Cirque de Gavarnie, Pyrenees, France. Photo: GettyImages-576585532
Brand New!

Hike and Wild Swim in the French Pyrenees

France

Trek among towering limestone cirques, cross remote passes and plunge into pristine alpine lakes on this wild Pyrenean adventure

What's Included?

Activities & Certified Guides

All itinerary activities with local, expert, English-speaking guides

All Lodging

4 nights in a hotel, 2 nights in mountain refuges

Meals

All breakfasts, 5 picnic lunches, 4 dinners

""

Group airport transfers and all local transportation

""

All required park permits

Small Like-minded Groups

Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people
From

…

excluding flights
From

…

excluding flights

What's it like?

Cirque de Gavarnie, Pyrenees, France. Photo: GettyImages-576585532
Gave de Gavarnie, Pyrenees, France. Photo: GettyImages-543826976
Néouvielle Nature Reserve, Pyrenees, France. Photo: GettyImages-1459584603
Swimming, pyrenees, France. Photo: Host // Live, Breathe, Hike
Gavarnie, Pyrenees, France. Photo: Host // Live, Breath, Hike
Swimming, pyrenees, France. Photo: Host // Live, Breathe, Hike
Gavarnie, Pyrenees, France. Photo: GettyImages-626232908

Traverse the legendary cirques of Gavarnie, Troumouse, and Estaubé, home to France’s tallest waterfall framed by towering limestone walls

Swim in glacier-fed lakes and wild mountain rivers, cooling off in the glassy waters beneath epic 10,000ft peaks

Embark on a mini refuge-to-refugio adventure through remote valleys and rugged trails in the heart of the French Pyrenees

Key Information

Day 1

Arrive in Luz Saint Sauveur

Luz Saint Sauvuer, Pyrenees, France. Photo: shutterstock_2016765140
Driving
2.5 hrs

Arrive at Toulouse Airport and meet your group for an early afternoon transfer to Luz Saint Sauveur, a charming mountain town tucked between jagged peaks in the Pays Toy region of the French Pyrenees. Stretch your legs with a stroll through cobbled streets, dip into artisan shops, and soak up the alpine vibe. Later, you’ll meet your guide and fellow adventurers for a welcome dinner and trip briefing to set the tone for the week.

Day 2

Hike the Cirque de Gavarnie and wild swim

Cirque de Gavarnie, Pyrenees, France. Photo: GettyImages-576585532
Hiking
5-6 hrs · 7mi · 1969ft up · 1969ft down

Set out for one of the Pyrenees' most iconic natural sights - the UNESCO-listed Cirque de Gavarnie. Hike a balcony trail carved into limestone cliffs, with sweeping views across the valley, before reaching the vast natural amphitheater of the cirque. Continue to the foot of the Grande Cascade de Gavarnie, one of Europe's tallest waterfalls, where water crashes down from the cliffs above. Head back through alpine pastures dotted with wildflowers, stopping to dip your toes in cold mountain streams. Round off the day with a wild swim in the Gave de Pau.

Day 3

Explore the Cirque de Troumouse and swim in a glacial lake

Cirque du Troumouse, Pyrenees, France. Photo: GettyImages-500959072
Hiking
6-7 hrs · 7mi · 2297ft up · 2297ft down

Venture into the Cirque de Troumouse, a vast limestone amphitheater carved by ancient glaciers and often dubbed Gavarnie’s ‘big brother’. Begin your ascent from the hamlet of Héas, once used as a WWII escape route into Spain, and climb through flower-filled slopes to a scenic perch at 7,218ft, perfect for a picnic lunch. Hike deeper into the cirque to uncover hidden shepherds’ huts and tumbling streams, with a good chance of spotting marmots along the way. End the day with a refreshing dip in the glacial waters of Lac des Aires, surrounded by waterfalls and hanging glaciers.

