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| Hiking | 8.10 Miles |
2,200 AEG |
| | Hiking | 8.10 Miles | 3 Hrs 40 Mns | | 2.21 mph |
| 2,200 ft AEG | | 8 LBS Pack | | |
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| no partners | | | Described by Victor Hugo as “the Colosseum of nature” due to its glacier cut horseshoe shape resembling a Roman amphitheater. Several waterfalls descend from the cliffs including Gavarnie Falls second highest in Europe at 1,385 feet, the rock walls of the cirque rise 4,900 feet above the floor, at the top a passageway of note is Roland’s Pass according to legend was made by a cut from his sword.The area is a UNESCO world heritage site, It is very popular in August. We were staying about 1.5 hours away and had planned to stop in Lourdes also plus there were thunderstorms in the forecast so I counted on about 4 hours of storm free hiking to enjoy this. After dodging Tour de France hopefuls on the curvy steep narrow road from Argeles- Gazost and enjoying spectacular views along the road parked outside the village of Gavarnie for 5 euros. At the junction of the closed road into the village and the road to parking there was a tourist info office , later discovered they had maps for 1 euro, unfortunately did not stop there nor at the pricier ski shop across the street but continued on into the village. The village shops and cafes appear to be thriving with the large number of visitors . Had intended to take the principal path or road along the river to the Hotel Du Cirque , built 1848 and actually a restaurant,which is the most popular way to go for viewing the Cirque and waterfall but ended up returning that way. Instead veered to to the right on a cobblestone street that led to a path that immediately started ascending then shortly leveled off above and to the west of the valley. Ultimately reached a signed junction for the plateau de bellevue , followed this path and after about a half hour of climbing switchbacks put me at a small waterfall on the plateau.From there I headed south and west on an unsigned trail but was passed by a young Frenchman who shared his map which I took a picture of and reassured me I was heading toward the bottom of the cirque. Incredible views that pictures can’t do justice to along what I’m calling a western balcony route above the floor of the cirque, I think I had a glimpse of the breech of Roland, saw a few wild gladiolus but no chamois, continued along further crossing some steep sections with loose rock , once I saw a use trail down to a bridge ,going across the river behind the hotel , I went down it. Once behind the hotel continued on a path south toward the main waterfall , however not wanting to get wet so I did not walk under it, getting there was about a mile from the hotel and did require rock hopping across a small icy stream next to a melting snow bank . After returning to the hotel from the waterfall , did not take time stop for food or drink which is available but continued on the road that at first steeply went down and then gradually descended along the river. Lots of people on this road as well as donkeys carrying mostly children along here. Very idyllic setting with the village below and the cirque above, went by the world heritage plaque. Would highly recommend spending some time here if touring this area, regret not having more time here to get oriented and plan a hiking route. |
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