Prices from
1075
Season
May to September
Duration
7 nights
Meals
Full-board
Group size
Up to 8 people
Accommodation
Mountain hut, Pyrenean Barn, Wild camping
Location
France
Meeting point
Gare de Tarbes (station), Tarbes Lourdes Pyrenees Airport, Toulouse-Blagnac Airport
Difficulty
All Levels : All Levels : On these trips, we will tailor each day of activity to the capability and experience of the group.
Adventure awaits
Over the week, you'll enjoy up to five guided day trail runs led by an International Mountain Leader on the most scenic and uncrowded trails in this authentic and wild destination. Plus Rest or Roam Day to choose at leisure.
Run and power hike through beautiful wildflowers, past high grazing pastures, sparkling mountain lakes and impressive cirques amphitheatre-like valleys.
All the while, enjoying endless breathtaking views of the serrated high mountain peaks that make up this mighty natural border between France and Spain.
Highlights
- Run/power hike stunning trails, including sections of the GR10 & HRP.
- Visit Cirque de Gavarnie, UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Option to bunk down for a night in a high mountain refuge or wild camp
- Stargaze in this International Dark Sky Reserve Area - one of 13 globally.
- Spot a wide variety of wild and endangered animals e.g. the griffon vulture.
- Explore the charming town of Bagnere-de-Bigorre with its beautiful architecture, restaurants and traditional Saturday Bigorre market.
- Option to relax in the natural therapeutic warm waters at a thermal spa or two!
What's included?
Accommodation
- 7 nights at Les Granges des Hautes-Pyrénées, Sainte Marie de Campan (twin share/double)
- Enjoy 1 night wild-camping or in a high mountain refuge (whilst remaining checked-in and securely leaving any kit you don't need at Les Granges des Hautes-Pyrénées)
Meals
- Breakfasts and dinners at Les Granges des Hautes-Pyrénées
- Breakfast and dinner whilst wild camping or at the mountain refuge
- Packed lunches, trail snacks and if we're lucky lunch at an auberge or mountain restauannt.
International Mountain Leader guided days out- with a friendly, professional, experienced and English-speaking IML who lives locally
Airport/Train Station transfers: Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrenees Airport, Toulouse-Blagnac Airport or Tarbes Train Station
What's not included?
- Flights/travel to the meeting point(s)
- Single supplement for own bedroom (option: if available)
- Travel/rescue insurance
- Personal Expenses
- Meals/food/drinks not described as included
- Alcoholic beverages
- Entry cost into the thermal spa(s)
- Taxi/bus fee(s) on Rest or Roam Day
- Activity costs on your Rest or Roam day e.g Via Ferrata (organised tour)
DAILY PLAN
Day 1 - Arrival day Pyrenean gite - twin share/double or single (with supplement) | NO Breakfast | NO Lunch | YES Dinner |
Day 2 Pyrenean gite - twin share/double or single (with supplement) | YES Breakfast | YES Lunch | YES Dinner |
Day 3 Pyrenean gite - twin share/double or single (with supplement) | YES Breakfast | YES Lunch | YES Dinner |
Day 4 Pyrenean gite - twin share/double or single (with supplement) | YES Breakfast | YES Lunch | YES Dinner |
Day 5 (Rest or Roam day) Pyrenean gite - twin share/double or single (with supplement) | YES Breakfast | NO Lunch | NO Dinner |
Day 6 Pyrenean gite - twin share/double or single (with supplement) | YES Breakfast | YES Lunch | YES Dinner |
Day 7 Pyrenean gite - twin share/double or single (with supplement) | YES Breakfast | YES Lunch | YES Dinner |
Day 8 - Departure day N/A | YES Breakfast | NO Lunch | NO Dinner |
What's the food like?
Les Granges des Hautes-Pyrénées - Homemade delicious hearty food, using high quality locally sourced where possible ingredients. Please let us know of any dietary requirements ahead of your stay.
Breakfast
You'll be served a good-sized continental breakfast; Homemade Granola, Fresh Bread - Spreads - Croissants - Eggs - Cereal - Fresh Fruit/Stewed Fruit - Yogurt - Freshly squeezed Orange Juice - Barista Coffee - Tea.
Dinner
You'll enjoy a three-course meal of regionally inspired food. We use wholesome, fresh and locally sourced ingredients and serve large portions to keep you well fuelled for the trip.
Typical menu
Starter: Soup and sourdough bread
Main: Homemade meatballs, with jacket potatoes and sauteed spinach and garlic
Dessert: Creme Brulee
The main course may consist of BBQ food or homemade wood-fired sourdough pizzas in the summer months and will often be eaten 'alfresco'.
Mountain Refuge - If we visit a mountain refuge, this will serve simple mountain food. With dinner served to everyone staying in the hut, usually at around 7 p.m. Special menu by reservation only for those with special dietary requirements. We recommend that you bring snacks to bulk out these meals.
