Sacred Earth Travel - France - Hiking the GR10: Aulus les Bains to Merens

FRANCE QUICKLINKS

From Aulus-les-bains to Mérens in Haute Ariège you cross the Western and the central sections of the Pyrenees and the ariégeoise part of the chain. This region is identifiable by its high plateau landscapes, deep valleys hemmed in by soaring summits, sometimes dusted with snow, and mountain lakes whose waters change in colour. In the evenings, at your accommodation, superb arieacute;geoise cuisine will set you up you for the next day ahead of you.

Departures
Departures every day from mid-June to the end of September, (for a departure on a different day please consult us). Bookings from two people or more.

Trip Summary

Start:
Day 1 at 15h30, at Saint Girons bus station (09). (welcome possible at 11h30 : if so let us know when you book). If you are doing the 5th and 6th section of the GR10, the night in Aulus is offered, half-board in a gite.

End:
Day 7 after the walk, in Mérens les Vals (09).

How to get there:
By plane: Toulouse-Blagnac airport,
By car: From A 64 Bordeaux autoroute
By train: Saint-Girons (Ariège) train station

Accommodation
In gites (communal dormitories) and mountain refuges.

Minimum no of participants: 2

Level of difficulty:
Walks from 4h00 to 7h30. 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. For the nights of day 2 and 6 you have to carry some personal belongings for the night.

Day 1

After a transfer from Saint Girons to Aulus-les-Bains time to settle into the gite. Option to visit the thermal village or to do a loop walk. A great loop walk from Aulus-les-Bains to a mountain lake and the superb waterfall, the Cascade d'Ars.
11km, 4h00, +735m, -735m.

Day 2

From Aulus les Bains a walk up towards the Port de Saleix (1794m altitude). The beauty of the mountain scenery is awesome, rural barns, fresh, bubbly mountain torrents, a rich Pyrenean flora and an old mine.
10km, 5h30, +1185m, -285m.

Day 3

From the Bassiès refuge, the GR10 passes a series of lakes at Bassiès and leads towards the valley of Auzat. A superb trail continues on from the valley to Goulier, via the village of Olbier.
18km, 5h00, +385m, -930m.

Day 4

From Goulier to Arquizat, the itinerary follows different cols and crosses picturesque mountain hamlets such as Lercoul, Siguer and Gestiès.
16km, 7h30, +1089m, -1440m.

Day 5

The large open spaces of Pla du Four mark the approach to the plateau of Beille. The plateau has a certain notoriety from its nordic ski station and as being on the itinerary for the famous Tour de France race.
17km, 6h30, +1134m, -1115m.

Day 6

From the plateau de Beille, ascent to the Rulhe refuge via the col des Finestres, Didorte, Belh and Terre Nègre. A high mountain ambience is guaranteed !
16km, 5h30, +618m, -250m.

Day 7

This is the last day's walking and the trail is particularly scenic. You will need to set out fairly early, following the GR10 past two mountain lakes to arrive early afternoon at the railway station in Merens.
17km, 5h00, +440m, -1575m.

Price includes

4 nights in gites and 2 night in hotels, 5 evening meals, 6 breakfasts, luggage transfers, the dossier containing your maps, route notes and all necessary details needed for your holiday.

Price does not include

Entrance fees, additional transfers, drinks, evening meal day 1, picnics, additional activities, holiday insurance and travel.

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