Côte Vermeille, Cerdanya Valley, Lake St Maurici NP, Ordesa NP, Pyrenees NP
Discover the Pyrenees
- 14 Days
- From 7,745
- Spain & France
- Moderate
Moderate: Designed for hikers with some experience, offering longer trails and varied terrain.
Highlights
- Art and Culture in Ceret: Savour lunch in Ceret, a delightful French town celebrated for its exceptional Musée d'Art Moderne, featuring masterpieces by Matisse, Braque, and Picasso.
- Aigüestortes National Park: Discover the breathtaking Aigüestortes and Lake Sant Maurici National Park, renowned for its stunning lakes and rugged Pyrenean landscapes. Enjoy the serenity of the remote village of Tavascan.
- Ordesa National Park Adventures: Experience the dramatic Ordesa Valley, where verdant greenery contrasts with towering calcareous cliffs. Explore this natural border between Spain & France and marvel at the majestic Monte Perdido.
- Delve into the Pyrenees National Park, staying in the quaint town of Gavarnie. Enjoy local cuisine and embark on a walk to the awe-inspiring Cirque de Gavarnie, a true natural wonder.
Overview
Embark on one of our most cherished journeys, a walk that seamlessly blends the stunning vistas of the Pyrenees with the scenic Mediterranean coastline and its ancient villages. Stretching 430 kilometres from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea, the Pyrenees offer a diverse landscape rich in flora and fauna.
Our adventure commences in Collioure, a charming fishing village renowned as the jewel of the Côte Vermeille. We then proceed to Céret for a delightful lunch and a leisurely exploration of this quintessential French town, celebrated for its Musée d’Art Moderne, home to exceptional works by Matisse, Braque, and notably Picasso.
Crossing into Spain, we spend three days traversing the fertile Cerdanya Valley, renowned for its lush dairy pastures. From our quaint village base, we enjoy breathtaking views of the Cadi Moixero Natural Park. Our explorations include ancient villages and scenic picnics amidst the alpine landscape.
The journey continues into the spectacular Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, one of the most picturesque parks in the Pyrenees. With over 50 lakes and quintessential Pyrenean features, this park is a natural wonder. We stay in the remote village of Tavascan, offering a tranquil retreat at the end of a secluded valley.
Following a day of navigating mountain passes and absorbing dramatic landscapes, we head to the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park in Spain’s Aragón region. This striking mountain range forms a natural border between Spain and France. The Ordesa Valley, a verdant strip extending 15 kilometres between towering calcareous cliffs, offers extraordinary scenery.
Our accommodation is at the Parador, ideally situated below the majestic Monte Perdido. From here, we embark on a hike to the Circo de Pineta, starting directly from the hotel. This route showcases stunning mountain vistas and the abundant local wildlife, including Pyrenean chamois and lammergeiers, which find refuge in these rugged terrains.
Next, we cross back into France, arriving in the quaint town of Gavarnie within the Pyrenees National Park. Our stay in a friendly local hotel is complemented by exquisite regional cuisine prepared by our host, Bernard. Gavarnie is perfectly positioned for exploring the surrounding mountains and the remarkable Cirque de Gavarnie, a natural amphitheatre of unparalleled beauty.
The Pyrenees are home to over 1,500 species of wildflowers and a diverse range of wildlife, including lynxes, lizards, marmots, ptarmigans, bearded vultures, golden eagles and approximately 15 brown bears.
Our journey concludes in Biarritz on the Atlantic coast, a vibrant city with colourful shops, picturesque restaurants, and charming old-fashioned tea rooms—an ideal place to end this unforgettable journey.
Hotels & Cuisine
Collioure
We’re greeted with a warm and charming welcome at our hotel in Collioure, a quintessential Catalan haven. Nestled in a lush garden, this delightful residence is just a few minutes’ stroll from the heart of this picturesque town. The perfect blend of comfort and elegance, it offers an ideal retreat for exploring the beauty of Collioure.
Cerdanya Valley
Our stay in the Cerdanya Valley takes us to a quaint, remote village rich in history. Here, we find a welcoming, family-run hotel surrounded by a beautiful garden and an inviting swimming pool. With stunning views of the Cadí-Moixeró National Park, it’s a serene escape. Evenings are a treat with traditional Catalonian cuisine, prepared with a loving touch and served with local flair.
Tavascan
In Tavascan, nestled near the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, we stay at a cosy, family-operated hotel. Set against a breathtaking mountain backdrop, this charming retreat offers a warm and friendly atmosphere. The hotel’s restaurant serves hearty mountain cuisine, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring the rugged landscape.
Monte Perdido Nature Reserve
Our stay in the Monte Perdido Nature Reserve is at a welcoming Parador, situated on the western slopes of what is now Ordesa National Park. Known for its high standards, the Parador’s restaurant excels in presenting the finest dishes from Northern Aragon. Enjoy local delicacies like “Trucha del Cinca a lo fine” (local trout), “Pierna de jabali” (roast leg of wild boar), and the delightful “Teresicas de Aragón,” a puff pastry dessert.
Gavarnie
Our final stop is in Gavarnie, where the hotel offers spectacular views of the iconic Cirque de Gavarnie, one of the most celebrated sections of the Pyrenees. The cozy dining room is the perfect setting for our evening meals, where we indulge in a range of tasty dishes, enhancing our stay with the warmth and hospitality of the region.
Transportation
Collioure
Hotel La Casa Pairal
Prullans
Cerdanya EcoResort
Tavascan
Hotel Estanys Blaus
Bielsa
Parador de Bielsa
Gavarnie
Hotel Le Marboré
begins
10 July 2025
Montpellier, France
ends