Day 4

Trek to Refuge Glère through the Pyrenean Lake District

Hikers, Pyrenees, France. Photo: GettyImages-584241224
Hiking
10km · 4mi · 3051ft up · 919ft down

Leave Luz Saint Sauveur behind and kick off your mini refuge-to-refuge trek through the wild heart of the Pyrenees. From the Plateau de Lienz above Barèges, follow a glacial U-shaped valley carved by ancient ice, climbing steadily through clusters of miniature pines and granite boulders. Reach the beautifully situated Refuge de la Glère, overlooking a chain of high alpine lakes. Drop your pack and head out to explore hidden waters like Lac de Courne Escure or Lac de Mail, where you can cool off with a swim before dinner back at the refuge.

Day 5

Cross remote passes from Refuge Glère to Refuge d’Aygues Cluses

Hike and Swim, Pyrenees, France. Photo: host // Live, Breathe, Hike
Hiking
7-8 hrs · 7mi · 3117ft up · 3084ft down

Wake to crisp mountain air and set off on a dramatic traverse through the uplands of the Néouvielle Nature Reserve. Climb past gnarled pines and tucked-away lakes before crossing the Hourquette de Mounicot at 8,366ft, one of the most remote spots in France. Descend to the dark waters of Lac Nère, then continue over the boulder-strewn Col de Tracens, with wide views of granite peaks all around. Stop for a swim in the glassy Lacs de Madaméte before reaching the cozy Refuge d’Aygues Cluses for the night.

Day 6

Descend from Refuge d’Aygues Cluses

Néouvielle Nature Reserve, Pyrenees, France. Photo: GettyImages-1162799780
Hiking
3-5 hrs · 4mi · 0ft up · 2329ft down

Set off early from the refuge, following a scenic trail through alpine meadows and alongside clear mountain streams. The path descends gently beside the rushing Aygues Cluses torrent, with a few more lakes to pause at along the way. On reaching the Pont de la Gaubie, hop in the van for the drive back to Luz Saint Sauveur. Round off the adventure with a farewell dinner in town, swapping stories from a week of wild swims, high passes and Pyrenean landscapes.

Day 7

Depart from Luz Saint Sauveur

Luz Saint Sauvuer, Pyrenees, France. Photo: host // Live, Breathe, Hike
Driving
2.5 hrs

Enjoy a final breakfast in Luz Saint Sauveur before saying goodbye to your guides and fellow adventurers. Depending on your flight time, there may be time for a relaxed stroll through town or one last coffee in the square, before the transfer to the airport and the journey home.

The Area

map

Logistics

Starts

Toulouse Airport (TLS)

14:00 on Day 1

Ends

Toulouse Airport (TLS)

12:00 on Day 6

Transfers

A scheduled group transfer is included between Toulouse Airport and Luz Saint Sauveur, timed to meet flights arriving around lunchtime. Lourdes Airport (LDE) is closer but has fewer flight options. You can choose to fly into Lourdes and make your own way to the hotel, or request a private transfer through your host. If you arrive at Lourdes in the afternoon, it may be possible for your host to collect you en route from Toulouse - check with them when booking.

Travel options

From the UK: There are frequent direct flights to Toulouse from London Heathrow (British Airways), London Gatwick (easyJet), and London Stansted (Ryanair), with flight times around 2 hours. Flights typically arrive late morning to early afternoon.

From the US: There are no direct flights to Toulouse. The simplest route is to fly into Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY) from major US hubs (New York, Boston, Atlanta, etc.), and then connect to Toulouse by a short 1 hour 20 minute flight, or by high-speed TGV train (approximately 4–5 hours).

Day 1
Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 2 – Day 3
Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 4 – Day 5
Mountain refuge · Mixed dorm

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 6
Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 7
Departure day

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

What is the food like?

Food, Pyrenees, France,. Photo: Host // Live, Breathe, Hike

Breakfasts are continental, with fresh bread, pastries, yogurt, fruit, and cereals served at both the hotel and mountain refuges. Picnic lunches are prepared in the mornings so you can make your own trail-friendly combos. In Luz Saint Sauveur, you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner on Day 1 and a farewell meal on Day 6, often featuring hearty Pyrenean dishes like garbure, a rustic mountain stew, or locally cured charcuterie. During the mini trek, evening meals are served in the refuges, with simple but generous set menus shared in communal dining rooms. On two nights, dinner is left open so you can explore local restaurants in town.

