Cirque de Gavarnie, France

Cirque de Gavarnie

A vast amphitheatre of cliffs in the Pyrenees with one of Europe's highest waterfalls.

  • Jun–Oct
  • Best by car
  • 1 night
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Things to do

2 days in Cirque de Gavarnie

Day 1

  1. MorningWalk from the village to the cirque, about 2 hours on a gentle path; donkeys are available.
  2. AfternoonContinue to the foot of the Grande Cascade, one of Europe's highest waterfalls.
  3. EveningStay in the village of Gavarnie and watch the cirque glow at sunset.

Day 2

Visit the Pont d'Espagne and Lac de Gaube in Cauterets.

What to eat

Garbure, a hearty cabbage and duck soup, and Pyrenean sheep's cheese.

Local tips

Make the most of Cirque de Gavarnie

Beat the crowds

Summer days are busy on the main trail. Start early to have the cirque to yourself.

Best photo spot

The wall of cliffs and the Grande Cascade waterfall from the end of the trail.

Getting there

Easiest by car, about an hour from Lourdes. Park in the village and walk in.

Don't miss nearby

The Pont d'Espagne waterfalls and the Lac de Gaube near Cauterets.

Good to know

The walk to the foot of the cirque takes about 2 hours each way and is fairly easy. Bring layers, as it's cool in the shade.

Secret spots

3 secret spots near Cirque de Gavarnie

Our most hidden places around Cirque de Gavarnie: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Cirque de Gavarnie to take with you.

73 km away
15 km away
16 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Cirque de Gavarnie

Getting there

  • Tarbes-Lourdes Airport (LDE)50 km away
  • Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS)150 km away
  • Pamplona135 km away
  • Zaragoza140 km away

A car is the easiest way to get here and to see the area around it. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeJun–Oct
TypeNature spot
Good forNature
Getting thereBest by car
Stay1 night
CountryFrance

Questions

Cirque de Gavarnie: good to know

Is Cirque de Gavarnie worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like nature. A vast amphitheatre of cliffs in the Pyrenees with one of Europe's highest waterfalls.

How many days do you need in Cirque de Gavarnie?

Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Cirque de Gavarnie?

The best time to visit is Jun to Oct. Summer days are busy on the main trail. Start early to have the cirque to yourself.

How do you get to Cirque de Gavarnie?

The nearest airport is Tarbes-Lourdes Airport (LDE), about 50 km away. Easiest by car, about an hour from Lourdes. Park in the village and walk in.

What is there to see near Cirque de Gavarnie?

Nearby hidden places include Pamplona (134 km), Bardenas Reales (135 km) and Zaragoza (141 km).

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