Gavarnie and the 3 cirques: incredible landscapes!
Just imagine a glacial circus that tops out at 3000 meters altitude, with one of the highest waterfalls in Europe (427 meters) at its heart: this is the Cirque de Gavarnie!
The Cirque de Gavarnie is an absolutely magnificent and majestic place located in the Hautes-Pyrénées. It is surrounded by two other cirques, the cirques of Troumouse and Estaubé, which are also incredibly impressive. The three cirques form a trilogy of 3 natural amphitheaters in the land of glacial cirques.
We strongly recommend visiting the three cirques if you have time. Each offers a unique and breathtaking natural spectacle. Furthermore, the cirques are only an hour’s drive from Camping La Ribère and offer a 100% natural experience. Plan an excursion to these wonders of nature on your next trip to the Pyrenees! We’re sure you won’t regret it! 😉
The Cirque de Gavarnie:
Discover the magnificent Cirque de Gavarnie, just a 40-minute drive from La Ribère campground.
As soon as you arrive in the village, you won’t be able to miss this natural wonder. You’ll be dazzled by its 6.5 km circumference, its height of 1,500 m, peaks exceeding 3,000 m, and one of the largest waterfalls in Europe.
You can admire the cirque from the village of Gavarnie. It will take you an hour, on foot or horseback, to reach the Cirque de Gavarnie. Then, you can rest and have a drink at the old 12th century inn, which has been transformed into a charming 4-star hotel. It will take you only 30 more minutes to reach the great Gavarnie waterfall, which is over 400 meters high!
If you are an experienced hiker, you can hike to the 8 summits over 3000m in Gavarnie.
In winter, you can enjoy a 5-kilometer cross-country skiing and snowshoeing loop starting from the village of Gavarnie.
Discover Le Cirque de Troumouse:
Located just a 50-minute drive from the campsite, this natural amphitheater is a wonder to explore.
The Cirque de Troumouse is not as tall as its cousin in Gavarnie, but it is more secluded and less crowded. The walls rise to a height of 450 meters, creating a crater of about 11 kilometers in circumference.
The road leading to Troumouse is a spectacle that you simply cannot miss. You can access it by car to the Plateau du Maillet. You can then choose to walk or take a small train to reach the Cirque. It is an exceptional preserved mountain landscape! Walks ranging from 45 minutes to 2.5 hours are available that are accessible to everyone. Take advantage of this remarkable place to relax with family or friends. The more athletic and experienced visitors can conquer the peaks of the Troumouse circus with six peaks over 3000m. If needed, do not hesitate to be accompanied by a high mountain guide.
Discover the Beauty of the Cirque d’Estaubé:
Welcome to the Cirque d’Estaubé, a stunning natural spot located just 40 minutes away from the La Ribère campsite. With 400 cows and 1,200 sheep grazing in the summer, it may not be as well-known as its neighbors, but it’s definitely worth the trip. Follow the charming Estaubé stream and you might even spot some cute marmots while enjoying a nice family walk.
To access it, simply park near the Gloriettes Lake dam. The round trip is easy and takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes. It’s a perfect walk for the whole family, with lots of marmots to discover! For experienced hikers, you can access the Tuquerouye refuge and the Mont Perdu massif from the Gloriettes Dam.
If you’re looking for a place to stay nearby, why not check out the La Ribère campsite? It’s only a 45-minute drive away and offers a variety of accommodations, including cozy wooden chalets and spacious campsites with breathtaking views of the Pyrenees. You can easily book a wooden cabin or a campsite pitch on their website.