Vegetarians, vegans, and other dietary needs or allergies can be catered for - just note this on your passenger info form. In the mountain refuges, options for specific diets may be more limited.

What is the accommodation like?

Hotel terminus, Luz St Sauvuer. Photo: Host // Live, Breathe, Hike
Luz Saint Sauveur

You’ll stay at the Hotel Terminus, a welcoming 2-star hotel in the center of town. Rooms are twin or double share with en suite bathrooms, and the hotel makes a comfortable base before and after your time in the mountains.

Refuge de la Glere, Pyrenees, France. Photo: Host // Live, Breathe, Hike
Refuge de la Glère

You'll spend a night at the Refuge de la Glère, a recently refurbished hut set above a chain of alpine lakes. The refuge can host around 60 people in shared dormitories, with rooms typically ranging from 6–12 beds. Facilities are simple, with shared bathrooms. Meals are filling and served in a communal dining room with views across the surrounding peaks.

Refuge d'Aygues Cluses, Pyrenees, France. Photo: Host//Live, Breathe, Hike
Refuge d’Aygues Cluses

You'll stay at the newly built Refuge d’Aygues Cluses, a smaller hut with space for around 35 people. Dormitories are shared and usually hold 2–6 people, with simple bunks and basic facilities. Meals are communal and give a classic taste of Pyrenean refuge life.

Upgrades

For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked in Luz Saint Sauveur (4 nights) for an extra charge. Please request this at the time of booking (subject to availability).

From June to September, expect warm, sunny days in the valleys, with average highs in the low to mid-70s°F. Temperatures are cooler at altitude and can drop close to freezing at night, especially in the mountain refuges. Weather in the Pyrenees can change quickly, so be prepared for sun, rain, and cloud in a single day — good layers and waterproofs are essential.

June: Early summer may still bring snow at higher elevations and the lakes are at their coldest. Trails are quieter.

July–August: The warmest months, with valley temperatures in the mid-70s°F and long daylight hours. Popular with hikers and families.

September: Cooler, crisp days and fewer crowds. Evenings can be chilly but swimming is still possible.

Lake and river swims are always refreshing — expect water temperatures around 50–59°F in high lakes, and slightly warmer in lower rivers.

This trip is brand new

We’re still waiting to collect any reviews from other travellers on this trip. However, all our hosts go through an extensive vetting process to ensure that your adventure is awesome.

Itinerary Activities

  • Guided day hike to Cirque de Gavarnie
  • Guided day hike to Cirque de Troumouse
  • Mini refuge-to-refuge trek through the Néouvielle Nature Reserve (3 days)
  • Daily wild swimming in rivers and alpine lakes

Guides

  • Expert, English-speaking local guide (international mountain leader and swim guide)

Lodging

  • 4 nights in a 2-star hotel in Luz Saint Sauveur (twin or double rooms)
  • 2 nights in mountain refuges (shared dorms) during the trip

Meals

  • All (6) breakfasts, continental style
  • All (5) picnic lunches
  • (2) set-menu dinners featuring regional dishes, including a welcome dinner on Day 1 and farewell dinner on Day 6 at local restaurants

Transfers

  • Group arrival transfer from Toulouse Airport on Day 1
  • Group departure transfer to Toulouse Airport on Day 6
  • All transfers during the trip

Gear

  • Swimming safety gear provided where required

Permits & Fees

  • All national park permits and entry fees

Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.

Travel to and from the trip

Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.

Meals

2 dinners have not been included in the trip cost, to allow you the freedom to eat at local restaurants at the locations you stay at. We recommend that you budget about €15-20 per meal to cover these.

Tips

Tips are not included in the trip cost; these are entirely at your discretion. If you would like to tip, the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality.

Personal expenses

You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional food and drinks, shopping and laundry.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures, and you'll need to provide your policy details before departure. Your insurance should offer adequate coverage for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and gear, and the specific activities involved in your adventure. We also recommend ensuring your policy includes cancellation and curtailment coverage, in case you're unable to join your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness.

