GR10 Description Pyrenees Centrales |
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The GR10 part what goes through the Pyrenees Centrales (Hautes Pyrenees,
Haut Garonne and Ariege) starts in Arrens and ends in Merens Les Vals. This part is about 550 kilometers.
The Ariege consists of the Bergtoppers domain and the GR10 starts in Fos
and ends in Merens Les Vals. This part is about 220 kilometers.
In 2007 we offer the whole year backup from Melles until Goulier. You must think of
luggage transport combined with the reservation of your accommodations. We also offer the whole
year (from
june till october) 2 self lead GR10 stretches: from Melles to Seix
and from Seix to Goulier.
We offer luggage transport, reservation of your accommodation, deliver maps and a detailed description and we
can take care for your lunches. We also walk the part from Luchon to Merens every year to check
if something changed (cabins open/closed, difficulties etc.)
From here a description of the GR10 stretches like I have done.
I started at Arrens and ended in Merens les Vals.
Of course any one can use the description but I do like a
donation (€5).
Haut Pyrenees: From Arrens Marsous to Col de Couret |
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I walked from Arrens Marsous to Luchon in september 2006.
From Arrens Marsous (877 meters) to refuge d'Illheau (1973 meters)
Arrens is a very nice place with the necessary shops (baker, butchers, supermarket) and a
beautiful museum at the community house with al the animals in the house that you can see
in the Pyrenees. It is worth a visit.
At 10am I start hiking and very soon I meet some English people who also spent the night in the gite.
They are here with an English touroperator. Later I met 2 dutch people who are traveling with
another dutch touroperator. So this must be a very popular place.
Very nice but I take the wrong direction. I am not following GR10 but GRP. Fortunately I come
also to the Lac d'Estaing but I had to climb for it. Also a nice track.....
From the lake it is a pretty heavy climb to and it start also raining so I decide to wear my
raincoat. The track is marked pretty good and around 17h00 I reach the refuge.
The owner is not there but there is a stand-in. He is not very hostile but finally I am allowed
to enter the refuge and I can sleep here. In the refuge I meet Bryan and 2 people from Belgium.
We have a cozy evening and a little later 3 french fishermen arrive. They made a reservation (half board)
before but had to convince the gerant that he had to cook for them.
The next day we all leave and also the Belgium people do not want to use this hostal "kot".
** The stretch from Arrens to the refuge d'Illheau takes about 7 hours **
From refuge d'Illheau (1973 meters) to the gite in Grust (975 meters)
At 9am I leave the refuge and say goodbye to Bryan and the belgium copple. It rains a little.
The GR10 is marked well.
Very soon I arrive in Cauteret, a pretty big spa resort with a Tourist office.
and a bus connection and lot of shops. What a difference between the mountains and here.
In Cauteret is alo a Maison du Parc with more information about the Pyrenees.
** The stretch refuge d'Illheau to Cauteret takes about 3 hours **
It is still raining so I decide to walk further to Luz St. Sauveur.
One hour before Luz there is a village Grust with a gite. I stop here because of the rain.
The owner is not here but a client opens the door and let me in. Fortunateley when the owner
comes I can stay here. She gives me a towel and after a shower I feel reborn!
The stretch from the refuge d'Illheau to the gite in Grust takes about 8 hours.
From the gite in Grust (975 meters) to the gite in Luz St. Sauveur (700 meters)
At 7h45 I find the key to unlock the door so I start hiking. I want to be at 9 am in Luz to catch a
bus (if the bus goes) to go to Gavarnie. It is a little hard to find the GR10 but with the map
I arrive at 9 am in Luz at the tourist office.
Like Cauteret is Luz St. sauveur also a spa resort met baths. You find also a lot a shops (sportswear0
a swimming pool, the champion and in summer you can jump of the Napoleon bridge (bungee jumping).
The stretch from the gite in Grust to Luz St. Sauveur takes about 1 hour.
** The stretch from Cauteret to Luz St. Sauveur takes about 5 hours **
From Gavarnie (1365 meters) to Luz St. Sauveur (700 meters)
The Tourist office is also the place from where the busses leave and my bus is still waiting.
