Hiking around Lourdes: our favourite walks
Mountain lakes, glacial cirques, balcony trails: the finest walks in the Hautes-Pyrénées start less than an hour from the hotel. Here are our ideas, from an easy stroll to a real day’s hike.
45 min
drive to the Pont d’Espagne and Lac de Gaube
18 km
of greenway from Lourdes, no car needed
From 7 am
buffet breakfast for an early start
Our must-do walks
Lac de Gaube from the Pont d’Espagne
Easy to moderate · about 2 hrs round trip · about 45 min drive. Above Cauterets, the Pont d’Espagne site is a series of waterfalls and pine forests. A trail, or a chairlift in season, leads to Lac de Gaube, with the Vignemale as a backdrop. A Pyrenean postcard.
The Cirque de Gavarnie
Easy · about 3 hrs round trip · about 1 hr 10 drive. From the village, a wide path follows the valley to the foot of the cirque, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its great waterfall, one of the highest in Europe. Accessible to almost everyone.
The Pic du Jer, above Lourdes
Moderate · about 1 hr 30 down. Go up by funicular, enjoy the view over Lourdes and the mountains, then walk back down on the forest trail. No car needed, from the hotel.
The Lake of Lourdes and the Gaves greenway
Very easy. For a gentle half day: a walk around the Lake of Lourdes, about 3 km from the hotel, or part of the Gaves greenway, a converted railway line that runs about 18 km towards Argelès-Gazost and Pierrefitte-Nestalas.
Our tips before you set off
In the mountains the weather changes fast: check the forecast the day before and set off early, especially in summer, when storms come in the afternoon. Bring good shoes, water and a warm layer, even in July.
High trails are often snow-covered until May, sometimes June. Early in the season, check with the Cauterets and Gavarnie tourist offices.
An ideal base for hiking
Come back in the evening to a quiet, air-conditioned room, have a proper breakfast before you leave, park your car in our locked garage: the Atrium is a practical base for several days of hiking. More ideas for outings are on our Things to do around Lourdes page.
The hotel is open from 26 March to 29 October 2027 and closes in winter.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest walk near Lourdes?
The Cirque de Gavarnie on the main path, or the walk around the Lake of Lourdes. Lac de Gaube is also within reach of most walkers, especially with the chairlift in season.
Can I hike without a car from the hotel?
Yes: the Pic du Jer (funicular up, then walk down), the Lake of Lourdes and the Gaves greenway can all be reached from Lourdes.
What is the best time of year for hiking?
June to September for high trails. In spring and October, choose lower walks around Lourdes and along the valley floors.