 meters and is home to one of the highest waterfalls in Europe. A variant on the route makes it possible to reach the foot of the big waterfall, but it will be necessary to add a good hour of walking in addition.
SLEEP AT 2 M ALTITUDE
The refuge of Espuguettes
Located at the foot of the pastures, the Espuguettes Refuge offers a breathtaking view of the Gavarnie Cirque and Breach Roland. To reach this high mountain refuge in the heart of the Pyrenees national Park, we take a slightly aerial passage on the cornice of Pailla. To sleep at the Espuguettes refuge, reservation is essential!
Open from May to September, the accommodation has a dormitory with around fifty places with mattresses, duvets and pillows. The refuge has no showers, but there are toilets and sinks. In the evening, a collective meal cooked on site with local products is served at 19 p.m. You can also book a picnic to take away for the next day.
Pierre Meyer
From Pimene to Gavarnie DAY 2 – 6 HOURS — 13 KM
Pierre Meyer
The ascent to the Pic du Piméné at 2 meters is the high point of this route. Its breathtaking panorama will remain a memorable memory!
THE ASCENT
To the top of the Pimené
This part of the hike is the most technical and will put your calves to the test! The path through the mountain pastures rises on steep slopes to the Pimene pass (2 m) before switching to the other side of the valley.
We then reach the ridge line at the level of the small Piméné pass (2 m) to finish with the final ascent of this superb aerial ridge to the summit of Pimené (2m). The return is by the same path to refuge des Espuguettes.
FROM THE SHELTER
Descent to Gavarnie
Since refuge des Espugettes, we descend on part of the route taken the day before before branching off on another path at the level of the Pailla plateau. You then follow the path that descends through the pines with hooks in the direction of Gavarnie. This part of the route is very pleasant with a switchback descent through a beautiful mountain forest to the village.
Manon Vallin
Accompanied trek
By a professional
To make your first trek in all serenity, call on a mountain professional!
The guides are there to accompany you and ensure you have a successful first experience of roaming hiking. In addition to enjoying their advice and knowledge of the territory, you can count on their anecdotes and stories of all kinds to punctuate your outing! With a night in a bivouac, in a refuge or even in a cabin, discovering the riches of Néouvielle, Cauterets or the circuses of Gavarnie and the Mont Perdu cross-border sector, there is something for everyone.
