At a Glance
Unearth one of the world’s most breathtaking regions on this inspiring 9-day hiking experience. Discover a unique hiking trek in the breathtaking French and Spanish Pyrenees Mountains as you marvel at dramatic landscapes on the beautiful Sentier de Camille circuit. Spend your days tackling the peak as you rejuvenate to hot showers, warm meals and cosy beds by night.
You begin your journey in Toulouse, France, where you will overnight in the luxuries of a hotel before trekking the start of the Sentier de Camille circuit the following morning. Be spell bounded by sights as you trek on the lesser known but beautiful Sentier de Camille Circuit. Uncover the wildly contrasting vistas of the French and Spanish Pyrenees National Park in France to the dramatic limestone gorges and impressive rock folds ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 8 nights accommodation on a twin share basis including 1 night in 4 star hotel, 6 nights in mountain hostels and 1 night in 5 star hotel
- All meals as specified in itinerary
- Airport transfers from agreed flights and local transfers
- Professional guided trekking
Itinerary
Today, enjoy a pick up from Toulouse Airport and be transferred to your accommodation in a quaint family-owned hotel in Oloron Sainte Marie near Pau. Unwind in your ensuite rooms, take a refreshing dip in the pool or relax in the hot tub. This evening, tantalise your tastebuds on delicious local specialties made from the freshest produce for dinner at the hotel’s gastronomic restaurant. |
Approx. 16.6km (10.3 miles), 7 hours Walking, Moderate Grade, Elevation: +1290m (4232 ft) /-790m (2592ft) This morning, sample your first taste of the breathtaking Pyrenees as you begin your hike traversing the spectacular Cirque de Lescun. Here, you will be rewarded by panorama views of the French and Spanish Pyrenees mountains embraced by spikes and cliffs of grey limestone above perfect high lakes to the lush Apse Valley. Continue to climb the Puerto de Ansó pass into Spain as you marvel at more dramatic limestone escarpments and breathtaking views along the way. |
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Complete your walk today at a modest 1300m (4265 ft) altitude mountain hostel. Unwind in your hostel in comfortable dormitory-style with communal showers and facilities. Freshen up with a shower before savouring a freshly prepared dinner boasting local produce at the restaurant including a bar. |
Approx. 15.3km (9.5 miles), 6 hours Walking, Moderate Grade, Elevation: +800m (2625ft) /-1050m (3445ft) Fuel up for breakfast as you will conquer the highest point on today’s hike summiting Paso Anzotiello at 1964m (6444ft). Be spell bounded as you feel on top of the world surrounded by endless mountains making you feel tiny against the expanse of nature. Along the way, pass the surrounding summits of Mallo Gorreta and Quimboa that look like an insurmountable barrier. Your views today will leave you in awe! You’ll stay at another well-equipped hostel on a campsite at an altitude of 1150m (3773ft). Indulge in another evening of refreshing showers before being treated to a delicious hearty dinner and retiring to comfortable beds. |
Approx. 15.3km, 7.5 hours Walking, Moderate Grade, Elevation: +1300m (4265ft) /-1040m (3412ft) Today’s walk journeys from Oza through magnificent forest of beech and fir trees then onto skirting the slopes of Castillo de Archer. Take in a moment to witness one of the most curious mountains of the Pyrenees due to its feature of syncline hung that reflects an impregnable fortress. It is like a walled fortress that rises from the middle of the Selva de Oza, where at its top, the mountain is a kind of sloping karst valley. Marvel at incredible limestone cliffs and traverse through one of the lesser known but still as alluring areas of the Hecho Valley, Secús and Taxeras. You’ll stay at a spacious hostel in the charming Hecho Valley set at 1400m (4592ft) altitude. Relax and savour breathtaking views towards the summits of Peñaforca and Agüerri. Indulge in a well-deserved hot shower before a fresh and warm dinner at the restaurant and bar. |
Approx. 9.6km (6 miles), 4 hours Walking, Easy Grade, Elevation: +693m (2274ft) / -536m (1759ft) Enjoy a slightly relaxed pace of only 4 hours of walking today, the shortest day of your entire hiking adventure as you journey from Gabardito to Lizara. Those in pursue of more kilometres can venture on to Bisaurin, an extra 3 hours and 700m (2297ft) of climbing. This is a worthwhile climb as it is the highest summit of the area where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views before descending to your refuge. You’ll stay at a spacious and cosy mountain refuge at 1500m (4921ft) altitude set at the foot of the beautiful Bisaurin peak. This evening, be delighted to another hot shower followed by a hearty dinner at the restaurant with a bar. |