I am the only passenger and for 7 euros I arrive 40 minutes later in Gavarnie.
There is a lot of snow at 2500 meter. In Gavanie it stopped raining so I decide to visit the
Cirque de Gavarnie.
It is indeed a very nice Cirque that will be very busy in summer.
I take my time and take a look an the several souvenirshops that are here. Gavarnie is the most
famous village in the Pyrenees because of the Cirque and his cascade of 423 meters. There are a
lot of shops and accommodation. From here it is also possible to go the famous Breche de
Roland.
The weather stays good so I decide to walk back to Luz St. Sauveur with the GR10.
It is a bit hard to enter the GR10 but if you have found it it further on good marked.
Today I met a French guy who started at the Mediterranean and is hiking for 21 days. He felled
today and is very wet so everything (rucksack, clothes) is wet and heavy weight. He is looking
for a warm place to spend the night. I tell him that the gite I passed was closed because of
renovation....
Around 7pm I stop hiking. I wanted to sleep in my tent but it is still raining so I find an old
barn where I spent the night. I do not have a good night (hear a lot of animals) but the barn
does not collapse.
The next morning I start hiking at half past 8 and at 11 am I enter Luz St. Sauveur.
I meet the french guy here and he told me that he was allowed to sleep in the gite. He went back today
because there would be snow at 2200 meters and he had to pass a col at 2700 meters.
Probably a wise decision.
In Luz the swimming pool seems to be closed, where we should swim with the children. But in St
Sauveur there is another swimming pool. I buy some dry socks in the Champignon and meet Bryan
who is giving me a lunch.
Around 3 pm Ireen and the children come in Luz. The children are having a very good time in the
gite and we drink some wine in the evening......
** The stretch from Gavarnie to Luz takes about 8 hours 30 **
From Luz St. Sauveur (700 meters) to cabin d'Ayges (2140 meters)
Bryan comes around 10 am and leaves a little later. We went to the town for a little visit and
some time later Ireen and the children went back home.
I leave with food for the last 5 days what Ireen brought with her. After a while the GR10 seems
to be blocked because of work. But there is a variant via Viella, Viey en Sens.
An hour later I take my first break and catch up Bryan. The "Lazy Walker" enjoys walking and
taking pictures (around 100 a day) so he needs some time.
In the afternoon I arrive in Bareges. I meet some older french people who are looking very vital.
** The stretch from Luz St. Sauveur to Bareges takes about 5 hours **
Just outside Bareges you see signs with the famous Col de Tourmalet.
Around half past 5 I see a sign with Cabin de la Pegue 1 hour 30 and Cabin d'Ayges 2 hours 30.
I want to spend the night in cabin de la Pegue.
Unfortunateley I do not find the cabin de la Pegue so I have to walk to the next cabin.
It seems to be a very good cabin with some horses in the neighborhood. It is also a good track
through a very beautiful valley only a bit misty..........
So I hope that the weather will be fine tomorrow.
The stretch from Luz to the Cabin d'Ayges takes about 8 hours.
From cabin d'Ayges (2140 meters) to Vielle Aure (800 meters)
I leave around 8 and the weather appears to be good.
After half an hour I see a sign with Col de Madamete and the reservation de Neouivielle 0h45.
Around 9 I am at 2441 meters and walking through the snow not so much but it is snow.
In an national park you are not allowed to put on a tent, take a dog with you, make a fire,
leave garbage or bike.
At a quarter past 9 I am at the highest point of the GR10 (unless you came via refuge de
Baysellance), the Col de Madamete at 2509 meters. Thos col indicates also the border
with the national park Neouvielle. An hour later you come to a lake with a special place for
a bivak.
Today is a very nice stretch with several lakes that you pass,
the Lac d'Aamour, the Lac d'Oredan and Lac d'Oule.
Around 1 I had lunch at refuge de l'Oule.
** The stretch from Bareges to refuge de l'Oule takes about 8 hours **
From refuge de l'Oule you can pick up the GR10 at the other site of the lake.
There you find also another cabin but that one is closed. Today is another beautiful day with
a lot of descending and ascending.
