Hike and Wild Swim in the French Pyrenees
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 guidesAccommodation
4 nights in a hotel, 2 nights in mountain refugesMeals
All breakfasts, 5 picnic lunches, 4 dinnersTransfers
Group airport transfers and all local transportPermits
All required park permitsSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
…
What's it like?
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 3000m peaks
Embark on a mini refuge-to-refuge adventure through remote valleys and rugged trails in the heart of the French Pyrenees
Key Information
Day 1
Arrive in Luz Saint Sauveur
Driving
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
Hiking
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 amphitheatre 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
Hiking
Venture into the Cirque de Troumouse, a vast limestone amphitheatre 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 2200m, 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
Hiking
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
Hiking
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 2550m, 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 cosy Refuge d’Aygues Cluses for the night.
Day 6
Descend from Refuge d’Aygues Cluses
Hiking
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
Driving
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
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 1h 20m flight, or by high-speed TGV train (approx. 4–5 hrs).
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4 – Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Breakfasts are continental, with fresh bread, pastries, yoghurt, 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 in Luz Saint Sauveur (4 nights)
You’ll stay at the Hotel Terminus, a welcoming 2-star hotel in the centre of town. Rooms are twin or double share with private bathrooms, and the hotel makes a comfortable base before and after your time in the mountains.
Mountain refuge in the Pyrenean Lake District
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.
Mountain refuge in the Néouvielle Reserve
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).
This trip has been rated as Moderate
This adventure includes a mix of moderate and more challenging days, with 5–7 hours of hiking through varied mountain terrain and up to 900m of elevation gain per day. Trails are rocky and uneven in places, with both ascents and descents. The pace is relaxed but steady, with time for swims and scenic stops along the way.
You’ll need to be comfortable spending full days on your feet, tackling climbs, descents and mixed surfaces. If you regularly enjoy hill walks, weekend hikes or similar outdoor activities, you’ll be well prepared. Wild swims are short, refreshing dips in cold mountain water — or you can simply paddle or relax by the shore.
Most of the tougher hikes include options to shorten the route, but during the refuge-to-refuge trek you’ll need to complete the full day’s walk.
What will I need to carry?
On day hikes, you’ll carry a 20–30L daypack with water, snacks, swimwear and spare layers. During the mini trek, you’ll also need to pack overnight essentials for two nights in the refuges, including a sleeping bag liner, toiletries and a change of clothes. Your main luggage will be stored at the hotel in Luz Saint Sauveur.
From June to September, expect warm, sunny days in the valleys, with average highs in the low to mid-20s°C. 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-20s°C 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 10–15°C in high lakes, and slightly warmer in lower rivers.
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)
Accommodation
- 4 nights in a 2-star hotel in Luz Saint Sauveur (twin or double rooms)
- 2 nights in mountain refuges (shared dorms) during the trek
Meals
- 6 continental breakfasts
- 5 picnic lunches
- 2 set-menu dinners featuring regional dishes
- Welcome dinner on Day 1 and farewell dinner on Day 6 at a local restaurant
Transfers
- Group Arrival transfer from Toulouse Airport on Day 1
- Group Departure transfer to Toulouse Airport on Day 6
- All transfers during the trip
Equipment
- Swimming safety equipment 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 not included (allow €15–20 per meal)
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 cover for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment, and the specific activities involved in your adventure. We also recommend ensuring your policy includes cancellation and curtailment cover, 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 travellers have used in the past, such as True Traveller (for those based in the UK or Europe), or Rise + Shield, both of which offer cover 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 litres)
- Waterproof liner or drybags for daypack
CLOTHES
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Down or insulated jacket
- Breathable wicking layers
- Fleece jacket or similar
- Lightweight trousers/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
- Suncream
- 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
- Headtorch or torch
- Reusable water bottle x1 litre (or x2)
- Biodegradable wet-wipes
- Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
- Water purification tablets/treatment system
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 programme, 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, revitalising 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 10–15°C 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 wellbeing.
This trip visits locations at or above 2500m, where some people may experience symptoms of Altitude Sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Previous experience at altitude doesn’t guarantee the same response again – your body can react differently on each trip. However, having been at altitude before is still valuable: it gives you a better understanding of how your body might respond, what symptoms to look out for, and how to manage your pace and energy levels.
Your guide is trained to manage the risk of altitude sickness by controlling the rate of ascent, monitoring group wellbeing, and responding appropriately if anyone feels unwell.
Before booking, we recommend considering your personal health, particularly if you have any pre-existing conditions, and consulting a medical professional if you’re unsure. Arriving early to allow your body to acclimatise can also make a big difference.
Your travel insurance must cover the maximum altitude reached on this trip and include emergency evacuation.
This trip operates in areas where daytime temperatures can reach extreme levels, with limited shade and, at times, high humidity adding to the challenge. These conditions can affect physical performance and increase the risk of dehydration or heat-related illness. Your guide will adjust the pace and monitor the group closely, but staying well hydrated, wearing suitable clothing, and using sun protection is essential.
Before travelling, consider your ability to remain active in high temperatures and consult a medical professional if you have any concerns, especially if you have cardiovascular or heat-sensitive conditions. Arriving a day or two before the trip may help you adjust gradually to the heat.
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 are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
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 on a daily basis so this does mean that 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 are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers 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. Check out our Community Values – a shared code to make sure that everyone's experience is safe, inclusive and brilliantly unforgettable.
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.
No Reviews yet
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.
Need help finding flights?
From logistics and how to get there, to fitness, group dynamic and trip difficulty, Rory and his team of friendly experts are on hand to help.
We've got your back
Guaranteed to run
All Much Better Adventures trips are now 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 instalments 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
To give you complete peace of mind Much Better Adventures is backed by ABTOT, ABTA and ATOL memberships. Full details
Tried & Trusted
Much Better Adventures is consistently rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot with over 1000 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
Sunday 21st June 2026
to Saturday 27th June 2026
2026 Early Bird Sale Offer - Next 4 spots available at 10% off
