GR10 HIGH PYRENEES 1 VAL D'AZUN - GAVARNIE
Two fabulous weeks on the GR10 (and a few excellent detours) in the Hautes Pyrenees. Marcadau, Cauterets, Gavarnie and the Néouvielle Lakes
Enjoy exploring the stunning a the central portion of the French trans-Pyrenean long distance hiking trail, the GR10. From Arrens Marsous, to the Neouvielle Nature Reserve through Cauterets, Gavarnie and Luz St Sauveur. 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.
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 so you know what you are looking at as you walk 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
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.
Day 2
A good warm up day from Arrens to the Lac d'Estaing. Or alternative route from Argeles Gazost. 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
Steep ascent from Lac d'Estaing to the Ilhéou Refuge, the smallest in the Pyrénées, perched above the Cauterets ski station and next to the lake of the same name. Good cake !
Day 4
A day in the heights, over passes, past lakes, down through the Marcadau Valley to the Refuge Clot. The diversion from the GR10 is well worth it. Early season route possible if there is snow.
Day 5
Today depends on the time in the season. Excellent early and later season options here using either of the GR10 variants, both with options to take in a peak.
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.
Day 6
Today is the approach walk to the natural wonder that is the Gavarnie Cirque, either from Luz St Sauveur, or down through the Ossoue Valley. Both walks have great views and traverse through high pastoral landscapes.
Day 8
Departure from Gavarnie village by bus to Lourdes or taxi, depending on your onward transport.