Around half past 6 I arrive at the camping in Bourdisp just outside Vielle Aure where you
can spend the night for 5 euros. In Vielle Aure you find a tourist office and a big supermarket.
The stretch from Cabin d'Ayges to Vielle Aure takes about 12 hours.
** The stretch from refuge de l'Oule to Vielle Aure takes about 6 hours **
From Vielle Aure (800 meters) to Granges d'Astou (1139 meters)
Around 8 I start walking because I want to be in Loudenville before noon to buy a bread. In France
all the shops close around midi.
I arrive in Loudenville at half past 11 so I can buy a bread in the supermarket. There are some
other shops and a tourist office. It is also possible to take money from the wall.
An hour later I arrive in Germ where I have lunch with my bread.
** The stretch Vielle Aure to Germ takes about 6 hours **
In Germ is a centre de montagne with swimming pool that looks very
good. The auberge was less guest free.
A few hours later You come to a beautiful place where you find a cabin.
Because it is so early I decide to walk further but it was a pity.
During the ascend to the col I got really tires so I stop several times.
I think I hear a wolf or a beer but a sheppard tells me later that this is a male deer.
Later I see for the first time (in this period) some deer.
If You come to the col de Couret d'Esquierry at 2131 meters, then you pass the border from the
Haut Pyrenees to the Haut Garonne.
Haut Garonne: From Col de Couret to Melles |
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Around 7 I arrive at the gite/auberge in Granges d'Astou. The woman gives me a nice room with
a balcony but she tells me that 3 bikers will arrive. A little later they arrive and they
eat in the restaurant. Because I want to leave early I sleep downstairs so I do not wake them.
They will put my mattress back.
The stretch from Vielle Aure to Granges d'Astou takes about 11 hours.
From Granges d'Astou (1139 meters) to Luchon (620 meters)
I start hiking at 8 and see a sign: Lac d'OO (1h15) and Lac d'espingo (2h45).
Both lakes have a refuge where the water should be good for fishing.
** The stretch from Germ to refuge d'espingo takes about 8 hours **
After almost 4 hours I reach the col. From here the view is very good and you can also see the
other col on the other side where you have to go to.
You reach this col after one hour walking and I met other people at that col.
From Luchon it is possible to go by car or by cable to superbagneres. That is the ski station
above Luchon. From Superbagneres you walk in 1 hour to the col.
I take my lunch at this col and a little later I go to Superbagneres. From here you have to
go down for 1200 meters.
I arrive Luchon at 5. Luchon is the biggest spa resort in the Pyrenees where you find all the
facilities you need (Tourist office, casino, nightclub, supermarkets, railwaystation, banks,
hotels etc).
The stretch from Granges d'Astou to Luchon takes about 9 hours.
** The stretch from refuge espingo to Luchon takes about 6 hours **
This is walked in 2005
From Luchon (650 meters) to Fos (544 meters)
This is a very long stretch.
The GR10 goes next to the railway that you can pickup if you go pass under the railway.
You walk on the road and soon you reach Luzet. From here you ascend via a little path to
the gite d'Artigue. Here you can spend the night.
** The stretch from Luchon to the gite d'Artige takes about 3 hours **
From the gite d'Artigue you climb further. In the beginning easy, later
a bit heavier. After 2 hours you pass a lake that can be dried up. After the lake you find a
cabin where you could spend the night.
After the cabin you pass a sink from where you can go to Fos via the Cretes or another path.
Of course you take the cretes. Also because I had some difficulties to find the other path.
After the Cretes you are descending to the right. Soon you come to a very special place
near a little lake. The rocks are very special here.
From here at is another 3 hours descending to Fos.
In Fos you find a baker, a butcher, a hotel and a gite. You can also come here by bus.
The stretch from Luchon to Fos takes about 11 hours.
** The stretch from gite d'Artigue to Fos takes about 8 hours **
From Fos to Melles takes you about an hour and is not very interesting.
Ariege: From Melles to Merens les Vals |
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From Melles (729 meters) to the refuge of Etang d'Araing (1950 meters)
I started at the auberge in Melles.
From the auberge you walk via a paved path through this cozy village, winding
your way up. After about an hour you'll leave the paved road and you'll pass a Gite de France.
