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GR10 self-guided Section 4 : From Cauterets to Luchon
7 days
6 nights
6 days of activities
Moderate
Self-guided
17PGR4LF
from 495 €
This section of the GR10 takes you to the heart of the Pyrenees. It crosses the Pyrenees from Cauterets to Bagnères-de-Luchon and can be described in two parts.
The first part of the itinerary takes place in Pays Toy. The word ‘Toy', formerly Thôys, means : child or small and refers to the youthfulness of the villages. From Cauterets to Barèges, via the high valley of Luz-Saint-Sauveur and the col de Riou, where there is a splendid panoramic view, you will visit villages renowned for the benefits of their thermal waters.
In the second part, from Barèges to Bagnères-de-Luchon, the itinerary makes its way through a succession of lakes, mountain passes, at more than 2000m altitude, and mountain villages. You will cross the Natural Reserve in Néouvielle and its remarkable glaciar lakes, before reaching the villages of Saint-Lary-Soulan and Germ, the famous Espingo lake refuge and finally Bagnères-de-Luchon, the « belle of the Pyrenees ».
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 |
690€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 3 persons |
620€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 4 persons |
590€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 5 persons |
570€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 6 persons |
555€ |
Prices without luggage transfer :
|
Price per person for a group of 2 persons |
530€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 3 persons |
515€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 4 persons |
505€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 5 persons |
500€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 6 persons |
495€ |
Extras :
- Comfort version (5 nights in room) : 125€/pers.
- Extra for a single room : 140€/pers
- Transfer from Luchon to Cauterets on a week day : 245€
- Transfer from Luchon to Cauterets on Sundays and public holidays : 300€
- Extra night in Cauterets half board double room : 55€/pers
- Extra night in Cauterets half board single room : 65€/pers
- Extra night in Cauterets half board shared dormitory : 50€/pers
- Extra night in Luchon half board double room : 70€/pers
- Extra night in Luchon half board single room : 90€/pers
The price includes
- Half-board accommodation
- Transfers days 4 and 6
- Luggage transport (depending on the option chosen) except for 2 nights in refuges on days 4 and 6 (normal version)
- Luggage transport (depending on the option chosen) except for 1 night in a refuge on day 6 (comfort version)
- Dossier containing maps, route notes (1 for 4 persons) sent at your first 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 Cauterets
This week’s walking starts at
Cauterets. Situated at 950m altitude, Cauterets has an authentic,
Pyrenean mountain charm and is well known for its thermal spas.
Time to discover and enjoy the town.
The Turon des Oules and the plateau du Lisey
Possibility of doing a forest walk in the direction of Turon des
Oules 1380m, this is a high altitude thermal station with old
hotels that date from the turn of the last century, it’s possible
to continue to the Plateau du Lisey (add on 30mins).
The Gaube lake from the pont d’Espagne
From Cauterets, take the shuttle from the pont d’Espagne and hike
to the magnificent Gaube lake. Distance :
12km, duration : around 3h45, altitude gain : +785m, descent :
-785m (Turon des Oules and Plateau du Lisey). OR Distance :
5km, duration : around 1h45, altitude gain : +300m, descent : -300m
(Gaube lake).
Day 2 : from Cauterets to Luz Saint Sauveur
From Cauterets, the walk will lead you to Luz-Saint-Sauveur, another well known thermal spa spot. You will pass the col de Riou, that separates the valley of Cauterets and the valley of Luz. From the col the panorama is immense there are views across the valley of Barèges, Néouvielle massif, the cirque of Troumouse and at your feet you have Luz Ardiden ski station. Distance : 19km, duration : 7h30, altitude gain : +1100m, descent : -1300m (normal version). OU Distance : 22km, duration : 8h15, altitude gain : +1190m, descent : -1410m (comfort version).
Day 3 : from Luz Saint Sauveur to Barèges
The GR10 path climbs to the Couret d'Ousset summer pastures,
then through the woods to the Gué de Bolou, culminating at 1460m,
before descending to Barèges, via the Pla dets Plaas and then the
Lumière and Artiguète flats. Today's walk will allow you to
discover the flora and fauna of the Pyrenees, such as the mountain
izards and the playful marmots. The valley of light, ‘vallée
lumière’ is a real joy for walkers. Distance : 12km, duration
: 5h00, altitude gain : +990m, descent : -470m (normal version).
