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GR10 self-guided Section 5 : From Luchon to Aulus les Bains

7 days

6 nights

6 days of activities

Moderate

Self-guided

17PGR5LF

from 565 €

From Luchon to Aulus-les-bains, the GR10 follows ancient passages that were used as a means of communication between the deep valleys. Here, the itinerary follows a rural and forestry trail around the Piemont villages of Artigue and Melles-en-Comminges and the hamlets of Eylie, Bouche, Aunac and Bidous before rejoining another thermal station, Aulus-les-bains.

 

The walk between Comminges and Couserans will take you through some remarkable flora : Gispet (widespread grass that gets slippery when wet and thrives on high altitude terrain), rhododendron flowers, blueberries and majestic beach trees that share the forest with fir trees.

 

In Couserans you discover more traces of the past when the trail takes you to various ‘jasses', (an area where the shepherds would gather their sheep near to the river), old shepherd's cabins and cairns, all signs of an ancient presence.


Dates and prices

Departures

Every days from the middle of June to the end of September.

Booking from 2 people (solitary traveller: consult us).

 

From 15/06/2023 to 30/09/2023 :

 

Prices with luggage transfer :

 

Price per person for a group of 2 persons

760€

Price per person for a group of 3 persons

695€

Price per person for a group of 4 persons

655€

Price per person for a group of 5 persons

630€

Price per person for a group of 6 persons

615€

 

Prices without luggage transfer :

 

Price per person for a group of 2 persons

625€

Price per person for a group of 3 persons

595€

Price per person for a group of 4 persons

580€

Price per person for a group of 5 persons

570€

Price per person for a group of 6 persons

565€

 

Extras :

- Comfort Version (4 nights in room) : 45€/pers.
- Extra for a single room : 120€/pers
- Transfer back from Aulus les Bains to Luchon on a weekday: 170€/transfer
- Transfer back from Aulus les Bains to Luchon on a Sundays and public holidays: 190€/transfer
- Extra night in Luchon half board double room : 70€/pers
- Extra night in Luchon half board single room : 90€/pers
- Extra night in Aulus half board double room : 65€/pers
- Extra night in Aulus half board single room : 95€/pers
- Extra night in Aulus half board shared dormitory : 55€/pers


The price includes

- Half board accommodation

- Transfers on days 2, 3 and 7

- Luggage transport depending on the option chosen except for the 1 night in a refuge on day 3

- Dossier containing maps, route notes (1 for 4 persons, given in 1st accommodation)

- GPS tracks if you ask us + access to the detailed itinerary on the Mhikes GPS mobile application


The price does not include

-Holiday and travel insurance
-15€ for booking fees
-Showers in the mountain huts
-Additional transfers
-Entrance fees, additional activities
-Drinks and picnics

Day 1 : Start of holiday in Luchon

Your holiday starts at your accommodation in Luchon, you may decide to visit the thermal baths with the famous Allées d’Etigny.
The village of Cazarilh and Luchon valley
Walk in the surrounding countryside to the village of Cazaril-Laspènes, a village with a remarquable church and architecture. Opportunity to walk to the hamlet of Trébons, then Saccourvielle before returning to Luchon.
Ascent of the pic de Céciré
From Superbagnères, reach the summit of the famous peak of Céciré (2403m), lookout on the 3000 of Luchonnais, and the summits of the border: offer yourself a view on the Maladeta and the massif of Aneto during this very pleasant walk. Distance : 9km, duration : around 3h, altitude gain : +465m, descent : -465m. OR Distance : 13,5km, duration : around 5h, altitude gain : +775m, descent : -775m.

Day 2 : from Artigue to Fos

Short transfer to Artigue. (It is possible to include the walk Luchon-Artigue in the tour, adding a night in Artigue : Contact us). From Artigue village, you cross a high col called the col de la Peyrahitta at an altitude of 1947m. Just after the col, if you are feeling up to it, you have the chance to climb the Pic de Bacanère, 2193m, this is a good variant and links up with the lake of Dessus. After having crossed Cigalères ridge (2093m) you pass one cabin after another before arriving at the village of Fos at an altitude of 544m. Distance : 20km, duration : around 7h45, altitude gain : +1000m, descent : -1675m.

