Nestled in the Pyrenees, Gavarnie is an atmospheric village along France’s border with Spain. It forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Pyrenees-Mont Perdu, which also encompasses the snow-capped mountains and rugged hiking trails of Pyrenees Occidentales National Park.
Things to do in Gavarnie
One of the area’s most famous natural attractions is the Cirque de Gavarnie, a glacier-carved valley that was described by Victor Hugo as “the Colosseum of nature”. It is framed by rocky walls that rise to 1,500 metres in height and home to dramatic falls that tumble into the cirque following the winter thaw. As you explore the magnificent hiking trails, keep your eyes peeled for Pyrenean chamois grazing on the slopes.
The Cirque de Gavarnie is home to the highest waterfall in mainland France, the Grande Cascade de Gavarnie, which is fed by snow and glacial waters from neighbouring Spain. It tumbles 422 metres across several steps and is at its most spectacular during the summer months. In the depths of winter, the waterfall completely freezes over.
Winter is the best time to hit the slopes of the Station de Ski Gavarnie-Gedre, which has skiing and snowboarding trails to suit all abilities. Not only does the ski resort boast the longest green run in the Pyrenees but it has a dedicated KidPark with tunnels, bumps and banked turns. You can explore along the six-kilometre-long snowshoe trail or enjoy the family-friendly toboggan run.
Getting around Gavarnie
Gavarnie is just under two hours’ drive from Pau and around three hours from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe and North Africa. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting to Gavarnie and exploring the region. Ski lifts connect to the slopes of the Station de Ski Gavarnie-Gedre.