New in France? 2-Day Beginner-Friendly Hiking Itinerary: Paris to Cirque du Gavarnie

Day 1: Travel & First Hike

📍 Morning (June 6th)

• Overnight Train: Arrive in Lourdes at 09:15 AM.
• Grab a quick breakfast at a local café.
• Take Bus 965 from Lourdes Gare Routière to Gavarnie-Gèdre (1h 19m, ~€3).
• Arrive at Gavarnie Village and check into Hostel Rosalita (€25/night, cozy stay).

Late Morning & Afternoon

• Start the Cirque du Gavarnie hike.
• Enjoy Grande Cascade (highest waterfall in Europe).
• Lunch at Hôtel du Cirque with stunning views.
• Explore the village and relax after the hike.

A Hiker’s Journey: From Paris to Cirque du Gavarnie

I arrived in Gavarnie Village at around 10:30 AM, feeling excited and slightly nervous. Most visitors take a short hike towards the Cirque du Gavarnie falls, but there are plenty of trails available for all kinds of hikers—from beginners to advanced trekkers.

With my backpack, a baguette, and some protein bars, I set off on what was an ambitious route for my first trek. The plan was to reach Refuge des Espuguettes before nightfall, a challenging yet rewarding goal.

The Hike Begins

Since it was early June and it had rained a few days prior, I knew the terrain could be tricky. It’s always a good idea to plan your trek in advance and check the weather conditions. The trail was steep in some sections but the stunning views of the Pyrenees made every step worth it.

After hiking around 4 miles, I finally reached Refuge des Espuguettes by 6 PM. The sense of accomplishment was incredible. The refuge offered good food and a cold beer, which felt like the perfect reward after a long hike.

For those looking to extend their adventure, camping near the refuge is allowed, offering a breathtaking overnight experience under the stars. The elevation gain of 1772 feet was more than I had anticipated, but the panoramic views made it all worth it.

Meeting Fellow Hikers & Heading Back

At the refuge, I met amazing people from different parts of the world, many of whom had planned to stay at the top for two days. Unfortunately, I had to head back to the village the next morning.

After breakfast at the refuge, I started my descent and reached Gavarnie Village by 10:15 AM. Luckily, I caught Bus 965 back to Lourdes, where I checked into a hostel and spent the day exploring the town.

On June 10th, I took my return train to Paris, wrapping up an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the French Pyrenees.

Gear Checklist for Staying in a Refuge

If you’re planning to stay in a refuge, you really don’t need to carry much, but here’s a list of essentials I brought along for my trek. Since I was preparing last-minute, most of my gear came from Amazon, and these are the items that worked well for me:

• Good Backpack – A comfortable and sturdy pack that fits all your essentials, including clothes for five days and extra gear.
• Water Bottle or Hydration Bag – Staying hydrated is key, especially on longer hikes.
• Sunscreen – The sun can be brutal, even at higher elevations. Make sure to pack high SPF sunscreen to protect your skin from harsh UV rays.
• Protein Bars & Snacks – A quick source of energy, perfect for when you’re on the go.
• Walking Stick – This helps with stability and reduces the strain on your joints, especially on steeper sections.
• Tripod – Ideal for capturing breathtaking landscape photos of the Pyrenees.

Optional Gear:

Portable Burner – You can skip this if you’re staying in the refuge, as they provide meals. However, I carried one in case I wanted to make a quick hot chocolate or snack. It’s handy to have, but not necessary unless you’re cooking your own food.

Packing light is key, especially when you’re heading to a refuge. As long as you have the basics—hydration, food, sun protection, and good footwear—you’ll be set. Keep in mind that high SPF sunscreen should be a priority to avoid burns at higher altitudes.