You'll walk via an unpaved road and the mounting is getting steeper.
Via a path through a forest you'll pass a cabin where you can rest. The GR10 is very well
marked and you'll have to pass 'water' several times with the help of some improvised 'bridges'.
After a couple of hours ascending you'll reach Col de'Aueran (2170 meters),
the highest you'll get this day. From here it is another hours walk to the refuge of
l'Etang d'Araing.
The refuge is situated at a lake. You can eat, drink and sleep at the refuge.
** The hike from Fos to the refuge takes about 7 hours **
From Refuge de l'Etang d'Araing (1950 meters) to the Gite Eylie (990 meters)
From the refuge you'll first descend to the lake and you'll walk around it.
At the other side of the lake you'll see a big cabin with two floors.
Here you'll rise again to Serre d'Araing (2221 meters). You'll see lots of 'leftovers'
of the transportation of wood. Now you'll start to descend again. You'll pass the mines,
which are not in use anymore. An ideal spot to have lunch. There is even water at this spot.
It is just a little bit further to the Gite of Eylie en haut.
You can prepare your own meal
or have dinner with the ward.
This is an easy day, more like a rest day!!
** The hike from the refuge to the gite Eylie takes about 4 hours **
From the Gite Eylie (990 meters) to the parking Riberot (925 meters)
At dawn, after an early breakfast, you'll start this long hiking day.
You'll start right away to mount a steep path to the first ridge. Then you'll walk through
a forest. After a few hours of ascending you'll reach the Col de l'Arech (1802 meters).
The last bit of mounting is at a field of grass. You'll follow the GR10 by walking in the
direction of a cabin. This is a private cabin and unfortunately is closed.
This happens a lot at the GR10: private cabins which are closed.
After the Col you'll start descending again. Lots of places can be found which supply
you with water. After about five hours you'll reach a river, where you could have lunch.
The altitude is about 1010 meters. The first part of today is done.
** The hike from Eylie to the parking Pucelle takes about 6 hours **
After having lunch you'll start again ascending a steep path.
Fortunately the path is well marked. After another 2 ½ hours rising you'll reach
the highest point of today: 1821 meters. At the top you'll find a cabin of a Shepard.
Before starting to descend, you can have a little break.
The descending is not too hard and after a couple of hours you'll reach the valley of the
Riberot:
finish of this day.
You'll only have to put your tent up and prepare dinner.
A glass of wine and the beautiful scenery will make you forget your tiredness.
The hike from the gite to the Riberot takes about 10 hours.
** The hike from the parking Pucelle to the parking Riberot takes about 5 hours **
From the Riberot (925 meters) to the Bergtoppers (1100 meters)
After having breakfast you'll start your hike again. After a while you'll leave the valley of
the Riberot and you'll start ascending. You'll walk to the Cap de Lauses (1892 meters).
alsong the way there is enough water, it is even possible to take a refreshing dive…
From the Cap it is another 2 hours walk to Etang d'Ayes (lake of Ayes, 1700 meters).
This is a wonderful lake, where you can have lunch and a swim.
After having lunch you'll descend to the Col de la Core (1395 meters).
Again a beautiful place. alsong the way there are lots of 'framboses' and maybe you'll be
able to see some isards. From the Col it is another hour walking to the Bergtoppers where
you can spend the night in out cabin/gite.
** The hike from the Riberot to the Bergtoppers takes about 7 hours **
From the Bergtoppers (1100 meters) to Seix (500 meters)
This is a very easy day. You can spend a half day at the Bergtoppers or in Seix.
Via the GR10 you go to the gite of Esbints. From there you go further by road to Seix. You can
make an extra tour by climbing the Cos hill. Otherwise you can reach Seix in 2 hours.
That was the time "The Lazy walker made".
In Seix you find an auberge, a restaurant, a baker, 2 butchers, 2 supermarkets, a flower shop,
a wine store and you can get money from the wall. In spring it is also interesting for kayakking.
So an ideal place for a stop over.
** The hike from the Bergtoppers to Seix takes about 2 hours **
From Seix (500 meters) to Couflens (700 meters)
From Seix you'll walk alsong the Salat, stream-upwards, to Moulin Lauga.
