GR10 self-guided Section 4 : From Cauterets to Luchon

This week’s walking starts at Cauterets. Situated at 950m altitude, Cauterets has an authentic, Pyrenean mountain charm and is well known for its thermal spas. Time to discover and enjoy the town.
The Turon des Oules and the plateau du Lisey
Possibility of doing a forest walk in the direction of Turon des Oules 1380m, this is a high altitude thermal station with old hotels that date from the turn of the last century, it’s possible to continue to the Plateau du Lisey (add on 30mins).
The Gaube lake from the pont d’Espagne
From Cauterets, take the shuttle from the pont d’Espagne and hike to the magnificent Gaube lake. Distance : 12km, duration : around 5h, altitude gain : +850m, descent : -850m (Turon des Oules and Plateau du Lisey). OR Distance : 5km, duration : around 1h45, altitude gain : +300m, descent : -300m (Gaube lake).

From Cauterets, the walk will lead you to Luz-Saint-Sauveur, another well known thermal spa spot. You will pass the col de Riou, that separates the valley of Cauterets and the valley of Luz. From the col the panorama is immense there are views across the valley of Barèges, Néouvielle massif, the cirque of Troumouse and at your feet you have Luz Ardiden ski station. Distance : 19km, duration : 7h30, altitude gain : +1100m, descent : -1300m (normal version). OU Distance : 22km, duration : 8h15, altitude gain : +1200m, descent : -1400m (comfort version).

The GR10 path climbs to the Couret d'Ousset summer pastures, then through the woods to the Gué de Bolou, culminating at 1460m, before descending to Barèges, via the Pla dets Plaas and then the Lumière and Artiguète flats. Today's walk will allow you to discover the flora and fauna of the Pyrenees, such as the mountain izards and the playful marmots. The valley of light, ‘vallée lumière’ is a real joy for walkers. Distance : 12km, duration : 5h00, altitude gain : +900m, descent : -400m (normal version). OU Distance : 15km, duration : 5h45, altitude gain : +1000m, descent : -500m (comfort version).

From Barèges, you will start an ascent to the Col de Madamète via the beautiful Aygues Cluses valley and its lakes. After crossing the pass, you will enter the splendid Néouvielle Nature Reserve, where you can admire the enchanting landscapes. The walk ends with the lakes of Aumar, Aubert, the Estoudou pass and finally the lake of Oule. For the comfort version, the walk ends at Lake Orédon. Distance : 22km, duration : around 8h15, altitude gain : +1450m, descent : -850m (normal version with arrival at Lac de l'Oule). OR Distance : 19km, duration : around 7h30, altitude gain : +1250m, descent : -650m. (comfort version with arrival at Lac d’Oredon).

From the Oule refuge, you follow the lake and climb up to the Col de Portet, culminating at 2215m. From the col, the trail passes via the ski resort of Saint Lary. It makes its way across high altitude pastures before descending to the village of Vieille-Aure and the site of its manganese mine near Saint-Lary-Soulan. Distance : 17,5km, duration : 6h45, altitude gain : +515m, descent : -1520m (normal version with departure from Lac de l'Oule). OU Distance : 20km, duration : 8h00, altitude gain : +800m, descent : -1850m (normal version with departure from Lac d’Oredon).

In the morning, transfer to Germ (It is possible to include the walk from St Lary to Germ in the tour, adding a night in Germ : Contact us). From Germ you can enjoy some superb views over the French/Spanish summits. The mountain lifestyle and agricultural traditions reign in this area. From the village, the GR crosses the Pas de Couret at an altitude of 2131m, this passage takes you into the “Luchonnais” (area of Bagnères de Luchon). The ascension towards Espingo lake, through the Granges d’Astau and the Lac d’Oo, is a pure wonder. Possibility to divide this long stage in 2 by adding an extra night, please contact us. Distance : 17km, duration : 8h00, altitude gain : +1650m, descent : -1050m.

The walk to Luchon will plunge you into a high mountain decor. You will traverse the Hourquette des Hounts at a high altitude of 2275m, before crossing the mountain pass, the Col de la Coume de Bourg at 2272m. From here you can choose to do the variant that is off the GR10, the ascension of the Pic de Céciré. This magnificent summit offers stunning views in the direction of Maladetta massif and the Spigeoles that will capture your regard. The descent towards Luchon passes by the ski resort of Superbagnères. In July and August, it is possible to take the cable car of the ski resort to avoid a long descent (not included in the price).Distance : 18,5km, duration : around 7h30, altitude gain : +650m, descent : -1950m. OR Distance : 11,5km, duration : around 4h45, altitude gain : +650m, descent : -800m (with cable car in July/August