Approx. 17.4km, 7 hours Walking, Moderate Grade, Elevation: +1070m (3510ft) /-980m (3215ft) The highlight of your adventure today is hiking one of the most beautiful stages of the trail as you traverse both the Valle de los Sarrios and astonishing Estanés Lake. Although a fairly long route yet not difficult, you’ll begin with a climb of around 2 hours which then flattens out at Paul de Bernera and the Valle de los Sarrios. Keep your eyes peeled for horses grazing and possibly hear marmots embraced by picturesque vistas all round. Continue your descend to the lake and traverse a serene beech forest towards Somport. At this ancient frontier, you’ll reach Albergue Aysa, where you will overnight. You’ll stay at a pleasant hostel at 1600m altitude at a small ski resort offering you basic facilities to keep you restful for the night. |
Approx. 19km, 7 hours Walking, Moderate Grade, Elevation: +1150m (3773ft)/ -780m (2559ft) Your adventure see’s you returning to the French side where you’ll make your way towards the Cirque d’Aspe and onto the magnificent Espelunguere Valley. Journey from the Hecho Valley and into France along a charming hanging valley and lush forest before reaching the idyllic alpine meadows of the picturesque Espelunguere with their flocks and shepherds’ huts. Continue a climb to the border ridge for an easy walk traversing high meadows before arriving at the Arlet hut set in a mountain bowl next to a serene jewel of a lake. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the lake, a perfect end to your hike today. You’ll stay at a small mountain refuge set in a breathtaking setting in the heart of the Pyrenees National Park at 2000m (6562ft). Be treated to a hearty dinner and bask in the charming vistas of the Aspe valley at sunset. |
Approx. 19.5km, 6 hours Walking, Moderate Grade, Elevation: +520m (1706ft) / -1640m (5381ft) Your last day of hiking see’s you returning to the lush meadows surrounding Lescun through a mountain pass used as an escape route in WW2. Your route journey’s the border ridge west to the Col de Pau from where you follow a mountain stream downhill towards Lescun. Marvel at the Lescun Valley, a jewel of hay meadows, traditional farms and a picturesque village with all round jagged peaks as its backdrop. |
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You’ll stay at a 5-star hotel overlooking Parc Beaumont, a great luxury treat to end a demanding yet incredible trek. Indulge in the pool, sauna and its spa facilities including Turksih bath or take a lovely stroll to Pau’s historic centre that is within walking distance. |
Savour a leisurely morning with a dip in the pool before a relaxing breakfast overlooking Beaumont Park and Pyrenees in the distance, a great time to reflect on your incredible hiking adventure. You will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
Dates & Prices
Daily departure on request. Please contact us for group bookings.
More Info
- The departure point is Toulouse, France
- The finish point is Pau, France
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Toulouse. The nearest major airport is Toulouse Blagnac Airport which has international and domestic flights and is 10 km from the center of Toulouse. Another major airport is Castres - Mazamet Airport which has domestic flights from Castres, France and is 90 km from Toulouse.
Average temperatures in Pyrenees vary greatly. Considering humidity, temperatures feel cold for about half of the year and otherwise nice with a chance of rain or snow throughout most of the year. During the month of May, June and September you are most likely to experience good days with pleasant average temperatures that fall between 20 degrees Celsius (68°F) and 25 degrees Celsius (77°F). On average, the warmest month(s) are July and August. The coldest month is January with an average maximum temperature of 9°C (49°F). The months of April and May have a high chance of precipitation. May is the most wet where July is the driest month. The warmest month is July with an average maximum temperature of 28°C (82°F).
- There are no technical difficulties on this trek but good endurance is essential
- Accommodation during the trek will be in shared rooms and dormitories
- Special diets cannot be accommodated
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. The tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.