GR10 HIGH PYRENEES 1 : VAL D'AZUN - GAVARNIE
Two fabulous weeks on the GR10 (including a few excellent detours) through the Hautes Pyrenees. Marcadau, Cauterets, Gavarnie and the Néouvielle Lakes
Enjoy exploring the stunning the central portion of the French trans-Pyrenean long distance hiking trail, the GR10. Starting in the Val d'Azun (the Pyrenean Garden of Eden) you make your way through pastoral and high mountain landscapes, taking in the major sites of the Central French Pyrenees, and finishing in the Neouvielle Nature Reserve. Discover the majestic landscapes and rich biodiversity of the Pyrenees National Park. Enjoy an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Pyrenees.
Tour details
An incredible hiking holiday along the GR10. Our aim is to provide you with everything you need for a rewarding and manageable trek - stages that have been well tested by us, not super fit 25 year old aspiring mountain guides ! You'll be emersed in breathtaking scenery, enjoy some challenging ascents, and come across a remarkable variety of Pyrenean flora and fauna. Accommodation in gite d'étapes and high mountain refuges providing everything you need to eat and sleep well and allowing you to walk with a light pack. We drop you at the start and provide all the logistical support you need.
Budget
950€ per person
This price includes:
- Seven nights full board accommodation in gites and refuges.
- Luggage storage for extras you don't need while trekking.
- Marked maps and walk notes for each day (a bit of history, geography and geology so you understand a bit more about what you are walking through)
- GPS tracks on your smartphone
- General and emergency assistance during your trek
- Transport to the start of your trek, or back from the end depending on which week you are doing. Full briefing from us at the start to make sure you are ready to go.
Itinerary Week 1
Day 1
Collection in Lourdes and transfer to your accommodation in either Arrens Marsous or Argeles Gazost depending on option chosen. Full briefing about the trek ahead, weather and snow updates if you are early in the season. Set up with GPS tracking app.
Day 2
A good warm up day from Arrens to Estaing through lovely forest at the top of the valley. Or alternative route up from from Argeles Gazost through the Val d'Azun and some of its villages. It's an excellent first day to take in the joys of the Val d'Azun in the Pyrenean foothills before heading to higher ground.
Day 3
After a lovely early passage via the Estaing Lake you have a steep ascent through a pastoral valley to the Ilhéou Refuge, the smallest in the Pyrénées with only 22 beds in one big room. Perched above the Cauterets ski station and next to the lake of the same name it has good food and a homey atmosphere. You'll enjoy the cake for afternoon tea after the climb !
Day 4
A day in the heights, over passes, past lakes and down through the Marcadau Valley to the Refuge Clot, set in an idyllic location on the plateau of the same name. The Scots pines, herds of isard and ibex that sometimes descend for the night to graze, and the meandering river all add to the charm. The diversion from the GR10 is well worth it. Early season alternative route possible if there is still snow around the high lakes.
Day 5
Today depends on the time in the season. The early season option will take you down to Cauterets for the night, with a diversion up to the Lac de Gaube. Later in the season you can head high to the Bayssellance Refuge (the highest in the Pyrenees at 2600m) and take in the Petit Vignemale (3032m).
Day 7
Again, there are options for today, but it's all about Gavarnie, however you make your way around it. This is the most visited site in the Pyrenees and for good reason. We keep you off the main track and emersed in the natural beauty, either on the GR10 which has great views into the cirque, or with a day walk around the cirque itself. Night in Luz St Sauveur or Gavarnie.
Day 6
The early season option takes you over the Col de Riou between Cauterets and Luz. Spectacular views guaranteed and lovely forest on both sides of the mountain. The late season option takes you down through the Ossoue Valley to Gavarnie, traversing through high pastoral landscapes.
Day 8
Departure from Luz St Sauveur or Gavarnie village by bus to Lourdes or taxi, depending on the timing of your connecting transport. If you'd like to add a day's walking there are plenty of options to do that and take a later bus or taxi. Just ask and we'll add another day walking for you.