Here you'll leave the main road and you'll continue via an unpaved road alsong the river
Estours.
You can kayak as well on the Salat as the Estours.
As soon as you reach an electricity cabin you'll get on the real trail again.
You'll continue through a forest.
Every now and then you'll have a glimpse at the wild river Estours.
After a few hours walk you'll reach the Refuge of Aula, where you'll spend the night in
your own tent, on your own mattress and in your sleeping bag.
The refuge has no ward and no sanitary provisions.
From the Refuge you'll mount to the Col de Pause.
With fine weather you can have a little break.
At the Col you'll start descending again to the village of Couflens.
** The hike from Seix to Couflens takes about 8 hours **
From Couflens (700 meters) to the gite in Ustou or Bidous (700 meters)
Now you'll start ascending again to Col de la serre du Clot (1546 meters).
After 30 minutes you reach the gite ">Rouze.
With a nice view to both sides, you can have your lunch here.
After having lunch, you'll descend to St. Lizier d'Ustou.
In St. Lizier d'Ustou you can buy your groceries and have a swim in the local swimming pool.
Off-season you can prepare your own meal, or decide to cook with the friendly warden.
** The hike from Couflens to the Gite in Ustou/Bidous takes about 5 hours **
From the Gite of Bidous (750 meters) to the Gite of Aulus les Bains (750 meters)
After having breakfast you'll start (of course) with a little ascending.
You'll end up at Col d'Escots (1618 meters).
alsong the way you'll have a great view at the ski-area of Guzet Neige.
In winter time you can ski or cross country ski here.
You'll also have a superb view of lake Alet.
Amongst others this lake provides the river Alet with water.
Especially in the Spring, the river is great to do some kayaking.
From the Col you'll descend to Aulus les Bains, with some nice views of several cascades.
Aulus les Bains is a village with cafes and restaurants. You can also buy your groceries.
The hike from the Gite of Bidous to the Gite of Aulus les Bains takes about 6 hours.
From the Gite of Aulus les Bains (750 meters) to the Gite of Mounicou (1087 meters)
From the gite you'll start ascending to the refuge of Bassies (1655 meters), where you can have a nice
cup of coffee. A beautiful rough hike.
Via Port de Saleix (1794 meters) you could go to Vicdessos. Vicdessos is a town which you
can reach easily by car as well. You can get your groceries here.
There is a hotel in town and also several restaurants.
But, you'll not head for Vicdessos at Port de Saleix, but you'll walk to the refuge of Bassies (1087 meters).
From the refuge you'll walk at the same height in the direction of Mounicou.
Today you'll have a great view at the Pic de Montcalm (3078 meters): the highest peak of
the Ariège. You'll not mount this peak, but at request at lot can be….
At the end of this long day you'll reach Mounicou. A small village. You have no opportunities
to buy groceries, but you can have dinner at the gite, if you do not want to prepare it yourself.
** The hike from the Gite of Aulus les Bains to the Gite of Mounicou takes about 9 hours **
From the Gite of Mounicou (1087 meters) to the Gite of Goulier (1110 meters)
The highest peak of the day is Barrage de l'Etang d'Izourt (1647 meters). This is a beautiful
lake where you can cool down if it is a very warm day.
You'll reach this lake after about a 6 hours walk.
If you start the day early you'll be able to have your lunch at the lake.
From the Gite of Mounicou you'll ascend to a refuge (1600 meters). After this refuge you'll
descend again. The silence before the storm: after descending you'll make the ascend to the lake.
From the lake it is 3 hours descending to Goulier.
Goulier is also a small village without any grocery stores. But there is a nice, cozy
Gite where you can drink a nice glass of beer or wine while having dinner.
From Goulier you could walk to Auzat. From Auzat you can take the bus to Tarascon.
In Tarascon you can go to Foix, Toulouse and even Barcelone.
**The hike from the Gite of Mounicou to the Gite of Goulier takes about 9 hours **
From the Gite of Goulier (1110 meters) to Siguer (740 meters)
Via an easy climb through a forest, you'll reach Col de Lercoul (1549 meters).
