The Gavarnie Cirque hike is truly unforgettable. This massive glacial cirque, carved out by retreating glaciers, forms a gigantic semi-circular cliff “amphitheatre” about 6 km in diameter, with a vertical drop of up to 1,500 metres. It is also home to the highest single-drop waterfall (Gavarnie Falls) in Europe (423 metres). We took a bus that passed through several small mountain villages, and after about an hour and a half, we arrived at the site.
Gavarnie Falls
2 photos
Leaflet © OpenStreetMap
422m
Waterfall height
Plan your visit to Gavarnie Falls
Please verify on the official website before you go
Why is Gavarnie Falls famous?
Gavarnie Falls is Europe's tallest waterfall and the centrepiece of the Cirque de Gavarnie, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The falls drop 422 meters from the glacier-carved limestone amphitheater, inspiring Victor Hugo to declare it one of the great spectacles of nature.
Can you swim at Gavarnie Falls?
No. The falls are fed by glacier melt in a high-altitude alpine environment; the water is extremely cold and the base is not a designated swimming area. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Are dogs allowed at Gavarnie Falls?
Dogs allowed on-leash on trails in Pyrenees National Park, but not permitted in the core protected zone. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is Gavarnie Falls free? Do you need a permit?
No entry fee to access the Cirque de Gavarnie or view the falls. Parking in the village is paid. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is there parking at Gavarnie Falls?
Large paid parking area in Gavarnie village (the trailhead), about 4 km from the falls. Parking fills quickly in summer. Please verify on the official website before you go.
How long is the hike to Gavarnie Falls?
About 8 km return (4 km each way) from Gavarnie village to the Cirque de Gavarnie base where the falls are visible. Relatively flat valley walk. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Gavarnie Falls hike difficulty
Easy. Wide, well-maintained path along a glacial valley with minimal elevation gain; suitable for most fitness levels. Can be crowded. Please verify on the official website before you go.
When is the best time to visit Gavarnie Falls?
Late spring to early summer (May–July) for maximum flow from snowmelt, though the falls flow year-round. Autumn offers fewer crowds. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Route and trail notes for Gavarnie Falls
From Gavarnie village parking, follow the main valley path south past the church and hotel. The wide trail follows the Gave de Gavarnie river upstream through meadows. Continue straight to the amphitheater base where the falls are visible dropping from the cliff. Horse-drawn carriages are also available partway along the route.
Gavarnie Falls official website
Attractions near Gavarnie Falls
- •Cirque de Gavarnie – UNESCO World Heritage amphitheater of cliffs surrounding the falls
- •Brèche de Roland – dramatic natural gap in the Pyrenees ridge, accessible via mountain trail
- •Pont d'Espagne – scenic bridge and waterfall area near Cauterets, about 30 km away
- •Troumouse Cirque – another spectacular glacial cirque, 15 km from Gavarnie
- •Vignemale – highest peak in French Pyrenees (3,298 m), visible from Gavarnie village
Safety information
Waterfalls can be unforgiving. Read these before you go — and please, use your judgement on the day.
Full safety guide →Questions & answers
No questions yet — be the first to ask.