Lourdes to Jaca via Gavarnie

[Cfordstrom]

I am looking for some advice on the route over the Pyrenees from Lourdes to Jaca via Gavarnie. I have found some information about the route that passes through Somport but I am hoping to do this other route passing by the Cirque de Gavarnie. My daughter and I walked from Carcassonne to Lourdes last summer and have walked Le Puy to SJPdP previously. We did a little road trip after ending in Lourdes and the area around Gavernie was so beautiful that we are hoping to link up with the Camino Aragones from this pass this summer. But... I am not finding any comprehensive information. There are basic maps and lodging information on the Godesalco website but I am not finding a specific trail name or route number even. Mainly I am a little concerned that it will be more challenging than I am up for. So... has anyone here done this route? Do you know of a guide book or blog that details the route? Is it manageable in June or will there still be snow?
Thanks for your help!!

 

[Vacajoe]

I’ve driven part of that and it is crazy rugged. Not sure of your experience or fitness level, but that is not your standard pilgrim route and more of a high-elevation trek. Snow remains at those ridgetops most of the year, but lower trails (like Somport) are usually clear by June. I would be 1000% sure of accommodations and your equipment before attempting that walk

 

[lovingkindness]

Bonjour @Cfordstrom

All the best with finding your way to Jaca. The Pyrénées are awesome!

There are forums which specialise in walking and climbing in the Pyrénées. You might consider broadening your search. Some forums focus on the GR10 which passes by Gavarnie.

A quick google search brought up this team.

Forums Pyrénées Team | - Forums Rando

www.pyrenees-team.com

Happy planning!
Lovingkindness

Ps it would be great to read about your camino and see a few photos...

 

[StephenChad]

I have walked this. You have quite a tough day up to the border at the Bujaruelo pass and down to stay at the refuge at Bujaruelo. You could break this into 2 days by staying at Sarradets and going to look at the Breche de Roland. Then head west for 4 tough days on the GR11 through magnificent mountain scenery staying at Panticoso, Respumoso, Sallent de Gallego and Candanchu. You cross the highest pass on the GR11 at 2720m and will have around 1000m of ascent per day. I would say this route is not really practical in poor weather or between October and June because of snow. You don't need a tent if you book accommodation in advance. A magnificent walk but not like anything I have seen on any Camino trail.

 

[Cfordstrom]

I’ve driven part of that and it is crazy rugged. Not sure of your experience or fitness level, but that is not your standard pilgrim route and more of a high-elevation trek. Snow remains at those ridgetops most of the year, but lower trails (like Somport) are usually clear by June. I would be 1000% sure of accommodations and your equipment before attempting that walk

Thank you! It was so beautiful when we visited briefly last summer that I really want to explore it more. We are from California and are used to hiking at higher elevations and in rugged remote areas but I am hoping to find some more concrete information on lodging food, and water resources along the way. I do not want to camp or have to carry more than a days worth of food.

 

[Cfordstrom]

Bonjour @Cfordstrom

All the best with finding your way to Jaca. The Pyrénées are awesome!

There are forums which specialise in walking and climbing in the Pyrénées. You might consider broadening your search. Some forums focus on the GR10 which passes by Gavarnie.

A quick google search brought up this team.

Forums Pyrénées Team | - Forums Rando

www.pyrenees-team.com

Happy planning!
Lovingkindness

Ps it would be great to read about your camino and see a few photos...

Thank you for this! I do follow a couple of GR10 forums and I will follow up with that lead.
My daughter and I have loved our hiking/camino experiences in France. She has coined it gliking (glamour hiking) as it is so different from what we do here in California. We do appreciate the excellent hosts and food that we have encountered on our walks through France. I have posted daily pictures and notes of our walks in FB primarily for my dad but you are welcome to follow me there as well.

 

[Cfordstrom]

I have walked this. You have quite a tough day up to the border at the Bujaruelo pass and down to stay at the refuge at Bujaruelo. You could break this into 2 days by staying at Sarradets and going to look at the Breche de Roland. Then head west for 4 tough days on the GR11 through magnificent mountain scenery staying at Panticoso, Respumoso, Sallent de Gallego and Candanchu. You cross the highest pass on the GR11 at 2720m and will have around 1000m of ascent per day. I would say this route is not really practical in poor weather or between October and June because of snow. You don't need a tent if you book accommodation in advance. A magnificent walk but not like anything I have seen on any Camino trail.

Excellent! Do you have any suggestions for places to find information on accommodation? Any places that you stayed that you recommend? I am planning on starting my walk this summer in Toulouse (or Auch). We will pass over at Somport unless I can find more solid information about the Gavernie route. Even with a solid plan we will be able to adjust if the weather is too rough. Thank you for your input!