Gavarnie Cirque, Natural amphitheater in Hautes-Pyrénées, France
The Gavarnie Cirque features steep rock walls rising 1,500 meters above the cirque floor, with a width of 800 meters at its base and 3,000 meters at its summit.
The formation of this colossal geological structure began fifty million years ago through continuous cycles of fluvial and glacial erosion in the Pyrenees mountain range.
Victor Hugo's description of Gavarnie as the Colosseum of nature has influenced its recognition as a significant natural monument in French literature and tourism.
Visitors can reach the cirque through a moderate hiking trail from Gavarnie village, with options for horse or donkey rides available during the summer season.
The Gavarnie Falls, dropping 422 meters in multiple cascades, stands as the highest waterfall in continental France and creates numerous smaller waterfalls during spring melting.
Location: Hautes-Pyrénées
Accessibility: Wheelchair limited access
Address: 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre, France 65120 Gavarnie-Gèdre
Phone: +33562924910
Website: https://valleesdegavarnie.com/hiver
GPS coordinates: 42.69500,-0.00889
Latest update: July 25, 2025 22:28
France features a notable variety of protected natural areas, showcasing the country’s geological and ecological richness. From Lake Allos in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence to the underground rivers of Padirac in Dordogne, from the mountain ranges of Savoy to the limestone formations of the Ardèche gorges, each region displays landscapes shaped over millennia of natural evolution. This collection gathers sites where nature is expressed freely: primary forests, karst systems, high-altitude lakes, moving dunes of the Atlantic coast, and rock formations carved by erosion. These areas provide diverse ecosystems, home to species adapted to different environments, from Alpine flora and fauna to dune communities and underground cave biodiversity. Each natural site in this selection serves as an open-air laboratory where geological processes, ecosystem dynamics, and living adaptation to local conditions can be observed. These sites invite discovery of authentic landscapes, removed from human impact, where geological time is evident in every rock formation and glacier valley.
France presents diverse landscapes in winter, from Alps to Mediterranean coast. Cities display historical architecture under snow, while mountain regions offer ski areas and alpine views. Coastal areas and historical sites remain accessible during cold months.
France offers motorcyclists a diverse landscape, from Alpine peaks to Mediterranean coasts, including wine regions. The country is suitable for all riding styles, with demanding mountain roads, winding coastal routes, and rural paths. Key routes include the Col de la Bonette, reaching 2802 meters and connecting Ubaye to Tinée over 26 kilometers. The Gorges du Verdon feature 21 kilometers of rock-carved road, passing through tunnels and 700-meter-high cliffs. The Routes of the Great Alps cross 16 passes over 684 kilometers between Lake Geneva and the Mediterranean, with a total ascent of 15,700 meters. Mount Ventoux, accessible via three routes and standing at 1912 meters, passes through lavender fields and vineyards in Provence. Regions display striking contrasts: Corsica alternates between cliff roads and pine forests, the French Riviera combines coast and mountainous hinterland, and Dordogne winds between limestone cliffs and medieval villages. Lake Annecy connects water bodies with forested mountain passes. These routes feature technical curves, varied landscapes, and cultural sites.
Monte Perdido
4.1 km
La Brèche de Roland
2.1 km
Gavarnie Falls
409 m
Monte Perdido Massif
4.2 km
Pico Marboré
1.7 km
Pic du Taillon
3.5 km
Cilindro de Marboré
2.9 km
El Casco
1.7 km
Grotto of Casteret
2.2 km
Grand Astazou
2.8 km
Église Notre-Dame-du-Bon-Port, Gavarnie
4.2 km
Taillon Glacier
2.5 km
Petit Astazou
2.1 km
Pico Central de la Cascada
1.3 km
Gabiétous Glacier
3.9 km
Circo de Cotatuero
4.5 km
Punta Escaleras
4.1 km
Cascade Glacier
1.2 km
Picos de la Cascada Oriental
1.5 km
Pointe Bazillac
2.5 km
Glacier du Col de la Cascade
1.2 km
Pico Occidental de la Cascada
1.3 km
Faja de las Flores
5.4 km
Ouest du Marboré Glacier
1.5 km
Pitón SW del Cilindro
2.9 km
Épaule Glacier
1.1 km
Baudrimont NW
5.1 km
Dedo del Monte Perdido
3.7 kmReviews
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