THE MERIDIAN WAY

Walking to the high Pyrenees

A fascinating trip following the Meridian Way, a route that closely follows the International Greenwich Meridian through the French département of the Hautes Pyrénées. Starting in the attractive foothills the route builds up to a climax at Gavarnie in the heart of the mountains with a visit to the dramatic Cirque de Gavarnie. There is also an opportunity to spend a day doing a challenging walking option up the famous Breche de Roland.

When the Greenwich Meridian was agreed upon as the international standard in 1884 the fact that it passed through some of the most impressive scenery in the French Pyrénées was probably not a major consideration. However the new Meridian Way allows us to explore this spectacular area. Our trip starts at the famous pilgrimage town of Lourdes from where we take a funicular railway to the summit of the Pic du Jer (890 m) where there are excellent views looking back over the town. From the summit we follow a network of paths and tracks above the east side of the main river, the Gave du Pau, before dropping down to the attractive spa town of Argelès-Gazost. From here we climb old shepherds' tracks to the picturesque village of St Savin where there is a 12th Century abbey church. We continue along the valley side before dropping down to Pierrefitte Nestalas where a bus ride takes us up through the narrow gorge to Luz St. Sauveur with time to visit the town and fortified "Templar" church. Two nights are spent here giving the option of a rest day or a short bus ride to the village of Barèges for a delightful walk down the Bastan valley back to Luz St. Sauveur mainly following the GR10. The next day we again follow the GR10 to Gèdre, a small village in a magnificent location with soaring mountains on three sides. Heading south from Gèdre we approach Gavarnie via footpaths crossing high summer pastures before descending into the village. Two nights at Gavarnie give time for a visit to the Cirque de Gavarnie, a natural amphitheatre some 1400 metres from top to bottom, and the Grande Cascade with a 423 metre drop - the longest in Europe. Local transport can be arranged to the Col des Tentes for a more challenging walk to the famous Brêche de Roland (2807 m), a 100m by 40m "doorway" into Spain and then walk down to the Cirque de Gavarnie.

Inn to Inn 8 days	Click here detailed dossier
Duration: 7 nights / 8 days Tour Code: JMW Grade: Moderate-Challenging Day Stages: Min.12km, max 20 km	Click here detailed dossier
SELF-GUIDED Dates 2012	Click here for latest SELF-GUIDED prices
Start any day mid May - July, September - October

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Accommodation

7 nights/8 days - Our first night is spent in Lourdes at a 3* hotel in a quiet area of the town overlooking the Gave du Pau river. At Argelès-Gazost the 2* hotel has a pleasant garden area and a large and popular restaurant. The two nights at Luz St. Sauveur are spent at a traditional family run 2* hotel. At Gèdre the 2* hotel has been in the same family for three generations and enjoys excellent views from most of the bedrooms. At Gavarnie we stay for the final two nights in a comfortable 2* Logis de France hotel.

Sherpa Notes

Accommodation & Meals
Dinner, bed and breakfast for 7 nights in 2* or 3* hotels

Way Marks
The trail is mainly waymarked (red or red/white markings) but maps and notes required in places

Start and End of Tour
Nearest airport is Toulouse, shuttle bus to station then train to Lourdes. Allow approx 35 Euros for the bus and train. Ryanair fly to Pau, shuttle bus to station and train to Lourdes. Bus or taxi from Gavarnie to Lourdes, allow 10 Euros for the bus..
Eurostar St Pancras - Paris, train to Lourdes. Details on request.

Low cost airlines easyjet, flybe, bmibaby anf jet2 fly to Toulouse.

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