Standard travel insurance may not cover all the activities included in your adventure, so it's essential to check the details carefully. There are adventure-specific providers that many travelers have used in the past, such as True Traveller (for those based in the UK or Europe), or Rise + Shield, both of which offer coverage for a wide range of adventurous activities.

Please make sure your chosen policy meets your individual needs and covers all aspects of your trip

Visas

Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.

What's available to hire?

  • Trekking poles (on request)

What do I need to bring?

BAGS

  • Larger bag or suitcase for main belongings (left at the hotel during the trek)
  • Daypack (30-40 liters)
  • Waterproof liner or drybags for daypack

CLOTHES

  • Waterproof jacket
  • Waterproof pants
  • Down or insulated jacket
  • Breathable wicking layers
  • Fleece jacket or similar
  • Lightweight pants/shorts/skirts
  • T-shirts
  • Underwear and hiking socks
  • Swimwear (essential for wild swims)
  • Lightweight water shoes or neoprene shoes (recommended for rocky lake/river entries)
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunhat
  • Buff or neckscarf
  • Warm hat & gloves
  • Sleepwear
  • Hiking boots (worn-in)
  • Sandals or hut shoes for evenings in refuges

SLEEPING

  • Cotton or silk sleeping bag liner for the refuges (compulsory)

OTHER

  • Universal travel plug adapter
  • Power bank or solar charger
  • Passports (and visas)
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Ear plugs
  • Insect repellent
  • Sunscreen
  • Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
  • Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
  • Toilet kit (toilet paper, biodegradable bags to carry paper out to dispose of)
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Alcohol hand-gel
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Reusable water bottle x1 liter (or x2)
  • Biodegradable wet-wipes
  • Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
  • Water purification tablets/treatment system
*Requests for optional extras are made by messaging your host via your booking page

Pre/post trip accommodation (double/twin) in Luz Saint Sauveur

Payable Before Departure

Pre/post trip accommodation (double/twin) in Luz Saint Sauveur

… Per night

Pre/post trip accommodation (single) in Luz Saint Sauveur

Payable Before Departure

Pre/post trip accommodation (single) in Luz Saint Sauveur

… Per night

Optional Private Room Upgrade (4 nights in Luz Saint Sauveur only)

Payable Before Departure

Optional Private Room Upgrade (4 nights in Luz Saint Sauveur only)

… Per person

Private arrival/departure transfer

Payable Before Departure

Private arrival/departure transfer

… Per person

We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre program, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.

What's the number?
It works out on average at 114kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.

The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.

But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:

  • Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.

What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.

Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.

Wild swimming in the French Pyrenees is all about refreshing dips in rivers and glacial lakes after your hikes, the perfect way to cool off and unwind in stunning surroundings. Your guide will lead you to each swim spot, where you’ll usually have time to relax, enjoy a picnic and take a dip if you fancy. Swimming is entirely optional and always intended as a short, revitalizing cool-down, rather than a guided open-water swim where you’re expected to cover a distance.

Your guide will remain on shore during swims, and these spots do not have lifeguards or other supervision, so please don’t swim out of your depth or beyond your comfort level. Water temperatures in summer are cold, often 50–59°F in the high lakes, so always test the water before entering. As these are natural locations with limited facilities, we recommend bringing a large towel or robe for changing, and neoprene shoes for rocky entries.

Refuges are simple but welcoming. Expect shared dormitories (usually mixed gender) with bunks, mattresses, and blankets. Bring a sleeping bag liner. Facilities are basic, with shared bathrooms and communal dining rooms where meals are served.

You'll be led by one qualified International Mountain Leader, who is also your swim guide. No additional support crew is required for this trip.

Your guide is experienced at managing mountain conditions and will adapt the itinerary if needed for weather, safety, or group well-being.

The signal is patchy in the higher valleys and around the refuges. Wi-Fi is not available in the huts; enjoy the digital detox.

Yes, your larger bag can be safely stored at the hotel in Luz Saint Sauveur while you are on the mini trek.

Tap water is safe to drink in Luz Saint Sauveur. In the mountains, you can refill from refuges and some streams. We recommend bringing purification tablets or a filter for untreated water.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.

Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers review the practical information available on the UK Government’s FCDO website, where you can find up-to-date advice by searching for your destination(s).

If you are based in the United States, you can also check the latest travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State.

For customers joining from other international locations, we recommend checking the official travel advice issued by your country of residence, as guidance may vary.

We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates daily, so prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips typically consist of a mix of solo travelers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves, and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

  • 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
  • 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
  • 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

How fit do you need to be?

Every trip is different. Our friendly experts are here to help, whether it's about altitude, terrain, or recovering from injury.

We've got your back

Guaranteed to run

All Much Better Adventures trips are guaranteed to run. Once you’ve booked your spot you can immediately make your travel arrangements, no uncertainty, no hanging about (excludes 'request to book' departures). Full details

Flexible payments

Secure your spot with the minimum deposit and pay off the remaining balance in as many installments as you like, with no interest or fees. Full details

Happiness Guarantee

We’re so confident you’ll have an amazing time we’ll put our money on it. Full details

Full financial protection

For total peace of mind, Much Better Adventures is backed by ABTOT and ASTA memberships. Full details

Tried & Trusted

Much Better Adventures is consistently rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot, with over 1300 verified trip reviews.

Connect before you go

You'll be invited to join a WhatsApp group to get to know each other before your big adventure together. Full details

DEPARTURE DATES

June 2026

Sunday 21st June 2026

to Saturday 27th June 2026
Guaranteed to run
…

Sunday 5th July 2026

to Saturday 11th July 2026
Guaranteed to run
2026 Sale Offer - Next 1 spot available at 5% off
…
…

Sunday 9th August 2026

to Saturday 15th August 2026
Guaranteed to run
2026 Sale Offer - Next 3 spots available at 5% off
…
…

Sunday 30th August 2026

to Saturday 5th September 2026
Guaranteed to run
2026 Sale Offer - Next 1 spot available at 5% off
…
…

Sunday 13th September 2026

to Saturday 19th September 2026
Guaranteed to run
2026 Sale Offer - Next 1 spot available at 5% off
…
…

Sunday 20th June 2027

to Saturday 26th June 2027
Guaranteed to run
…

Sunday 4th July 2027

to Saturday 10th July 2027
Guaranteed to run
…

Sunday 25th July 2027

to Saturday 31st July 2027
Guaranteed to run
…

Sunday 8th August 2027

to Saturday 14th August 2027
Guaranteed to run
…

Sunday 29th August 2027

to Saturday 4th September 2027
Guaranteed to run
…

Sunday 5th September 2027

to Saturday 11th September 2027
Guaranteed to run
…
Illustration of a group of people kayaking

Go private and split the bill with ease.

Forget complex logistics, we've taken care of all the details to ensure a hassle-free get together. All of the adventure, none of the faff.

Still Undecided?

A few other trips to tickle your fancy

Explore places you couldn't yourself

Explore places you couldn't yourself

All trips are led by certified expert guides, unlocking life experiences in places most never see.

Go with the outdoor specialists

Go with the outdoor specialists

Choose from 250+ award-winning active outdoor adventures in wild places — whatever your mood.

JOIN A SMALL, LIKE-MINDED GROUP

JOIN A SMALL, LIKE-MINDED GROUP

75% join our trips solo, with most in their 30s–50s. 95% give our group dynamic five stars.

SUPPORT THAT TRAVELS WITH YOU

SUPPORT THAT TRAVELS WITH YOU

From first questions to final goodbyes, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Our Purpose

To protect our world's wild places, one adventure at a time.

Book With Confidence

Find out how your booking with Much Better Adventures is protected through our ABTOT membership
ABTOT logo

Positive impact adventure travel

Bcorp Logo
Responsible travel has always been at the core of what we do. Travelling with Much Better Adventures means not just better trips for you, it's better for local communities, better for wildlife and better for the planet.
Learn More
About
Customers
Travel Companies
Partners
Much Better Adventures Logo
© Copyright Gentianes Solutions Ltd.Registration Number 06916506 (England and Wales)