Pyrenees: Visiting The Gavarnie Circus In 6 Questions
The Gavarnie Circus in the Pyrenees is one of the most visited tourist sites in France. This natural glacial circus is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is undoubtedly a natural wonder to discover. If you too wish to visit this mythical place, here is a practical guide in 6 questions.
1- Where is the Gavarnie circus located?
The Gavarnie Circus is a natural glacial circus located in the Pyrenees mountain range in the municipality of Gavarnie.
This exceptional natural site is part of the Pyrenees National Park.
Since 1997, it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in the "Pyrénées-Mont Perdu, cirques and canyons" ensemble.
2- Why is this natural site a must-see?
The Gavarnie Circus is a monumental natural amphitheater that offers stunning landscapes: with its diameter of 6 kilometers and its walls rising to nearly 1500 meters, in three successive stages, this natural site is definitely worth a visit!
In winter, this glacial circus is crowned with snow-capped peaks. It is surrounded by 16 peaks over 3000 meters high, including the Grand Pic d'Astazou, the Pic du Marboré, the peaks of the Eastern Cascade, the Tour de Gavarnie, the Casque de Gavarnie, and the Pic du Taillon.
Numerous waterfalls cascade down these mountains, including the famous Gavarnie Waterfall which is 422 meters high! This waterfall, plunging sharply into this mineral backdrop, is the highest waterfall in France and one of the most impressive in Europe.
In winter, the frozen waterfalls of the circus wall attract ice climbing enthusiasts.
3- How to get to the Gavarnie circus?
The best way to get to the Gavarnie circus is to leave your car in the village parking lot and hike up on foot (which takes about two hours round trip).
To access the village of Gavarnie, perched at an altitude of 1350 meters and an hour's drive from Lourdes, there is only one road from the village of Luz Saint-Sauveur, the D921.
Note: in winter, the municipality of Gavarnie also attracts tourists thanks to its family ski resort located at an altitude of 1565 meters.
4- Is the Gavarnie circus paid?
Access to the Gavarnie circus is free. However, parking in the village of Gavarnie is charged from May 1st to October 31st.
The rate (in 2023) is €5 per vehicle. If you go there in a camper van, you can only park overnight at the Holle area and you will have to pay €10 for 24 hours.
5- What hike should I do to admire the Gavarnie circus?
From the paid parking lots located at the entrance of the village of Gavarnie, you can go on a beautiful family hike by crossing the village heading south. Do not take the first street on the left, but go up to the right towards the church.
Continue straight following the sign indicating "Plateau de Bellevue". Pass over the mountain rescue building to reach an intersection. There, turn right and continue your ascent on a wider path towards the Entortes stream.
After crossing this stream and climbing a second series of switchbacks, you arrive at the Bellevue plateau and can enjoy a breathtaking view of the entire Gavarnie circus. The best time of day to enjoy this panorama is late afternoon, when the sun illuminates the site.
6- What to visit in the surroundings of Gavarnie?
A stay in the village of Gavarnie in the Hautes-Pyrénées will also allow you to discover the other natural beauties of the Pyrénées National Park.
Take advantage of your vacation to also visit the following natural sites:
• the Brèche de Roland, a glacial notch that is the gateway to Spain
• the Estaube and Troumouse cirques
• the Oussoue Valley
