From Etsaut to Cauterets - GR10 Section 3

Typical Itinerary

1. Day 1: Depart UK & transfer to Etsaut

   Depending on your arrival time, you can choose from a couple of short walks: you can explore Etsaut, the neighbouring village of Borce, and the Maison du Parc. Alternatively, an easy loop trail up to the Pont de la Moulette makes a pleasant introduction to the area.

   Among the attractions of this village in the French département of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, the Maison du Parc National des Pyrénées is worth a visit.

   Walking distance: 4 km | Ascent: 330 m | Descent: 330 m

2. Day 2: Walk to Ayous Refuge

   The views from today's walk are spectacular and ever-changing, from the Chemin de la Mâture, a 1,200-metre-long path carved into a sheer rock face that rises over 200 metres above the river Gave d'Aspe, to the plateau of Baigt-Sencours with its shepherd’s huts. One of today's highlights is the splendid view of the Pic du Midi d’Ossau reflected in the tranquil waters of Lac Gentau.

   Walking distance: 15 km | Ascent: 1,700 m | Descent: 330 m

3. Day 3: Walk to Gabas

   Today you descend to the hamlet of Gabas on a shorter walk for a chance to recover after yesterday's exertions. This typical Pyrenean village in the valley of the Gave d’Ossau River, below the Pic du Midi d’Ossau, is well-known for its flora and fauna, and we recommend sampling its delicious cheese.

   If you want a longer walk, a couple of variants are possible: via Lac Bersau or via part of the Tour du Pic du Midi d’Ossau circuit.

   Walking distance: 20 km | Ascent: 930 m | Descent: 1,855 m

4. Day 4: Walk to Gourette

   Today’s strenuous walk involves ascending to the Hourquette d'Arre (2,465m), a small chain of peaks and the highest part of the GR10 in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques.

   Bird and mammals abound here including rare Eurasian griffon vultures, golden eagles, Pyrenean chamois and marmots, and even in summer snow is not unknown. Finally, you descend to Lac d’Anglas and eventually the ski station of Gourette. 

   There's a variant of this route that avoids the high point of the Hourquette d’Arre for those who'd prefer a gentler hike, or there's an optional morning transfer to Pont du Goua or Eaux Bonnes can shorten the day. Alternatively, you could break this hike into two shorter sectors by adding an extra night to the trip. Contact us for information.

   Walking distance: 14 km | Ascent: 900 m | Descent: 1,400 m

5. Day 5: Walk to Arrens-Marsous

   This morning the trail passes through high-altitude grasslands with quaint shepherd's huts until you reach the notable highlights of Col de Tortes (1,799m) and the Col de Saucède (1,525m). The trail then takes you to Arrens-Marsous in the Val d’Azun, and after which you continue via the Col de Bordères to the village of Estaing.

   Walking distance: 24 km | Ascent: 1,845 m | Descent: 1,465 m

6. Day 6: Walk to Ilheou Refuge

   On setting off, you shortly arrive in Estaing village and its beautiful lake. After the mountain huts of Arriousec and Barbat the trail reaches the high mountain pastures of the Col d’Ilhéou (2,242m), before dropping to the Lac d'Ilhéou and its manned refuge.

   Walking distance: 18 km | Ascent: 1,650 m | Descent: 550 m

7. Day 7: Walk to Cauterets

   En route to Cauterets you traverse the Escala d’Ilhéou, where there’s a chance to see marmots and chamois; evidence of glacial erosion, such as lakes and moraines, are visible too. There’s a possibility of a longer variant via the Col de Haugade and the Vallée de Marcadau for those who want the extra challenge. Finally, you arrive in the spa town of Cauterets (950m), at the end of Section 3 of the GR10. This is a place of authentic Pyrenean charm and is well-known for its thermal baths.

   Walking distance: 18 km | Ascent:  515 m | Descent: 1,530 m

8. Day 8: Depart France