Gavarnie is a small village in the Hautes-Pyrénées department in the Occitanie region in south-western France. It is best known for the Cirque de Gavarnie, a massive glacial cirque in the Pyrenees Mountains, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The village is a popular base for hiking, mountaineering, and skiing.

Gavarnie is a destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The village is small and charming, with traditional stone houses and stunning views of the surrounding peaks. The main attraction is the Cirque de Gavarnie, a spectacular natural amphitheater with a 422-m-high waterfall, the Grande Cascade de Gavarnie, one of the highest in Europe. The area is part of the Pyrénées National Park and the "Pyrenees - Mont Perdu" UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its exceptional natural and cultural landscapes.

Map of Gavarnie

The village of Gavarnie is small enough to be easily explored on foot. In fact, the centre of the village is closed to traffic during the day in the peak season. To reach the Cirque de Gavarnie, you can either walk or hire a horse or donkey for a more traditional experience.

• Cirque de Gavarnie. The main reason people visit Gavarnie. This enormous glacial cirque is a breathtaking sight, with its towering rock walls and numerous waterfalls. A relatively easy 1.5- to 2-hour walk from the village takes you to the heart of the cirque and the base of the main waterfall. 
• Grande Cascade de Gavarnie. At 422 m, this is one of the tallest waterfalls in Europe. The flow is most impressive in the spring and early summer when the snow is melting. 
• Brèche de Roland. A spectacular natural gap in the cliffs of the cirque, on the border between France and Spain. It's a challenging hike to reach it, but the views are rewarding. 
• Village Church. The 12th-century church of Saint John the Baptist is a historic monument and was a resting place for pilgrims on the Way of St. James. 
• Statue of Our Lady of the Snows. Located at the entrance to the village, this statue is a place where mountaineers would traditionally ask for protection before their expeditions. 
• 42.735356-0.0102931 Tourist Office, Le Village, 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre, ☏ +33 5 62 92 49 10. Open 09:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00; closed Sundays and Thursdays. 

• Hiking. There are numerous hiking trails for all levels, from the easy walk to the Cirque to more strenuous treks to the Brèche de Roland or one of the nearby refuges. 
• Horseback Riding. A popular way to experience the trail to the Cirque de Gavarnie. Several operators in the village offer guided rides. 
• Skiing. In winter, the Gavarnie-Gèdre ski resort offers a range of slopes for all abilities, with stunning views of the Brèche de Roland. 
• Snowshoeing. Explore the snowy landscapes of the Pyrenees on snowshoes. Trails are marked, and equipment can be rented in the village. 
• Gavarnie Festival. An open-air theatre festival held in summer at the foot of the cirque. 

• La Boutique Artisanale. Offers a range of local products, crafts, postcards, and souvenirs related to the Pyrenees. 
• Groceries. For self-catering, there is a small grocery store in the village. For a wider selection, the Carrefour Market in the nearby town of Esquièze-Sère is a good option. 
• Altisports Pyrénées, Argelès-Gazost. If you need to rent or buy hiking or skiing equipment, there are a few sports shops in the area, such as this one which also offers rentals. 

The local cuisine is hearty and traditional, with dishes like garbure (a thick soup with meat and vegetables) and local cheeses.

• Le Cabanon. A good option for a quick and casual meal. 
• Bar du Cirque. Offers simple food and drinks with a great view. 
• Hôtellerie du Cirque. A restaurant located at the end of the main trail into the cirque, offering a rewarding meal with a spectacular backdrop. 

• Le Bar de Glace. A friendly bar in the village to relax after a day of hiking. 
• Most of the hotels and restaurants in Gavarnie also have bars where you can enjoy a drink.

Accommodation in Gavarnie ranges from simple guesthouses to more comfortable hotels. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during the peak summer and winter seasons.

• Post Office. There is a small post office in Gavarnie-Gèdre with limited opening hours. For more services, the post office in Luz-Saint-Sauveur is a better option.
• Internet. Free Wi-Fi is available at the Tourist Office. Many hotels and some cafes also offer Wi-Fi to their customers.
• Mobile Phone Reception. Mobile phone coverage can be unreliable in the mountains. The village of Gavarnie generally has decent reception, but it can be patchy or non-existent on the hiking trails.

• Luz-Saint-Sauveur — A larger town with more services, thermal baths, and a fortified church.
• Cauterets and the Pont d'Espagne — Another beautiful area in the Pyrenees National Park, known for its waterfalls and hiking trails.
• Pic du Midi de Bigorre — Take a cable car to the summit for panoramic views of the Pyrenees.
• Lourdes — A major pilgrimage town, about an hour's drive from Gavarnie.