Walking
At the Free Range Chalet we offer a wide range of Guided or Self-Guided Walking Holidays. Whether you prefer walking in the leafy woodlands or high peaks, this region of France has something for everyone.
Walking Holidays in the Pyrenees
Come and explore the Pyrenean Wilderness
Guided and Self-Guided Hiking holidays for all abilities.
At the Free Range Chalet we offer a wide range of Guided or Self-Guided Walking Holidays here in the Pyrenees. Whether you prefer walking in the leafy woodlands or high peaks, this region of France has something for everyone.
All of our Walking Holidays are based here at Villa Gracieuse - you will stay in one of our luxurious en-suite bedrooms and start each morning with a hearty breakfast. Once back at the house you’ll have time to explore Luchon, or relax in our Garden with an aperitif before a sumptuous 3 course, home cooked evening meal.
Self Guided Walking Holidays from just 395 €
For our clients who prefer to explore the mountains under their own steam, we’re happy to provide you with all of the support we can to make your trip a relaxing holiday rather than a challenge in logistics. We offer a comprehensive library of maps and literature and we’ve always believed that a little local knowledge is invaluable if the weather or your plans change from day to day. We’ll happily advise what routes we think are suitable and where the best sights and experiences are.
We’re also happy to offer minibus support, so you can start or finish some of your walks a few kilometers from our house here in luchon. As an independent hiker, you are free from the constraints of travelling within a group, and as such you can walk the trails at your own pace. You can even shorten or lengthen the routes as the day progresses and if the terrain permits.
See below for what’s included on these trips.
Guided Walking Holidays starting from 725 €
Our Guided Walking Holidays are a unique way to explore the mountain wilderness of the Midi-Pyrenees. Whether it's watching the native wildlife, learning about the indigenous flora and cultures or just hiking in the mountains your guide is more than happy to lead the way and reveal all the wonders, and we'll even research any unanswered questions.
Minibus transfers to and from all the walks are included in your package to give wider access to the Valleys, as is a Packed Lunch and our qualified Guide will show you the best spots to relax and drink in the views.
See below for what's included in our Guided packages.
We have a range of Guided Walking Holidays for you to choose from:-
Green (3-5 hours walking a day)
Combining sightseeing with leisurely walking, we stick to the gentle meadows and colourful valleys wherever possible. We discover the small mountain villages built up around their original stone built farms and hunt for markets, local produce and cafe’s to break up the walks. Typically we’ll walk for 3 - 5 hours a day and because of the regions, we’ll likely ascend around 300 - 500m.
Blue (5-7 hours walking a day)
More challenging climbs and descents will take you further into the wilderness. We run this trip predominantly on well marked paths and tracks, but we’ll ascend upto 1000 m in a day and walk for 6 - 8 hours. We’ll discover remote valleys and lakes, see the high peaks and marvel at the waterfalls and cirques.
Red (7-9 hours walking a day)
Our highest level walks where you'll ascend over 1000m per day and be walking between 7 and 9 hours.
These weeks are for the more serious walkers and often include a night or 2 in a remote mountain refuge.
You’ll venture off the beaten track and into the remotest wilderness of the central Pyrenees. Our guide will be on the look out for the rarely spotted wildlife of the high peaks such as the Vultures or mountain deer and it’s possible we’ll cross ridges, snowfields or even glacers.
Dates and prices
Whilst our Self-Guided Walking Holidays are available throughout the summer season, our week long guided walking holidays with our in-house qualified mountain guide Benoît will be ran on request this year. Due to the continuing uncertainty surrounding international travel we’re happy to organise these trips if required.
Prices start from just 725 € per person based on two people sharing one of our rooms. Walking weeks usually run from Saturday to Saturday. Please contact us to discuss shorter or longer stays.
Here's our recommended Packing List.
Holiday Inclusions
Guided Walking Holidays
En-Suite Bedroom
Welcome Briefing
Breakfast
Picnic Lunch
Afternoon Tea
Evening Meal (6 nights from 7)
5 Days Guided Walking
Check out our recent hike which followed the old Crémaillère route from Luchon to the Ski Station
Self-Guided Walking Holidays
En-suite Bedroom
Welcome Meeting
Breakfast
Afternoon Tea
Evening Meal (6 nights from 7)