OU Distance : 15km, duration : 5h45, altitude gain : +1010m,
descent : -495m (comfort version).
Day 4 : from Tournaboup to lac de l'Oule
Short transfer to the parking de Tournaboup
(can be avoided, consult us). From Tournaboup, you will start
an ascent to the Col de Madamète via the beautiful Aygues Cluses
valley and its lakes. After crossing the pass, you will enter the
splendid Néouvielle Nature Reserve, where you can admire the
enchanting landscapes. The walk ends with the lakes of Aumar,
Aubert, the Estoudou pass and finally the lake of Oule. For the
comfort version, the walk ends at Lake
Orédon. Distance : 18km, duration : 7h30, altitude
gain : +1210m, descent : -840m (normal version with arrival at Lac
de l'Oule). OU Distance : 15,5km, duration : 6h, altitude gain
: +1065m, descent : -680m. (comfort version with arrival at Lac
d’Oredon).
Day 5 : from Lac de l'Oule to Vielle Aure
From the Oule refuge, you follow the lake and
climb up to the Col de Portet, culminating at 2215m. From the col,
the trail passes via the ski resort of Saint Lary. It makes its way
across high altitude pastures before descending to the village of
Vieille-Aure and the site of its manganese mine near
Saint-Lary-Soulan. Longer itinerary for the comfort version from
Lake Orédon (possibility to organize a transfer without supplement
to shorten the walk, contact
us). Distance : 17,5km, duration : 6h45, altitude
gain : +515m, descent : -1520m (normal version with departure from
Lac de l'Oule). OU Distance : 20km, duration : 8h00, altitude
gain : +875m, descent : -1905m (normal version with departure from
Lac d’Oredon).
Day 6 : from Germ to the Espingo refuge
In the morning, transfer to Germ (It is
possible to include the walk from St Lary to Germ in the tour,
adding a night in Germ : Contact us). From Germ you can enjoy
some superb views over the French/Spanish summits. The mountain
lifestyle and agricultural traditions reign in this area. From the
village, the GR crosses the Pas de Couret at an altitude of 2131m,
this passage takes you into the “Luchonnais” (area of Bagnères de
Luchon). The ascension towards Espingo lake, through the Granges
d’Astau and the Lac d’Oo, is a pure wonder. Possibility to
divide this long stage in 2 by adding an extra night, please
contact us. Distance : 17km, duration : 8h00, altitude
gain : +1680m, descent : -1065m.
Day 7 : from the Espingo Refuge to Luchon
The walk to Luchon will plunge you into a high mountain decor. You will traverse the Hourquette des Hounts at a high altitude of 2275m, before crossing the mountain pass, the Col de la Coume de Bourg at 2272m. From here you can choose to do the variant that is off the GR10, the ascension of the Pic de Céciré. This magnificent summit offers stunning views in the direction of Maladetta massif and the Spigeoles that will capture your regard. The descent towards Luchon passes by the ski resort of Superbagnères. In July and August, it is possible to take the cable car of the ski resort to avoid a long descent (not included in the price).Distance : 19,5km, duration : around 7h40, altitude gain : +645m, descent : -1970m.
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 accommodation in Cauterets (65), according to your time of arrival.
Dispersion
Day 7 in Luchon, after your walk.
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
2 nights in a shared dormitory in mountain refuges on days 4 and 6. Bring a sleeping bag liner (blankets provided)
3 nights in a shared dormitory in gite on days 1, 2 and 3. Bring a sleeping bag liner (blankets provided)
1 night in a room, in a guest house, on day 5
COMFORT VERSION (with extra price) :
1 night in room in gite on day 1
1 night in room in hotel** on day 2
1 night in room in hotel*** on day 3
1 night in room in a chalet/mountain hotel on day 4
1 night in a guest house on day 5
1 night in shared dormitory in mountain refuge on day 6. 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. 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.