Cirque De Gavarnie and Le Pont d'Espagne
Two Mountain High Points in the French Pyrenees
Jul 12, 2009
The Haute Pyrenees is an area of the French Pyrenees located about half way between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. A region which encompasses some of the highest mountain peaks that rise between Southern France and Northern Spain. At the very heart of the mountain range, are two seemingly unsurpassable natural border barriers that once seen are never forgotten.
Cirque de Gavarnie
The cirque of Garvanie is at the head of the Garvanie-Gedre valley and is a natural semi-circle of rock carved out by ancient glaciers. In 2001 it was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO. With a view that encompasses 4km of peaks and remnants of the once great glaciers, it certainly justifies its place as one of the natural wonders of the world. The 17 peaks of the cirque rise up to 3000m (998ft) high and shelter the tallest waterfall in Europe (440m / 1,470 ft). Near the centre, at an altitude of 2781m, is the distinctive Breche de Roland, a giant cut in the rock wall.
Easily reached by foot (or by one of the many donkeys’ for hire) a roughly paved lane takes walkers from the tiny village of Gavarnie into the heart of the cirque itself. Leave the village by the Route de Hotel du Cirque which borders a river and is a gently pleasant climb – approx 1hr – to the Hotel and cafe. From here one can sit and admire the cirque in all its magnificence or for those who wish to stand in the shade of the Grande Cascade itself, there is another more strenuous climb across scree and rocks (c1hr) to the snowy base of the Waterfall.
Gavarnie Gedre Tourist Information : 0033 5 62 92 49 10
Le Pont de Espagne
As its name - The Spanish Bridge - might suggest this is a man-made marvel in an area of outstanding natural beauty. In the heart of the National Park (7kms from Cauterets) the area is easily reached by the road D920 - known locally as the Route de Casacades ( waterfalls). It is a pleasant winding road to the village of Puntas. Here the highest peak of Vignemale (3298 m / 10990ft) beckons and for all but the most determined of hikers so too does a ride in the Pont d’Espagne chair lift (which runs continuously every day from June 1st to October 10th). The lift travels another 8km towards the legendary Lac de Gaube. Here you can admire the amazing Pont d’Espagne which spans a 1496m/ 4986ft mountain ravine. From the end of the chair lift it is a gentle 15min walk to the shores of the emerald glacial Lac de Gaube. The whole trip from Cauteret to Lac Gaube takes appox 2hrs
Information: 00 33 5 62 92 52 19
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