UNESCO world heritage site (grade obtained in 1997 for the cultural and natural values of the site).
Magical landscapes
The mythical cirque of Gavarnie, the less well-known but just as dazzling and impressive Estaubé and Troumouse together form the jewel, in terms of culture and landscape, of this most famous of Pyrenees sites.
Birthplace of the adoration of the Pyrenees and worshipped by the romantics, the cirque of Gavarnie, with its wall rising to 3 248 m (at the Marboré peak) and its waterfall (the highest in Europe), is the best known. The ensemble it forms with Roland’s Gap (cut according to the legend by the sword of Charlemagne’s nephew, Roland de Roncevaux) always surprises and arouses admiration. Estaubé and Troumouse, further East, are wilder, more pastoral but nevertheless just as huge. With walls spreading over 10 kilometres, imprisoning numerous small lakes, they delight all those looking for the authenticity both of nature and of the men who take care of it.
Grandiose is the only word for it.
Many leisure facilities
Indoor ice-rink, in summer as in winter, recreational swimming-pool during the summer season, bob-sleigh runs, rocks for climbing, fishing route, horse-back rides or mule rides… these are the different leisure activities that will delight you.
You will also be able to visit the restored mills of Gèdre or organize magnificent walks on the plateaux of Courmely and Saugué where you will enjoy some of the most beautiful views of the cirque of Gavarnie.
An original way to visit the site is on horse-back or by donkey.
• Cirques of Estaubé and Troumouse
At the end of the village of Gèdre, on the road to Gavarnie, turn left towards Héas-Troumouse. You get to the hamlet of Héas, very famous for its chapel and its friendly welcome.
The cirque of Estaubé is not accessible by coach, but the necessary walk to reach it is rewarded by a rare visual treat. You can get to the heart of Troumouse by coach : you just need to cross the hamlet of Héas, then take the road which leads to the car park. From there countless walks are possible, and, in particular, you can get to the virgin of Troumouse where the cirque can be seen in all its splendour.
More informations :
Office de Tourisme
Place du Foirail
65120 Gavarnie
Tél. 33 (0)5 62 92 49 10
Fax 33 (0)5 62 92 46 12
ot-gavarnie@gavarnie.com
http://www.gavarnie.com
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