GR10 self-guided Section 4 : from Cauterets to Luchon : via the Cirque de Gavarnie

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 or go hiking.
The Turon des Oules and the plateau du Lisey
Possibility of doing a forest walk in the direction of Turon des Oules 1380m, it’s possible to continue to the Plateau du Lisey (add on 30mins). Distance : 12km, duration : around 5h, altitude gain : +850m, descent : -850m (Turon des Oules and Plateau du Lisey).

The first part of the hike is enlivened by the bubbling of the waterfalls of the Gave du Jéret, on a pleasant path that will take you from Cauterets to the Pont d'Espagne. The climb continues to the famous Gaube lake, then to the Oulettes de Gaube refuge at the foot of the imposing Vignemale (3298m) and its impressive north face, a mythical summit in the history of Pyreneanism. Distance : 15km, duration : around 6h, altitude gain : +1350m, descent : -150m.

Today's stage leads to Gavarnie and its famous Cirque. From the Oulettes refuge you will reach the Hourquette d'Ossoue and the Baysselance refuge, the starting point for the ascent of the mythical Vignemale. A long and beautiful descent then awaits you. After passing the Bellevues caves, dug by Count Henry Russell between 1881 and 1893, you will enter the Ossoue valley. Once past the Ossoue dam, a beautiful balcony path leads to the village of Gavarnie from where you can enjoy superb views of the world-famous cirque. Distance : 21km, duration : around 7h30, altitude gain : +850m, descent : -1550m. 

Short transfer to the parking de Tournaboup (It is also possible for you to hike this section, adding two nights in Luz and Barèges, please consult us). From Tournaboup, 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 : 18km, duration : around 7h30, altitude gain : +1200m, descent : -850m (normal version with arrival at Lac de l'Oule). OU Distance : 15,5km, duration : around 6h, altitude gain : +1000m, 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 : around 6h45, altitude gain : +515m, descent : -1520m (normal version with departure from Lac de l'Oule). OU Distance : 20km, duration : around 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 : around 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)