Tristan Buchot
Where to see marmots in the mountains
Meeting with

the wild animals
of the Pyrenees

  • For families
  • Outdoor experiences
  • Fauna of the Pyrenees

The Gavarnie Valleys, or a protected Pyrenean paradise. 
Nestled in the heart of the Hautes-Pyrénées, wander through these remote valleys and you could be rewarded with unforgettable encounters with some iconic animals of the Pyrenees. From the ibex, king of the heights, to the majestic raptor, set off into our valleys in search of wild encounters.  

Where to see the emblematic animals of the Pyrenees? 

The Pyrenees mountains with their snow-capped peaks and green valleys are home to preserved and diverse wildlife, particularly in the Gavarnie Valleys. They provide an ideal backdrop for a special encounter with wild animals. Whether you are a hiking enthusiast or simply looking for adventure, exploring these valleys can reveal some wonderful Pyrenean surprises. Here are some of the places you might have the chance toobserve mysterious animals in the Gavarnie Valleys.

Tristan Buchot
Pierre Meyer AE Media
Turquoise blue lake

Preserving the wildlife of the Gavarnie Valleys

 

The Gavarnie Valleys are a natural jewel for Pyrenean wildlife. It is crucial that we redouble our efforts to protect these unique species and their natural habitat. Together we can ensure a brighter future for the wildlife of the Gavarnie Valleys and ensure that these magnificent creatures continue to inspire and amaze generations to come. The preservation of wildlife is an essential collective responsibility to ensure the survival of species emblematic and maintain ecological balance Pyrenean ecosystems. During your hikes, be sure to respect the tranquility of the animals. 

The wildlife of the Pyrenees 

meeting the most emblematic inhabitants 

From the symbolic brown bears to the agile ibexes, from the majestic birds of prey to the small marmots, the wild life of the Pyrenees fascinates and inspires those who are lucky enough to discover and observe it.

Let's meet the most emblematic inhabitants of this exceptional region, explore their habitats, their behaviors and their importance in the Pyrenean ecosystem.  

David Toiser
illustration of a desman

The desman,

a mysterious creature  

An enigmatic and unique creature that inhabits the crystalline waterways of the Pyrenees, the desman with its singular appearance resembles a small aquatic mole. It has a snout extending into a flexible trunk, which allows it to search the bottom of rivers in search of food.  
As a symbol of the purity of mountain waters and the richness of the wild life of the Pyrenees, the desman, today an endangered species, deserves all our attention and protection. By ensuring its natural habitat is preserved, we can ensure the survival of this fascinating species for future generations. 

The bearded vulture

the king of heaven 
 

Bearded vultures, or “bone breakers”, are among the largest birds of prey in Europe. Their impressive wingspan, which can reach almost 3 meters, and their red plumage make them remarkable creatures to observe in the skies of the Pyrenees. These majestic predators hover above the ridges of the Gavarnie Valleys, looking for carcasses to feed on. Although this raptor is a protected species, its population remains fragile due to threats such as habitat loss and human disturbance. An encounter with a bearded vulture is an unforgettable experience for any nature lover and testifies to the beauty and richness of the fauna of the Gavarnie Valleys.

David Toiser
gypaete illustration

The groundhog

or the mountain icon 

In the green meadows of the Gavarnie Valleys, marmots reign supreme. These sociable and curious rodents spend their days feeding, playing and basking in the sun. Easily recognizable by their stocky silhouette, their distinctive coat ranging from gray-brown to reddish but especially by their high-pitched scream, marmots find a safe habitat in the heights. Perched, they live between 800 meters and 2 meters above sea level on sunny, open slopes where they build their burrows. As you explore the Gavarnie Valleys, you will frequently encounter the marmot or at least hear its distinctive cry.

The brown bear,

conservation symbol 

The Pyrenees brown bear is one of the emblematic species of the region. Protected species and the subject of dedicated conservation programs aimed at ensuring its long-term survival, the bear finds in the Gavarnie Valleys terrain adapted to its way of life. Very often, only clues to its presence, such as footprints in the snow or scratches on the trees, betray its passage. 

The capercaillie,

the protected of our valleys

The capercaillie or black grouse is emblematic of mountain forests. Conservation efforts are being made to protect this species, notably through the creation of protected areas. The Gavarnie Valleys provide a suitable habitat for these majestic birds, offering nature observers the chance to admire their imposing silhouette while hiking in the forest. 

Spotlight on...

The ibex

The reintroduction symbol

The ibex is today one of the great successes of animal reintroduction. These majestic animals, with their lyre horns and their agility legendary, symbolize the resilience of species in the face of extinction. Successfully reintroduced on the Clôt site (Cauterets), ibexes have become a symbol of successful conservation. Despite these successes, threats persist and underscore the continued importance of protecting these magnificent creatures and their natural habitats. 

Tristan Buchot
Herd of ibexes

The chamois

king of height 

The chamois is a symbolic inhabitant of the Pyrenean mountains. Agile and shy, it moves with ease across rocky slopes and steep cliffs. Slenderer and lighter than the chamois and even more so than the ibex, the izard has an elegant and muscular body. With his brownish coat and curved horns, it blends perfectly into its mountainous environment. Look up and observe from 800 meters above sea level the graceful beauty of this creature. 

Pierre Meyer
Isard on a wall
Manon Vallin
Hikers and high mountain lake

Discovering animals

Guided hikes

 
To meet this wild fauna, the guides and guides reveal their techniques and their favorite nooks and crannies. 
With family or friends, sharpen your 5 senses and follow them across vast snowy expanses or in the middle of deciduous and coniferous woods. 

Travel journal
Add to my favorites
You will surely like:
0 tracks open On 10 tracks
  • 0/3
  • 0/3
  • 0/3
  • 0/1
0 lifts open On 1 lifts
Opening Station closed. Slopes will open when there is sufficient snow.
Data update date: 06/12/2024
0 tracks open On 20 tracks
  • 0/6
  • 0/9
  • 0/4
  • 0/1
0 lifts open On 7 lifts
Opening Station closed, see you next season
opening of fun space on Saturday April 6
Data update date: 06/12/2024
0 tracks open On 28 tracks
  • 0/3
  • 0/7
  • 0final match.
  • 0/2
0 lifts open On 9 lifts
Opening Station closed
Data update date: 06/12/2024
0 tracks open On 59 tracks
  • 0final match.
  • 0final match.
  • 0final match.
  • 0/5
0 lifts open On 27 lifts
Opening Station closed, see you next season
Data update date: 06/12/2024
0 tracks open On 25 tracks
  • 0/5
  • 0final match.
  • 0/6
  • 0/4
0 lifts open On 7 lifts
Opening The resort will welcome you with open arms for the next season, from December 21, 2024 to March 16, 2025!
Data update date: 06/12/2024
0 tracks open On 19 tracks
  • 0/3
  • 0/7
  • 0/7
  • 0/2
0 lifts open On 11 lifts
Opening See you next season.
Data update date: 06/12/2024
Weather
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Wind: km / h
Humidity : %
Night
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night
Morning
Afternoon
Evening

Information provided by openweathermap