Heart of the Pyrenees Walk, France

<p>This original walking holiday is based in the Hautes-Pyrénées, an area of outstanding natural beauty and boasting some of the highest, most spectacular peaks in the whole Pyrenean range! It is a majestic network of verdant green valleys, pretty flower-strewn meadows, pristine, pine-scented woodlands and traditional rural villages perched steep on the hillsides.<br><br> Our walks follow mountain paths through a floral paradise with habitats ranging from vividly colourful upland pastures to rocky outcrops where countless alpine gems thrive in the most perfect of settings. We picnic by diamond-sparkling mountain streams, (perfect for dipping those hard-worked feet!) and spot marmots and deer foraging in the hillside whilst vultures and eagles soar overhead.<br><br> Each day offers a choice of 2-boot or 3-boot walks (easier/more challenging), and it’s no problem to alternate from day to day! The routes have all been meticulously designed by our knowledgeable local representatives Malcolm &amp; Anne Gregory, who’ll be there to meet you and ensure your holiday runs as smoothly as possible. As usual, your luggage will be transported for you.<br><br> Our family-run hotels offer a warm, individual welcome and a sumptuous cuisine with distinctive flavours inspired by regional produce. In Asté you are guests of Chantal &amp; Guy Peyseré, keen to impress with their justly renown restaurant, also popular with the locals! Then on to the busy little spa town of Barèges where our cosy mountain hotel enjoys a great location on the banks of the fast-flowing river Bastan. Finally, to the delightful town of Luz St. Sauveur where spectacular sunsets at Jean- Paul &amp; Marie-Paule’s rural retreat provide the perfect backdrop to a relaxing apéritif on the terrace.</p><p><strong>Detailed Itinerary:</strong></p><p><strong>Day 1 - Arrive at Aste</strong><br>It’s a short transfer (25 mins) to your hotel in Aste, just south of the delightful spa town of Bagneres de Bigorre. <br><br><strong>Day 2 - At Aste</strong> 14km/9mi/4.5hr or 20km/12mi/6.5hr<br>Today's route takes you through the quaint stone village of Beaudean, climbing the north side of the Serris valley above to an open plateau overlooking rustic barns, eventually bringing into view the spectacular peaks of the Pic du Midi (2877 m) Montaigu (2339 m). It’s time for a picnic on the summit of Petit Monne whilst enjoying breathtaking views of the Adour valley as soaring griffin and bearded vultures circle in thermals overhead. Return via the delightful villages of Campan Beaudean. <br><br><strong>Day 3 - Aste to Bareges</strong> 16km/10mi/5hr or 19km/12mi/6hr or 23km/14mi/7hr<br>After a scenic drive over the famous Col du Tourmalet, set off on foot through the Neouvielle National Park following the classic GR10 footpath up the splendid Aygues Cluses valley. Impressive granite rock formations lead you to deep emerald tarns and alpine flower-strewn meadows - keep your eyes and ears sharp for the rare black woodpecker! <br><br><strong>Day 4 - At Bareges </strong>14km/9mi/4hr or 17km/11mi/5.5hr<br>The gentler route explores the other side of the Bastan valley, traversing pine-clad slopes to join the GR10 into the verdant Bolou valley, where it's possible to spot isard and rummaging marmots. Or out to panoramic St Justin's oratory for sweeping views, before ascending in graded zigzags up the appropriately named Montagne Fleurie - trails lined with a wealth of wildflowers. <br><br><strong>Day 5 - Bareges to Luz St. Sauveur</strong> 12km/7mi/3hr or 16km/9mi/4.5hr<br>The easier walk wends its way down to Luz on inviting tree-lined footpaths and quiet tracks passing through the small, picturesque villages of Sers with its 12C church, pretty Viey, Betpouey and Viella, all clinging to the sides of the valley. Or leave Bareges along the GR10 to reach the delightful Bolou valley, before dropping down to the village of Viella and to your hotel just below the castle at Luz. <br><br><strong>Day 6 - At Luz St. Sauveur</strong> 16km/10mi/4.5hr or 18km/11mi/5hr<br>Today you'll pass through ancient villages of the area known as the Pays Toy: Vizos, Saligos and Sazos where houses cluster around tiny Romanesque churches, and lavish floral window-boxes are proudly on display. You'll return via the impressive Pont Napoleon, financed by Napoleon III after his visit in 1859 with wife Empress Eugenie. The more challenging option follows the higher footpaths with ever-increasing views down the valley. <br><br><strong>Day 7 - Cirque de Gavarnie</strong> 12km/7mi/4hr or 21km/13mi/7hr<br>A short bus ride (30 mins) to the pretty mountain resort of Gavarnie: the start of today's walk. You head up to the Plateau de Bellevue to get awesome views across to the Cirque de Gavarnie, a magnificent 1,000m amphitheatre of black cliffs, stretching into the clouds. You may choose to explore the charming side valley of Pouey Aspe, before continuing right into the Cirque to the base of the Grande Cascade which tumbles down hundreds of metres. An easy walk back to the village before the bus ride back to Luz for a delicious 3-course dinner! <br><br><strong>Day 8 - Leave Luz St. Sauveur</strong><br><br><strong>Is this trip for you? </strong><br>This is an independent walking holiday with the option each day to do either a 2 or 3 boot walk (see Headwater’s Boot Rating System). This holiday is suitable for serious and reasonably fit walkers who are looking for a challenge, wish to enjoy spectacular scenery and have an appreciation for flora &amp; fauna. <br><br></p>