Sacred Earth Travel - France - Hiking the GR10: Etsaut to Cauterets (3)

FRANCE QUICKLINKS

From Etsaut to Cauterets, the GR10 takes you through the Pyrenean National Park, a place of exceptional flora and fauna. Setting off from Etsaut you will reach the grandiose surroundings of the Ossau valley, that affords a spectacular view of the pyramid-shaped Pic de Midi d'Ossau (2884m). From Gabas to Arrens valley you encounter a succession of lakes and villages in stone and slate and a never-ending wilderness that serves as summer pastures. Discover the Arrens and Estaing valleys and the spa town of Cauterets, capital of the Bigorre.

Departures
Every day from mid-June to the end of September. Bookings from two people or more.

Trip Summary

Start:
Day 1 at your gite in Etsaut.
If you are doing the 2nd and 3rd section of the GR10, the night in Etsaut is offered half-board in a gite.

End:
Day 7 in Cauterets, after your walk.
If you are doing the 3rd and 4th sections of the GR10 the night in Cauterets is offered half-board in a gite.

How to get there:
By plane: Tarbes Ossun airport
By car: From A64 (Pau)
By train: TER and SNCF bus in Etsaut

Accommodation
Half-board, in Gites or mountain refuges.

Minimum no of participants: 2

Level of difficulty:
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 trip.

Type: Self-guided walking.

Carrying:
You need to carry a small day sack only with a water bottle, camera, picnic and wind jacket. The main luggage will be transported by vehicle between the different accommodations Day 3, Day 4, Day 5 et Day 7. For the night of day 2 and day 6, in refuge, you won't have access to your main luggage, and have to carry some clothes and a liner or light-weight spleeping bag.

Day 1

Once you have settled into your accommodation you can visit the villages of Etsaut and Borce and the Park's mansion. A circular walk that lets you discover the valley d'Etsaut. You will come across lovely scenery as well as relics of the past, such as old mills and barns. You arrive at the Col de la Coundre at an altitude of 1121m.
6km, 3h30, +525m, -525m.

Day 2

Today's walk is challenging, with 1590m altitude gain, to the refuge at Ayous. Highlight of the day is the pyramid shaped mountain Pic d'Ossau, whose reflection shimmers in the waters of lake de Gentau.
15km, 5h45, +1590m, -238m.

Day 3

Descent to Gabas village in the heart of Ossau. You will pass by the Gentau lakes in Ayous and Bious-Artigues.
8km, 3h00, +20m, -920m.

Day 4

Ascent to the Hourquette d'Arre which, at 2465m, is the culminating point of the GR10 in the Atlantic Pyrenees. A descent via the lake Anglas to Gourette.
14.5km, 6h45, +1499m, -1119m.

Day 5

The trail crosses the border between the Béarn and Bigorre regions to the Col de Tortes at an altitude of 1799m and on to the Col de Saucède at 1525m.
12km, 5h15, +590m, -1055m.

Day 6

The GR makes its way up to the high plains of the Col d'Ilhéou, passing the cabins of Arroussec and Barbat. The col is situated at an altitude of 2242m, from which point the trail drops down to the lake of Ilhéou.
9km, 4h45, +1081m, -267m.

Day 7

To Cauterets passing by the Escala d’Ilhéou, you will have the chance to see marmottes and isards. In this high, airy mountain ambience there are many traces of glacial erosion, lakes and moraines.
7.5km, 3h00, +15m, -1062m.

Price includes

Half-board accommodation, transfers Day 4 and Day 6 and luggage transfers Day 3, Day 4, Day 5 and Day 7, the dossier containing your maps, route notes and all necessary details needed for your holiday.

Price does not include

Entrance fees, additional transfers, drinks, picnics, additional activities, holiday insurance and travel.

For further information and booking inquiries please send us and e-mail.