From the Col de Lercoul you'll descend to Siguer (740 meters).
In Siguer is just a shelter of the community where you can spend the night.
Again it is not possible to get any groceries.
There is a post office and you can take a bus to Tarascon and Vicdessos.
** The hike from the Gite of Goulier to Siguer takes about 5 hours **
From Siguer (740 meters) to the Col de Sirmont (1693 meters)
After having breakfast you'll leave the auberge and start walking up.
On your way up you'll pass a small village: Gesties (950 meters).
After a nice climb through a forest you'll reach Col de Gamel.
From here you'll head for a nice spot where you have a great view at Siguer (see picture).
From here you'll start with a heavy climb. At the top you'll follow the tops of the
mountain. It is a nice grassy track.
After a few hours walk you'll reach the Col du Sasc (1798 meters).
Below you'll see a cabin still in use by some shepards.
** The hike from Siguer to Col du Sasc takes about 5 hours **
From here on you'll follow the GR10, marked with poles. Not always easy to see, but it is
possible. You'll descend to the refuge of Balledreyt. The refuge is not very well maintained
and therefore it is not possible to stay the night. If you walk on, you'll find some nice
spots to put up your tent. If you have some energy left, you could walk to the Col
de Sirmont (1693 meters), a heavy climb through the forest. There are enough flat places
to put your tent, but -alas- there is no water here.
The hike from the auberge in Siguer to the Col de Sirmont takes about 7 hours.
From the Col de Sirmont (1693 meters) to the Plateau de Beille (1939 meters)
After having breakfast you'll pack your bag and with all your luggage you'll start the hike.
Today will be a short hiking day, so you could sleep in.
You'll pass a few more spots to camp, with water, but you'll continue to descend.
After a couple of hours you'll reach the Cabin of Clarens. You could spend the night here
with a few persons, but the cabin has had better days. Near the hut you'll find water.
You'll start with a nasty climb over rocks and through a forest.
After a small hour you'll have 'vision' again. At your left you'll see a lake and also the
road, which passed the Cabin of Clarens as well.
After a while you'll reach the cabin of Artaran (1695 meters). The cabin contains two parts:
one part for the Shepard and one for maximum three persons.
From here you'll follow a cross country circuit and you'll reach a ski station with a restaurant
(1817 meters). Here you can nicely recover from the hike and find yourself a nice spot to
put up your tent.
You could have dinner at the restaurant…
The hike from the Col de Sirmont to the Plateau de Beille takes about 5 hours.
** The hike from Col du Sasc to Plateau la Beille takes about 7 hours **
From the Plateau de Beille (1939 meters) to the Refuge du Ruhle (2185 hours)
From the Plateau de Beille it is about a 5 hours walk to the Refuge du Ruhle.
The GR10 has been changed, so that the Refuge du Ruhle is now at the track of the GR10.
Today is a beautiful hike, which starts with an easy hike through grass, but at the end of
the day you'll be walking at the top of the world again…
This means walking on hands and feet over rocks. Everybody can do this as long as you do
not have fear of heights. Today you can also take your time.
Most likely you'll see several species of 'big' birds.
The refuge where you'll spend the night is a modern refuge.
However it is not possible to make a phone call here.
The hike from the Plateau de Beille to the Refuge du Ruhle takes about 5 hours.
From the Refuge du Ruhle (2185 meters) to Merens-les-Vals (1050 meters)
After a good night rest, you'll sleep in and have a nice breakfast.
Of course you'll start again with the traditional ascend, but the view is worth the pain.
You'll pass several small lakes on your way.
The highest peak is the Crete de la Lhasse (2439 meters).
The scrambling will be done on hands and feet again…
After a 3 hours walk you'll reach the lake shown at the picture.
A beautiful place to have lunch.
From here it is easy to descend to Merens-les-Vals.
Merens-les-Vals is the final hike of the GR10 in the department of the Ariège.
In Merens-les-Vals is a campsite and a Gite. There is a train station, where you can take
the train to Foix, Toulouse or Barcelone.
The hike from the Refuge du Ruhle to Merens-les-Vals takes about 5 hours.
Information about the GR10 |
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