Wild Camping - If we go wild camping, we will enjoy "gourmet" trail dinner and breakfast from the Firepot range, in addition to other snacks and treats. Camping in the wild does not mean roughing it; just carrying in whatever we want to enjoy!
What's the accommodation like?
Les Granges des Hautes-Pyrénées - 6 or 7 nights
Nestled in the heart of the Pyrenees, these charming traditional 1,2, 3 bedroom independent gites sleep up to 12 people in total. All bedrooms can be configured into twins or super king doubles.
Perfectly located in the Campan Valley, part of the Pyrenees National Park and walking distance to the small village of Sainte Marie de Campan. You'll enjoy a rural picturesque setting, tranquillity and a true mountain escape.
Mountain Refuge or Wild Camping - 0 or 1 night
This included optional activity will be planned and booked according to group aspirations, time of year, weather conditions etc.
Overview
What to expect:
Saturday - Arrival Day
Arrive late afternoon/early evening at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, Tarbes Lourdes Pyrénées Airport or Gare de Tarbes.
A transfer will then drive you to your accommodation base for the weekend - Walnut Grange, a renovated traditional stone barn situated in the picturesque Campan Valley.
Here you will enjoy a three-course dinner/welcome nibbles and drink (depending on the time).
Following this, you will have a trip briefing. Your guide will discuss the plans for the next couple of days, the weather, have an equipment check, and answer any questions that you might have.
Sunday - Friday (6 days)
Over these days, you will enjoy up to 5 guided full-day trail runs (with power hiking sections) in the stunning Pyrenees National park.
Note: To have the most flexibility for changes in the weather and to meet the holiday aspirations of the group, the trail routes will be decided upon by your experienced local guide.
Among the highlights will be visit to the famous Cirque de Gavarnie and subject to suitable weather and excursion that includes an overnight stay either wild camping or in at a high mountain refuge (hut).
One of the days in the middle will be a free to Rest or Roam day with no activities planned, if you fancy a rest or to do something different. It's the perfect opportunity to spend the day exploring the nearby spa town Bagnères-de-Bigorre. Alternatively, you could go road cycling, mountain biking, rafting or via ferrata. There are many organised options available.
We can help you book any tourist attractions or activities and are happy to recommend what to do. Alternatively, you are more than welcome to simply, spend the day relaxing at Walnut Grange!
If you feel you need/would like more Rest or Roam days, you are welcome to forgo as many of the guided trail running days out as you wish. However, please note your trip price will remain the same.
Saturday - Departure Day
After breakfast, we will visit the famous traditional Bigorre market in Bagnères-de-Bigorre.
Then around late morning/midday we will say our goodbyes and transfer you back to Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrenees Airport, Toulouse-Blagnac Airport or Gare de Tarbes ready for your afternoon departure.
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY
Thank you so much for a wonderful three days. We enjoyed challenging ourselves on lesser-known trails, our first experience with chains (fixed), playing in the snow, and of course - all the cheese! Brilliant hospitality, delicious meals and lovely company in a breathtaking location. Hope to be... (more)
Jess and Pete, 2019-10-01October 2019
Jess and Pete
Thank you so much for a wonderful three days. We enjoyed challenging ourselves on lesser-known trails, our first experience with chains (fixed), playing in the snow, and of course - all the cheese! Brilliant hospitality, delicious meals and lovely company in a breathtaking location. Hope to be back before too long.
I had a fantastic four days staying at Chalet La Friaz. I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the trails around the area. I especially liked the shorter 'local' run-up to Bellevue. This was a challenge, but I was rewarded with spectacular views at the top. The Shed was cosy and is uniquely... (more)
Anna, 2019-08-01August 2019
Anna
I had a fantastic four days staying at Chalet La Friaz. I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the trails around the area. I especially liked the shorter 'local' run-up to Bellevue. This was a challenge, but I was rewarded with spectacular views at the top. The Shed was cosy and is uniquely situated. Highlights were drinks on the patio as the sun set and the sound of cowbells in the distance as I drifted off to sleep. Thanks again!
I had an amazing few days staying at Chalet La Friaz with my family. During my stay, I went on a trail run with Shed to Summit - a stunning 20km run straight up from the chalet. Got close to 2800m at the bemusement of the many heavily backpacked hikers we passed. Had time for a cafe stop near... (more)
Sacha, 2019-07-01July 2019
Sacha
I had an amazing few days staying at Chalet La Friaz with my family. During my stay, I went on a trail run with Shed to Summit - a stunning 20km run straight up from the chalet. Got close to 2800m at the bemusement of the many heavily backpacked hikers we passed. Had time for a cafe stop near the top for cake and refreshments whilst taking in the view, before a great downhill single track loop back to the chalet - absolutely loved it, which is more than can be said for my legs! We were hosted superbly, and Kev does a very mean BBQ - highly recommended!