GR10 self-guided Section 3 : From Etsaut to Cauterets

Once you have settled into your accommodation you can visit villages of Etsaut or Borce and the Maison du Parc.

The Moulette Bridge

Easy hike in shady loop up to the Moulette bridge, in the forest to discover high barns.

Walk to the col de la Coundre

A walk that lets you discover the valley of Etsaut. You will come across lovely scenery as well as relics of the past, such as old mills and barns. You arrive at the Col de la Coundre at an altitude of 1121m. Distance : 4km, duration : 2h15, altitude gain : +330m, descent : -330m. OR Distance : 6km, duration : 3h30, altitude gain : +490m, descent : -490m.

Today’s walk is challenging with 1550m altitude gain. It offers scenery of an amazing magnitude : the Chemin de la mature, the plateau of Baigt-Sencours, shepherd’s cabins and the pyramid-shaped mountain the Pic du Midi d’Ossau whose reflection shimmers in the waters of the lake, Lac Gentau. Distance : 15km, duration : 6h, altitude gain : +1700m, descent : -330m.

Setting out from the refuge at Ayous, the GR10 drops down to the village of Gabas. Today's walk is shorter and it's a chance to recuperate after yesterday's efforts (or longer variants). The distance from the lake to the village isn’t far and will take about 3h00. The village is typically Pyrenean and situated in the famous valley of Ossau, with an emblematic summit, an exceptional flora and fauna, as well as a super cheese ! Possibility of two different longer variants: via Lac Bersau or via the Col de Suzon. Distance : 10km, duration : 3h00, altitude gain : +65m, descent : -990m. OR Distance : 12,5km, duration : 4h15, altitude gain : +235m, descent : -1155m (Variant Lac Bersau). OR Distance : 20km, duration : 7h15, altitude gain : +930m, descent : -1855m (Variant Col de Suzon).

In the morning transfer from Gabas to Pont du Goua or Eaux Bonnes to shorten the hike (optional, contact us). Today’s walk is strenuous, the climb up to the Hourquette d'Arre which culminates at 2465m, this is the highest part of the GR10 in the Pyrenees Atlantiques. You descend towards the lake Anglas and continue down to the ski station, Gourette. There is a good chance that you will be able to observe some remarkable fauna such as the majestic rare vautour fauve, vultures, royal eagles, mountain isards and marmots. Late snow covering is regular on this stage : a variant enabling to avoid the high point of Hourquette d’Arre can be organized. Possibility to divide the hike in 2 by adding an extra night, please contact us. Distance : 17km, duration : 7h15, altitude gain : +1550m, descent : -1155m (Pont de Goua transfer). OR Distance : 10km, duration : 4h, altitude gain : +900m, descent : -275m (Eaux Bonnes transfer). OR Distance : 24km, duration : 8h30, altitude gain : +1845m, descent : -1465m (Snow variant).

Today’s stage of the GR10 is a transition, the trail crosses the border between the Béarn and Bigorre regions. You will be walking across high summer pastures and past shepherd's cabins to the Col de Tortes at an altitude of 1799m and on to the Col de Saucède at 1525m. You will arrive at the village of Arrens in the Val D’Azun valley, the first market town of the Bigorre region. Then you will reach the village of Estaing via the Bordères pass. Distance : 21km, duration : 7h50, altitude gain : +1200m, descent : -1490m (normal version). OR Distance : 16,5km, duration : 6h50, altitude gain : +1110m, descent : -1395m (comfort version).

Just a short walk for the last section of this part of the GR10. To Cauterets, passing by the Escala d’Ilhéou, you will no doubt have the chance to see marmottes and isards. In this high, airy mountain ambiance there are many traces of glacier erosion, lakes and moraines. Possibility of a longer variant via the Haugade Pass and the Marcadau Valley. Distance : 8km, duration : 3h, altitude gain : +75m, descent : -1100m. OR Distance : 18km, duration : 6h30, altitude gain : +515m, descent : -1530m (variant).

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.