Walking In The French Pyrenees: France, Spain

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

Average Review Rating: from 24 reviews.

Ruth Thomson

WALKING IN THE FRENCH PYRENEES

Written June 2011
I had a really lovely time. Ax les Thermes where we were based was a lovely little French village, the Pyrenees were stunning and the hotel quirky but fun. I accidentally booked a harder grade week than I thought and I coped really well so I felt a huge sense of achievement at the end of the week.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I think this was the day we climbed the highest mountain on the the third day. The climb was challenging but incredibly rewarding when you got to the peak. I felt really quite proud of myself.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our leader, Merv was fantastic. He really looked after our safety at all times. There was actually a wide range of ability in our group and he did a really good job of looking after everyone but also making sure we all had a great time and he was endlessly patient. I can't praise him highly enough.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Make sure you are fit enough to do this holidy for two reasons. You will enjoy it better your self and you won't hold others back.
You don't get a lot of "chill out" time because at the end of the day it is an activity holiday!! So what I would advise is that you probably need to do your shopping on the day off as there isn't a lot of time on any other day.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Some people didn't like the hotel and if I am honest it was a little "tired", the bedrooms especially. However for me the upside is the food is terrific, the rooms look out on the river Ariege, Alain the owner is a real character and the dining room and terrace area are lovely. I would definitely go back to this hotel!
Sallyanne Hutchison

WALKING IN THE FRENCH PYRENEES

Written June 2011
A fantastic expedition which delivered picture perfect vistas and scenery to take your breath away (although not through over strenuous exertion!) for compact but well planned out routes. A definite must for anyone who enjoys a day in the hills. I have made several friends as well as a camera of memories to take home with me.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Whilst coming off one of the trails on our longest day having already witnessed snow, rugged jagged mountain peaks, lakes and giddy drops of stunning beauty I spotted a family of marmot in the valley who had not heard our group approaching. I got a fantastic few precious seconds of footage into this wonderous beast I had not believed our guide did actually exist! I thought it was just a brand of outdoor clothing!
The following day was an equal when we were priviliged to witness a variety of birds of prey in their natural habitat.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader had a perfect balance of humour, sincerity and understanding of the differing needs of the group to make the whole experience a pleasue. He was professional in his approach and nothing was too much trouble. He made the right decisions based on sound weather watching and obvious careful pre-planning of all the routes we achieved. He had lots of local knowledge on wildlife and botany to throw in some education onto the treks!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
I think a reasonable level of fitness and well worn in boots is a must. The days are not arduous or lengthy but they do involve heights to over 3000m and some experience out on the larger mountainous ranges in the UK in the preceding months would not go amiss. I had not been on anything similar in the past and was initially a little nervous joining a large group but the solo-trip option made the whole experience a fabulous shared adventure with similar minded travellers and similar outlooks. Everyone pitched in and had something to add to the ambience, and made the trip a memorable experience for all.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
There are 5 days walking on this 8 day trip and the free day was made much more exciting by a well thought out handout issued on the first night of the trip. It out-lined all the local activities available. With some careful planning and discussions with your fellow travellers, the best use of this day can be planned ahead and travel shared between a few of you if some of the more adventurous activities appeal such as canyoning or caving. On the other hand, a leisurely stroll into the beautiful village of Ax Le Thermes is a must, even if just to savour the local patisserie produce or soothe your feet in the natural hotspring foot-bath in the square. On the last night we were fortunate also to experience the local festival; couldn't have been better timing!
Jillian Davis

WALKING IN THE FRENCH PYRENEES

Written November 2010
A holiday with enough challenge to feel I've had a lot of exercise and fresh air, but also a wonderful relaxing holiday with a group of like-minded people.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Going on a holiday in autumn to catch the last of the summer sun and ending up having 6 fun days walking in snow!
What did you think of your group leader?
Knowledgable about all aspects of the local area - history, geology, wildlife, people, environment.
Varied sporting experiences as well as walking giving ideas for future holidays but without doing any sales ads.
Made a genuine effort to get to know the group as individuals.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
A great holiday for a good 'chill out', walking suited to anyone who enjoys a challenge but who is still 'on holiday' rather than trying to attain a PB! Wonderful scenary, taste of real French environment. Friendly hotel, excellent food and care.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Travelling on your own is no problem as like minded people gravitate together and share experiences.
Alan Walker

WALKING IN THE FRENCH PYRENEES

Written July 2010
Excellent July holiday. James and Cathy couldn't do enough to help us enjoy the holiday and, although each day seemed to end with a storm it didn't seem to matter as we were still enjoying ourselves.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The Pyrenees were beautiful in July, with lots of flowers still out. We had a great group. One person in particular couldn't stop laughing. She'd fall in the mud and start giggling. We'd be caught in a painful hail storm and she'd start laughing. That seemed to make everyone else laugh as well.
What did you think of your group leader?
Excellent.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Walking poles are a big help. Used in pairs they helped balance and reduced knee strain on the decents.
Michael Brotherton

WALKING IN THE FRENCH PYRENEES

Written November 2009
An amazing trip - outstanding leader, great company and five of the best walks I've done in wonderful mountain countryside.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The views from Entecada peak to the glaciers, over lunch.
The amazing amphitheatre-like stop-off with many small waterfalls cascading into the nearby stream.
Eating snails with our final group meal.
What did you think of your group leader?
John was brilliant - very chatty, funny, and knew the area very well.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If you like walking, then do this trip!
Exodus Response
Please note that some of the reviews refer to previous years when this trip was based in La Feniere (TWC, CEW, CEP).
- Exodus Staff
Harriet Woodcock

WALKING IN THE FRENCH PYRENEES

Written October 2009
Excellent location, company and walks. I liked the feeling that we were discovering the pyrenees for ourselves as we hardly met any other walkers at all. Merv was a great guide.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Watching griffin vultures swoop on a carcus
walking through carpets of autumn crocuses
listening to the deer rutting at night
Getting to the top and back down again of so many hills- sorry mountains
What did you think of your group leader?
Excellent, knoweledge very comprehensive and found some fantastic walks
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Talk a variety of clothing as the range of temperatures is quite big (in September)
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Fab holiday, went far to quickly
Exodus Response
Please note that some of the reviews refer to previous years when this trip was based in La Feniere (CEW, CEP, TWC).
- Exodus Staff
Hannah Northridge

WALKING IN THE FRENCH PYRENEES

Written August 2009
A very good holiday; good mountains, good views, good plants, and Louchon was interesting.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Being at the top on Saufgarde
What did you think of your group leader?
Very knowledgeable, friendly, considerate, good ability to communicate.