La Brèche de Roland is the walk to do in Gavarnie. It's high, and involves crossing a glacier, which means being properly equipped with ice axe and crampons. It is, however, extremely popular in summer, so there's a good chance of being able to team up with someone more experienced.There are three approaches to the brèche, all converging on the Refuge des Sarradets/Brèche de Roland (tel 05.62.92.40.41; open May–Sept, weekends in Oct); or contact the CRS in Gavarnie (tel 05.62.92.48.24) for reservations at the refuge, which are always necessary in high season. The easiest route is up the road to the Port de Gavarnie/Col de Boucharo, where a clear path climbs under the north face of Le Taillon to join the footpath coming directly from Gavarnie (1hr). The latter path starts beside the church, climbs steadily up the valley of Pouey Aspé, then zigzags steeply up to join the Port de Gavarnie path (2hr 45min). From the junction of these two paths, it's less than an hour to the refuge. The third and trickiest route (4hr 30min–5hr from Gavarnie to the hut) is via the Échelle des Sarradets section of the HRP path. The brèche is about forty minutes above the refuge, with the glacier crossing occupying the final moments.
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