The Classic GR10 - The Heart of the Pyrenees
8 days +, Self-Guided for 2 people or more, Seasonal Daily Departures
The mythical GR10 starts at the Atlantic Ocean and crosses over more than 850km of dazzling mountains to arrive at the Mediterranean coast. Walking through scenic grandeur that varies enormously from flower-filled meadows, lush green valleys and sparkling lakes to high cirques, wild massifs and snow-topped summits, you will enjoy ever-varied landscapes and contrasting geography, vegetation and architectural styles.Each valley you pass through has its own distinct flavour and culture from the Basque country through to Catalonia. As the trail draws to an end you descend through gentle rolling vineyards and sun baked coastal terraces to the Mediterranean. Here you can slip into another rhythm, sample some late night dining and local seafood specialities. The Pyrenees is a unique blend of people and walking, and the GR10 is a superb way to explore local life and absorb the differences.
The trip is vehicle supported with your luggage being transferred on most nights - so no need to carry your belongings on your back! The GR10 presents no technical difficulty and is accessible to all walkers that are in good shape. Take a journey on one of the great routes of Europe - a true walking adventure in the Pyrenees!
Walks Worldwide offers this two-month journey in eight one-week sections. You may wish to undertake the whole crossing, or just certain sections of the trail.
Below is a sample one-week section from the famous pilgrimage town of St Jean Pied de Port to Etsaut, gateway to the Parc National des Pyrenees. This particular section offers exploration of Basque mountain villages whilst walking in a high mountain environment with a peculiarly Pyrenean character, culminating in the arrival at the celebrated glacial cirque of Lescun. There are between four to seven hours effective walking each day. Your luggage is transferred daily.
- Day 1. St Jean Pied de Port
- Make your own way to St Jean Pied de Port, the capital of the Pays Basque region.
- Days 2 to 4. Mountain Passes
- The GR10 heads out eastwards towards the nearby hills, past small isolated farms, sparkling mountain streams and steep green slopes. The culture is rural and distinctly Basque. There are many species of birds such as honey buzzards, black kites, and storks and this is also the lair of the rare European brown bear. The trail traverses some stunning countryside, along cols and ridges with airy views across the beech filled gullies. There are some high mountain passes and ridges to ascend reaching 1170 metres before crossing the flat topped Occabe and descending through the majestic dense forest surrounding Iraty. Nights will be spent in friendly gites in tiny hamlets where the convivial atmosphere encourages raconteurs to compare hiking tales!
- Days 5 to 7. Logibar to Etsaut
- From the hamlet of Logibar, the GR10 enters the valley of Baretous. This is a region that functions to the rhythm of nature's calendar and rural pastoral life and is full of 'cayolars' (traditional shepherd's cabins). Climb on to the wondrous massif of L'Anie at 2000 metres with its fantastic limestone grykes and enter the famous glacial cirque at Lescun, similar in form to the rugged Dolomites. The views above of the nearby high summits including Pic d'Anie (2504 metres) and the beautiful old village of Lescun nestling below are simply breathtaking. The trail progresses through a series of small charming mountain villages before descending at the Col de Barancq towards the mediaeval village of Etsaut in the famed Aspe Valley.
- Day 8. Homeward or Onward
- Make your own way back to the UK. Or continue en-route!
- Tour grade: B/C.
- Cost per person: From £420 land only.
- Single supplement: On request.
- CO2 offset cost: £1.60.
- What is included: Accommodation, baggage transfers, most meals, route notes and maps.
- Accommodation: Hotels, refuges, gite d'etape.
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Departure dates:
Sundays, June to September.