Day 3 : from Labach de Melles to Araing lake

Short transfer to Labach de Melles (can be avoided, consult us). At Labach de Melles, at an altitude of 980m, the GR10 approaches the first foothills of the Ariège mountains. From the Col d’Auéran the GR10 heads to the Etang d’Araing, you can enjoy the large, open, wild spaces and airy views that are famed in this county. In good weather, it is possible to climb the Crabère (2629m). Superb panoramic view at the top, especially of the Maladeta massif. Distance : 9km, duration : around 4h30, altitude gain : +1285m, descent : -315m. OR Distance : 12,5km, duration : around 6h45, altitude gain : +1660m, descent : -690m (Crabère variant)

Day 4 : from Araing lake to Eylie

This section links Etang d'Araing to Eylie d'en Haut. It crosses the first part of Ariège by passing through a series of small mountain villages, the architecture and ambience are not to be missed. This stage being very short, it is possible to climb the Pic de l'Har (2424m), a remarkable viewpoint on the high peaks of the Couserans and the Pyrenean foothills. Distance : 8km, duration : around 4h15, altitude gain : +430m, descent : -1375m. OR Distance : 10km, duration : around 5h30, altitude gain : +580m, descent : -1525m (Pic de l’Har variant).

Day 5 : from Eylie to Maison du Valier

Starting from Eylie, this first sporting stage in the heart of the Couserans crosses the wild spaces typical of this part of the Pyrenees: beech forests, summer pastures, shepherds' huts, etc. As you reach the Arech and Clot du Lac passes, you will enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, rising above deep valleys. You will then reach the Pla de la Lau and the Maison du Valier. Distance : 18km, duration : around 8h30, altitude gain : +1600m, descent : -1650m.

Day 6 : from Maison du Valier to Aunac

Second sportive stage on paths often in balcony, between high mountain and piedmont of Couserans. You will leave behind you the Mont Valier massif, the emblematic summit of the Couserans, while enjoying superb views of the latter as well as of the other high peaks of the area. The charming little pond of Ayes will also brighten up the route. You will then reach the Col de la Core to switch to the valley leading to Aunac. Long and difficult stage, possibility of organizing a transfer in the morning to shorten it (with extra cost, consult us). Distance : 22,5km, duration : around 8h30, altitude gain : +1400m, descent : -1600m.

Day 7 : from St Lizier d'Ustou to Aulus les bains

In the morning, transfer to Saint Lizier d'Ustou (It is also possible for you to do this section walking, adding a night in St Lizier d'Ustou, consult us). From the pretty hamlet of St Lizier d'Ustou, nestled in the heart of a very green valley, you reach the Escots pass. From the latter, there is a beautiful view of the last high peaks of the Couserans. Then you will head towards the spa village of Aulus les Bains via the Casérien cirque and the pretty Fouillet waterfall. A possible detour via Guzet and the Ars waterfall will allow you to admire one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Pyrenees. Distance : 15 km, duration : around 6h30, altitude gain : +1100m, descent : -1100m


This programme is an example of the itinerary we aim to adhere to. It may be necessary, if situations arise that are beyond our control, for the itinerary to be modified.

Welcome

Day 1 at your accomodation in Luchon (31), according to your time of arrival.


Dispersion

Day 7 in Saint-Girons (09) bus station around 16h45 after your transfer.


Level

Level 4/5
Trained hiker, in good physical condition with a experience of mountain hiking. Hiking of 7h-8h per day on average, altitude difference of 1000m-1300m on average, on accessible trails but also in rough terrain, with some small technical difficulties. The walking times mentioned are given as an indication, they are average times that only take into account the duration of the actual walking without counting the break times. Depending on the weather conditions, the walking pace can also vary, ranging from +300m to +500m of climb per hour. 


Accommodation

Half board
1 night in a shared dormitory in mountain refuge on day 3. Bring a sleeping bag liner (blankets provided)
5 nights in a shared dormitory in gite on days 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6. Bring a sleeping bag liner (blankets provided)
1 night in room in hotel** on day 1 

 

COMFORT VERSION (with extra cost) :
1 night in room in hotel** on day 1
3 nights in room in gite on days 2, 5 and 6.
1 nights in shared dormitory in gites on day 4. Bring a sleeping bag liner (blankets provided).
1 night in shared dormitory in mountain refuge on day 3. Bring a sleeping bag liner (blankets provided)

 

Food
- Continental breakfast (tea, coffee, milk, butter, jam) 
- Evening meals in gites, often based on local specialities, include a starter, a main course and a dessert. 
- Pic-nics and drinks not included.      


Carrying luggage

You will need to carry a day backpack only. Our bag-moving service means you can travel light during your walks (except for the night in mountain shelters, D3, where you have to carry your necessary personal belongings for the night, including a lightweight sleeping bag or liner, change of clothes, toiletries). Your main luggage (that should please be easily transportable) will be transported by vehicle between the different night stops, unless you have chosen the version without luggage transport.


Guide

Self-guided walking, without guide.