GR10 self-guided Section 3 : From Etsaut to Cauterets

Once you have settled into your accommodation you can visit villages of Etsaut or Borce and the Maison du Parc.

The Moulette Bridge

Easy hike in shady loop up to the Moulette bridge, in the forest to discover high barns.
Distance : 4km, duration : around 2h15, altitude gain : +330m, descent : -330m

Today’s walk is challenging with 1700m altitude gain. It offers scenery of an amazing magnitude: the Chemin de la mature, the plateau of Baigt-Sencours, shepherd’s cabins and as a highlight, the vision of the Pic du Midi d’Ossau, whose reflection shimmers in the waters of the lake Gentau.
Distance : 15km, duration : around 6h45, altitude gain : +1650m, descent : -300m

Setting out from the refuge at Ayous, the GR10 drops down to the village of Gabas. Today's walk is shorter and it's a chance to recuperate after yesterday's efforts (or longer variants). The distance from the lake to the village isn’t far and will take about 3h00. The village is typically Pyrenean and situated in the famous valley of Ossau, with an emblematic summit, an exceptional flora and fauna, as well as a super cheese ! Possibility of two different longer variants: via Lac Bersau or via the Col de Suzon.
Distance : 10km, duration : 3h30, altitude gain : +50m, descent : -950m
OR Distance : 12,5km, duration : 4h30, altitude gain : +200m, descent : -1100m (Variant Lac Bersau)
OR Distance : 20km, duration : around 8h, altitude gain : +900m, descent : -1800m (Variant Col de Suzon)

Today’s walk is strenuous, the climb up to the Hourquette d'Arre which culminates at 2465m, this is the highest part of the GR10 in the Pyrenees Atlantiques. You descend towards the lake Anglas and continue down to the ski station, Gourette. There is a good chance that you will be able to observe some remarkable fauna such as the majestic rare vautour fauve, vultures, royal eagles, mountain isards and marmots. Late snow covering is regular on this stage : a variant enabling to avoid the high point of Hourquette d’Arre can be organized. Possibility to shorten the hike with a morning transfer or divide the hike in 2 by adding an extra night, please contact us.
Distance : 21,5km, duration : around 9h, altitude gain : +1700m, descent : -1400m
OR Distance : 30km, duration : around 11h30, altitude gain : +2050m, descent : -1750m (Snow variant)

Today’s stage of the GR10 is a transition, the trail crosses the border between the Béarn and Bigorre regions. You will be walking across high summer pastures and past shepherd's cabins to the Col de Tortes at an altitude of 1799m and on to the Col de Saucède at 1525m. You will arrive at the village of Arrens in the Val D’Azun valley, the first market town of the Bigorre region. Then you will reach the village of Estaing via the Bordères pass.
Distance : 13,5km, duration : around 6h, altitude gain : +900m, descent : -1400m 

From Arrens, you will reach the village of Estaing and its lake, framed by wooded slopes. Then the GR10 joins the high mountain pastures of the Ilhéou pass (2242m), after having passed the Arriousec and Barbat huts. From the pass, the path descends to the Lac d'Ilhéou or Lac Bleu, and its guarded refuge. In case of late snow, a variant is proposed, outside the GR10, by a balcony itinerary, passing above the Lac Noir.
Distance : 18km, duration : around 7h30, altitude gain : +1650m, descent : -550m 

Just a short walk for the last section of this part of the GR10. To Cauterets, passing by the Escala d’Ilhéou, you will no doubt have the chance to see marmottes and isards. In this high, airy mountain ambiance there are many traces of glacier erosion, lakes and moraines. Possibility of a longer variant via the Haugade Pass and the Marcadau Valley.
Distance : 8km, duration : around 3h, altitude gain : +50m, descent : -1100m
OR Distance : 18km, duration : around 6h30, altitude gain : +500m, descent : -1550m (variant)