GR10 self-guided Section 7 : From Merens to Vernet les Bains
7 days
6 nights
6 days of activities
Easy Moderate
Self-guided
17PGR7LF
from 595 €
From Mérens, the high mountains open up and offer a wonderful section of the GR10, with a walk that leads to the Refuge of Bésines, altitude 2104m. Another highlight is the part of the trail that takes you past the Bouillouses lake, famous for its natural beauty, it's situated at 2020m altitude in the Carlit Massif, it is an absolute gem to discover. Crossing the high plateau of the Capcir towards the Pays de Conflent you will enjoy a feast of wonderful views. You will discover some lovely mountain villages, the gorge of Caranca and the natural reserve called Mantet and Py before arriving at Vernet-les-Bains.
Dates and prices
Departures
Every day from the 20th of June to the end of September. According to availabilities, booking from 2 people (solo traveller, consult us).
Consult us for group discounts.
Price per person (From 20/06/2020 to 30/09/2020) : 595€
Extras/Discounts :
- Comfort version : 4 nights in rooms : 45 €/pers.
- Extra night in half board shared dormitory in Mérens : 40€/pers
- Extra night in half board double room in Mérens : 50€/pers
- Discount Baroudeurs : no luggage transfer : 200 €/booking
The price includes
- Half-board accommodation
- Luggage transfers except 2 nights in refuges days 1 & 4
- Transfer day 7
- Dossier containing maps, route notes (1 for 4 persons, given in 1st accommodation)
- GPS tracks if you ask us
The price does not include
-Holiday and travel insurance
-10€ booking fees
-Showers in the mountain huts
-Additional transfers
-Entrance fees, additional activities
-Drinks and picnics
Day 1 : From Mérens to Bésines refuge
Rendez-vous at 9 AM at Mérens railway station. From Mérens, the GR10 leaves Haut-Ariège and approaches the Capcir region. This is a classic Pyrenean walk. You pass through a deep valley, then cross a col to arrive at the refuge of Bésines. Distance : 9km, duration : 4h15, altitude gain : +1305m, descent : -260m.
Day 2 : From Bésines refuge to Les Bouillouses
From the refuge of Bésines, the trail crosses the col called the Coume d’Anyell before dropping down to the Lanoux lagoon, the biggest in the French Pyrenees, at the base of the Carlit mountain is situated the lake of Bouillouses. Distance : 16km, duration : 5h45, altitude gain : +695m, descent : -750m.
Day 3 : From Les Bouillouses to Planès
Descent to the lake of Bouillouses, a little paradise for walkers. You continue on to Planes, a lovely walk that takes you through the forests of Barrès and Bolquère. There is a passage via the Col de la Perche and the village of Cabanasse with a variant possible to the old fort of Mont-Louis. Distance : 20km, duration : 6h30, altitude gain : +230m, descent : -745m.
Day 4 : From Planès to the Carança refuge
Day 5 : From Carança refuge to Py
Today, you will walk from the refuge of the Caranca to the hamlet of Py. The GR10 crosses the reserve natural of Mantet and then the reserve of Py. There is a passage across the Col del Pal (2294m), with a wonderful panorama and after the Alemany valley and reserve, you will join the village of Py, where you spend the night. Distance : 16km, duration : 6h30, altitude gain : +860m, descent : -1665m.
Day 6 : From Py to Vernet les Bains
The itinerary will lead you to the very foot of the massif of the Canigou mountain. This summit is nicknamed the Catalan Fujiyama Catalan. You will pass along the way the medieval look-out tower at Goa from where you can enjoy a 360° point of view. Then, quick descent through the woods to reach Vernet. Distance : 9,5km, duration : 3h30, altitude gain : +510m, descent : -870m.
Day 7 : End of the walk in Vernet
After the breakfast and after a short transfer to Villefranche de Conflent (to the railway station).
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 9 AM in Merens les Vals railway station (09).
Dispersion
Day 7 in Vernet-les-Bains (66), after your breakfast.
Level
Nature of the walk
Sportive. Walks on mostly waymarked paths, but some technical difficulties are possible. The walks are on good footpaths and trails, the terrain is varied but often rocky. You need to be used to walking and take regular exercise to enjoy this holiday.
Level 3/5
You need to be used to walking and take regular exercise to enjoy this holiday.
Accommodation
Accommodation
Half board:
2 nights in shared dormitory in mountain refuge on days 1 and 4
2 nights in shared dormitory in gites on days 3 and 5
1 night in a mountain hotel in a double room on day 2
1 night in a hotel in a double room on day 6
COMFORT VERSION : according to availabilities
2 nights in gites in double rooms on days 3 and 5
1 night in a mountain hotel in a double room on day 2
1 night in a hotel in a double room on day 6
2 nights in a mountain refuges in shared dormitory on days 1 and 4
For nights in dormitory, bring a sack sheet (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 sack only, with your water bottle, camera, picnic and gortex jacket. Our bag-moving service means you can travel light during your walks, except for the nights in refuges, D1 and D4, where you have to carry your personal belongings necessary for the night (eg. lightweight sleeping bag or liner, change of clothes, toiletries). Your main luggage - will be transported by vehicle between the different night stops, which you will have nights 2, 3, 5 and 6. Unless you have chosen the reduced luggage transfer fee, in this case you must carry your luggage from one stopover to the next.
Guide
Self-guided walking, without guide.
