Travel, experience, conserve with
Walks Worldwide Jump to main menu

Discover the beauty of the French Pyrenees on this stunning section of the GR10, which is particularly beautiful and hilly. This is the perfect trip for those who are physically fit and want to explore dramatic Pyrenean scenery.

  • Daily walks through scenic mountain grandeur of the Pyrenees
  • One of Europe’s most challenging walks
  • One of the classic walks of Europe
  • Walk through lush green valleys, high peaks & rolling vineyards

Explore the Pyrenees on foot, and experience incredible views and superb wild mountain scenery that will give you a real sense of the true Pyrenean environment.

Whilst the walks are on good footpaths and trails, the terrain is varied and sometimes quite rocky. The walks are constantly ascending and descending and take around five to seven hours per day.

Your week starts at Cauterets, an authentic and charming town known for its thermal spas. The route then takes you past the Col de Riou to Luz Saint Sauveur; you may spot Pyrenean chamois and marmots whilst walking. Pass mountain lakes and ski resorts on the next few days of walking, before ending on a high by summiting Hourquette des Hounts (2,275 metres).

Please note, we can offer the entire route, or any section of it, including Section 1 & Section 3. Please contact us for more details.

Typical Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Travel to Cauterets

    Fly to Lourdes or Toulouse airport, and make your way (by bus/train) to Cauterets. Situated at 950 metres altitude, Cauterets has an authentic, Pyrenean mountain charm and is well known for its thermal spas.

  2. Day 2: 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.

    Walking distance: 22 km | Ascent: 1,190 m | Descent: 1,410 m

  3. Day 3: Luz Saint Sauveur to Barèges

    Today’s walk will allow you to discover the flora and fauna of the Pyrenees, such as the Pyrenean chamois and the playful marmottes. The valley of light is a real joy for walkers. Overnight in Barèges.

    Walking distance: 15 km | Ascent: 1,010 m | Descent: 495 m

  4. Day 4: Tournaboup to the Lac d'Oredon

    A short transfer will take you to Tournaboup where today's walk will start. You will explore the natural reserve of Neouvielle particularly appreciated by walkers for its beauty.

    Walking distance: 16 km | Ascent: 1,065 m | Descent: 680 m

  5. Day 5: Artigusse to Saint-Lary-Soulan

    Walk along a track to Col de Portet and Saint-Lary-Soulan.

    Walking distance: 20 km | Ascent: 875 m | Descent: 1,905 m

  6. Day 6: Germ to the Espingo refuge

    From Germ you can enjoy some superb views of the French/Spanish summits as you head to the Espingo refuge. The mountain lifestyle and agricultural traditions reign heavily in this area.

    Walking distance: 17 km | Ascent: 1,680 m | Descent: 1,065 m

  7. Day 7: Refuge d’Espingo to Luchon

    Plunge into a high mountain environment; traverse Hourquette de Hounts and Pic de Cecire – views of the Maladetta massif before descending to Luchon, where the trip ends.

    Walking distance: 20 km | Ascent: 645 m | Descent: 1,970 m

Price and Other Information

  • Duration and price excluding international flights: 7 days from £835 per person
  • Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 7 days from £1,345 per person
  • Single room supplement: From £170
  • Walking grade: Demanding
  • Guiding: Self-Guided
  • Max alt: 2,275m
  • When to go: View Dates & Prices
    • J
    • J
    • A
    • S
  • Route map:
    Route map for
  • What’s included
    • Hotel x 5 nights, mountain refuge x 2 night
    • 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 7 dinners
    • Luggage transfers on most days

Next Steps

View All France Trips

Self-Guided Dates and Prices
Year Daily Departures Price From (Exc. Flights) Options
All prices are per person. Daily departures subject to availability.
2024 From 15 Jun to 30 Sep £835 Book or Enquire

If you can’t see the holiday or departure date that you are looking for please contact us. We may be in the process of finalising further departures and are often able to arrange a holiday for you according to your own requirements.